Construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City is well underway, marking a major step in the Ugandan government’s plan to transform sports infrastructure across the country. The multi-billion-shilling project, named in honor of Olympic gold medalist John Akii-Bua, is already changing the landscape of northern Uganda and signaling a new era for athletics, football, and community development.
The project, which officially broke ground earlier this year, is being developed by Egypt’s SAMCO National Construction Company under a government contract worth over UGX 470 billion. As of August 2025, officials report that earthworks are nearly complete, and concrete piling, foundation work, and delivery of steel materials are progressing smoothly. More than 300 construction workers are currently active on site, with plans to increase that number as work intensifies.
Designed to meet international standards, the Akii-Bua complex will feature a 20,000-seat main stadium equipped for both athletics and football, a 2,000-seat indoor arena, a semi-Olympic-size swimming pool, multiple courts for netball, basketball, volleyball, and badminton, and a variety of training and support facilities. The site will also include athlete hostels, a clubhouse, large parking areas, and ICT infrastructure to support modern event management.
Government officials say the stadium is more than just a building; it’s a long-promised investment in the region’s youth, economy, and identity. It also forms part of Uganda’s broader preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The stadium will be one of the key venues supporting both regional tournaments and national competitions.
The Ministry of Education and Sports, working alongside the National Council of Sports (NCS), has emphasized that the project reflects President Yoweri Museveni’s vision to promote sports development and economic growth through strategic infrastructure. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, has previously stated that the stadium fulfills a government promise to the people of the Lango sub-region and honors the legacy of a national hero.
In addition to sporting excellence, the stadium is already boosting Lira’s local economy. Small businesses near the site, such as food vendors, hardware suppliers, and boda-boda riders, are reporting increased activity. The hospitality sector has also been urged to prepare for future demand, with Lira expected to host athletes, teams, fans, and officials once the stadium becomes operational.
State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, recently praised the project’s progress, describing it as a “game-changer for sports and regional development.” He noted that once completed, Akii-Bua Stadium will serve as a training ground for elite athletes and a launchpad for young talent from across Uganda.
With construction on track and national interest growing, Akii-Bua Stadium is quickly becoming a symbol of hope, pride, and progress not only for the north but for Uganda’s sporting future as a whole.
