Lira City, Uganda: The under-construction Akii Bua Stadium in Lira City is fast emerging as a beacon of transformation in the Lango sub-region, with leaders hailing it as more than just an architectural project, a symbol of the NRM government’s commitment to equitable regional development and economic empowerment.
Officials say the stadium, named in honour of Uganda’s Olympic gold medalist John Akii Bua, will serve as both a sports monument and a driver of economic and social renewal in Northern Uganda.
Lira Lord Mayor Sam Atul described the project as a convergence of heritage and ambition. “Akii Bua brought glory to our land. Today, we channel that legacy toward building infrastructure that changes lives,” he said.
Atul emphasized that the stadium’s purpose extends beyond sport, symbolizing a broader vision of dignity restoration, opportunity creation, and regional inclusion.
He cited football star Allan Okello as a living example of Lango’s continuing contribution to national excellence. “This isn’t just a stadium; it is a stage for new dreams,” he remarked.
The Project Manager, Mohamed Nazir of Samaco Construction, revealed that the project is 30 percent complete, with October 2026 projected as the likely completion date — ahead of the formal January 2027 deadline.
Nazir said the project currently employs 950 workers, over 90 percent of whom are local residents, reflecting a “buy and build local” approach under the NRM’s philosophy of inclusive development.
“We build with our own hands, from our own land,” Nazir said, explaining that most construction materials — sand, granite, cement, and steel — are sourced locally, with imports only used for specialty components unavailable in Uganda.
Lira Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lawrence Egole called the stadium a key part of a broader infrastructure strategy rather than an isolated project.
He highlighted that the development ties into a 60km road network linking Lira to Gulu Airport via Oboke and Bobi, as well as feeder roads around the stadium, all designed to integrate the project into the region’s transport and service systems.
Egole praised the city’s visible progress, noting improvements in health services, business vibrancy, and local revenue performance, which now places Lira among Uganda’s top five highest revenue-generating cities. “This stadium is a public investment that signals a new era, one where Lango is not left behind,” he said.
Once completed, the 20,000-capacity facility is expected to stimulate multiple sectors, from sports tourism and hospitality to retail trade. Each event is projected to trigger demand for lodging, transport, food, and entertainment, creating an economic multiplier effect.
Already, local entrepreneurs are investing in restaurants, guest houses, and shops near the stadium precinct in anticipation of the boom.
The stadium is also seen as a talent incubator. Following the Lango football team’s national Drum Tournament victory, leaders believe the new facility will help nurture athletic potential systematically and position Lango as a cradle of champions.
“We’ve always had the stars — they just lacked a stage,” Mayor Atul concluded. “Akii Bua Stadium gives us that stage.”
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