Africa-Press – Uganda. The construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic City Stadium in Lira City is progressing steadily, with works now at 25 percent, according to Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports) Peter Ogwang.
The 20,000-seat facility is among the key infrastructure projects for Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
“Akii-Bua Olympic City Stadium in Lira City is taking shape, with works currently at 25%,” Ogwang said on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Named after John Akii-Bua, Uganda’s 1972 Olympic gold medalist in the 400m hurdles, the stadium is designed to become a world-class sporting venue in Northern Uganda.
Construction is being handled by Egypt’s Samco National Construction Company under a Shs470 billion contract awarded by the government.
Work began in December 2024, following a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Museveni in January 2025.
The stadium complex will include a 20,000-seat main stadium with an eight-lane athletics track, a 2,000-seat multi-sport indoor arena, a 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool, and outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton.
It will also have parking for 1,000 vehicles to support event operations.
During the groundbreaking, President Museveni noted that while the project was initially prioritized for its historical significance, Uganda’s successful Afcon bid encouraged government to also develop Hoima as a host venue, leveraging its proximity to an airport under construction.
The Lira stadium, however, is expected to serve as a key venue for both football and athletics during the 2027 tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
Situated on the John Akii Bua Playground in central Lira City, the stadium will cover approximately 18.5 hectares.
Once completed, it will boost Uganda’s capacity to host international sporting events and highlight the country’s growing ambition in athletics and football.
According to Ogwang, Samco has already completed 85 percent of earthworks and erected 437 of the 872 required reinforced piles.
Work on reinforced columns, footings, and pile testing is ongoing as the project advances toward its next phase.
As well as Akii-Bua Stadium, the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, has been renovated and passed for international games while Hoima City Stadium is looking picturesque every passing day, with progress at 90% completion.
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