In the heart of Lira City, Uganda, a groundbreaking transformation is underway as construction begins on the highly anticipated Akii Bua Olympic Stadium. Named in honor of John Akii-Bua, Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist, the stadium is set to become a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence. With a seating capacity of 20,000, this state-of-the-art facility will not only host major events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but will also serve as a hub for developing Uganda’s next generation of athletes. This marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s commitment to enhancing its sports infrastructure and honoring its rich athletic history.
The project, valued at $129 million, is a collaboration between the Ugandan government and the Egyptian construction giant, SAMCO National Construction Company. Officially launched in late December 2024, the initiative took a major step forward when the government handed over 18.455 hectares of land to SAMCO, signaling the commencement of the stadium’s construction. The agreement includes a financing structure where costs are split equally between the government and SAMCO, with the latter being reimbursed over time. With a projected completion timeline of 20 months, the project is expected to be delivered ahead of the AFCON 2027 tournament, where Uganda will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Beyond the main stadium, the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium complex will offer a wide range of world-class facilities designed to accommodate multiple sporting disciplines. These include a 2,000-seat indoor arena, a 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool, outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball, netball, and badminton, as well as an athletic track and a full-sized football pitch. Additionally, the venue will feature modern amenities such as a 60-room athlete hostel, a 1,000-vehicle parking facility, and advanced ICT infrastructure to support digital sports broadcasting and security management. This comprehensive approach ensures that the complex will not only host major tournaments but also serve as a high-performance training center for Ugandan athletes.
One of the most commendable aspects of the project is its emphasis on local participation and gender inclusion. SAMCO has pledged to employ workers from Lira City, providing job opportunities that will benefit the local community. Special attention is also being given to ensuring gender balance within the workforce, offering women an equal chance to contribute to the project. Engineer Ahmed Abdel Galil, a representative of SAMCO, has assured that the company is fully committed to delivering the stadium on schedule, leveraging expertise from partners with extensive experience in large-scale construction projects. The initiative is not just about building infrastructure; it is about fostering community development and empowering Ugandans.
As construction progresses, the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is set to redefine Uganda’s sports landscape, creating a legacy that extends beyond the 2027 AFCON tournament. With modern facilities, a strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence, the stadium will provide a platform for Ugandan athletes to thrive on both regional and international stages. More than just bricks and mortar, it will stand as a beacon of inspiration, honoring a national hero while shaping the future of Ugandan sports.
