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Museveni commissions construction of Shs470b Akii Bua Stadium

President Yoweri Museveni flanked by Mama Janet Museveni at the official launch of works at John Akii Bua Olympics Stadium in LIra City on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 (Photo/PPU)

Lira, (UG):- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, today (Wednesday) laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, a significant step towards boosting sports infrastructure in Uganda.

The stadium, which is set to be completed in time for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, is expected to enhance Uganda’s sporting capacity and offer state-of-the-art facilities for both athletes and fans.

“Maama Janet and I laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. The stadium will be constructed in preparation for the upcoming AFCON games,” President Museveni announced in a brief update on social platform X (formerly Twitter).

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The President further reflected on the journey Uganda has taken in prioritizing sports despite the challenges faced in the past.

“People sometimes claim that this government is ineffective and that we have overlooked the importance of sports,” Museveni acknowledged.

“As both a sportsman and a footballer, I understand that focusing on sports was challenging during the country’s rebuilding phase, particularly during times of unrest and food shortages which left many people poor and hungry,” he added.

SAMCO Construction Engineers show the President how the Akii Bua Stadium will look like upon completion

The President emphasized that while the government always recognized the value of sports, the country had to take a measured, gradual approach to development.

“We had to progress step by step,” said Museveni, quoting a popular Luganda proverb, “Kamu Kamu Gwe Muganda” (One by one makes a bundle).

The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium, named in honor of Uganda’s legendary Olympic gold medalist John Akii Bua, will provide a world-class facility for the country’s athletes and help raise Uganda’s profile in continental sporting events.

The stadium’s construction, spearheaded by the contractor SAMCO Engineer is expected to improve Uganda’s chances of successfully hosting international sports events, with the 2027 AFCON being a major milestone on the horizon.

The government has committed $129.7 million (sh474 billion) to the project, which is expected be completed within 20 months (one year and eight months). 

The modern, multi-sports stadium will have a seating capacity of 20,000 and meet international standards, ensuring it is suitable for hosting major competitions and nurturing talent from the region and beyond.

Once completed, the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium will not only serve as a key venue for national and international competitions but also become a source of pride for the people of Lira and Uganda as a whole.

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