Lira City, Uganda – The ongoing redevelopment of NUMA Ground/Tipper Stage in Lira City is now 60% complete, with significant progress made on the perimeter wall, site levelling, and compaction work.
The project, awarded to Bygon Enterprises Limited, aims to transform the once dusty and disorganized space into a modern urban facility that enhances the city’s infrastructure.
Speaking to our reporter today, Bosco Okello Odongo, the Technical Director of Bygon Enterprises Limited, provided an update on the project’s milestones, challenges, and overall impact on the city.
The contract was signed in June 2024 with a design-and-build approach. However, the design phase took some time due to necessary surveys, adjustments, and approvals from the Lira City authorities.
Actual construction work commenced in July 2024, with an initial completion deadline of 30th December 2024, later extended to 31st March 2025 due to additional work requirements.
The project has been financed in two phases:
Phase 1: UGX 999 million was allocated to kickstart construction.
Phase 2: An additional UGX 240 million was injected to accommodate new requirements, including the construction of a perimeter wall.
Total budget (so far): UGX 1.239 billion, with expectations of further financial support to ensure full completion.
Odongo highlighted the key achievements so far:
Perimeter wall – Fully completed.
Excavation of topsoil – Successfully executed.
Importation of gravel, compaction, and watering – Completed.
Current Phase: The team is now levelling the site and preparing to install Concrete Cement Reinforcement (CCR) before laying pavers.
“The transformation is already visible. People are beginning to appreciate the modernization taking place. Once completed, this project will change the face of Lira City,” Odongo stated.
Despite significant progress, the project has faced several challenges, including:
1. Relocation of Tipper Stage Operators – Initially met with resistance, but after discussions, the operators were successfully relocated.
2. Encroachment Issues – Certain areas of the site were occupied by structures, including a telecom mast, requiring design modifications.
3. Material Sourcing Delays – Gravel and aggregates had to be transported from distant locations, causing logistical challenges.
4. Time Constraints – The design approval process and additional work requirements delayed the initial schedule.
The redevelopment of NUMA Ground is a game-changer for Lira City.
Previously, the area was chaotic, dusty, and unorganized, serving as a makeshift parking ground for trucks.
Now, with a structured plan in place, the city will enjoy a cleaner, well-organized space, improving both urban aesthetics and functionality.
Odongo commended the Lira City authorities for their vision and commitment to development.
“This is a great step towards urban modernization. The community should embrace and support these initiatives to create a better city for all,” he added.
With work progressing steadily, Lira City residents can look forward to the official unveiling of the revamped NUMA Ground/Tipper Stage by March 2025.