Akii Bua stadium begins to take shape in Lira city

LIRA - Construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira city is progressing steadily as Uganda pushes to meet deadlines for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The contractor, SAMCO National Construction Company from Egypt, is working against the clock to complete the facility within the remaining 18 months of the projected 20-month construction period.

Commissioned in January 2025 by President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the education and sports minister, the stadium is already beginning to take shape, marking a significant step in Uganda’s effort to upgrade its sports infrastructure.

Situated on a 45.6-acre site in Lira city, the project is valued at sh470 billion and is designed to deliver a world-class sports complex in northern Uganda.

To date, the contractor has received an initial deposit of sh100 billion from the Government through the National Council of Sports (NCS), which has facilitated resource mobilisation and enabled full-scale construction to begin.

The site has already been levelled, foundation blocks laid, and pillar installation—set to support the main stadium structure—is underway.

An area view of the Akibua Olympic Stadium site. (Credit: Charles Lwanga)

More heavy machinery is expected to arrive in the country soon, further accelerating the pace of work. A round-the-clock workforce is engaged on-site, underscoring the urgency and commitment to deliver the project on time.

Once completed, the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium will feature a 20,000-seater main stadium with an athletics track and full-sized football pitch, a 2,000-seater indoor multi-sport arena, a 25-metre swimming pool, outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton, and a parking facility for 1,000 vehicles. 

It will also include a 60-bed hostel for athletes and officials, full ICT infrastructure to support modern sports management and media, multiple training facilities with at least two changing rooms, and both open and enclosed car parks as well as a spectator piazza.

The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is among the key venues selected for AFCON 2027, which Uganda is co-hosting with Kenya and Tanzania.

It joins Namboole Stadium and Hoima City Stadium as part of the country’s broader plan to demonstrate readiness for hosting one of Africa’s biggest football tournaments.