Lira, Uganda | The Paramount Chief of Lango, His Royal Highness Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has praised the Government of Uganda under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for financing the construction of the John Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira District, describing it as a historic investment that will transform sports and development in the Lango subregion.
Odongo Okune made the remarks on Thursday, 30 October 2025, during an inspection of the ongoing construction works at the stadium site.
He was accompanied by officials from the National Council of Sports (NCS) and a number of Lango clan leaders.
The Paramount Chief expressed his appreciation to the government for honouring Uganda’s Olympic gold medallist, John Akii Bua, by naming the new facility after him.
He noted that the Akii Bua Stadium represented not only a sporting facility but also a symbol of national pride and unity.
Odongo further stressed the need for the Lango community to maintain a close working relationship with the central government in order to attract more development projects to the region.
He observed that other regions that have collaborated closely with the government had achieved significant progress and that Lango should pursue a similar path.
In his address, the Paramount Chief also called on young footballers and athletes from Lango to prepare to utilize the stadium once completed.
He said the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host, would provide an opportunity for the youth to develop their talents and honour Akii Bua’s legacy through sporting excellence.
Construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium has reached 32% completion, with expectations high that it will be ready in time to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games.
The project manager confirmed that work is progressing steadily despite setbacks caused by heavy rainfall.
Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, Secretary General of the National Council of Sports, stated that the 470-billion-shilling stadium will be completed soon and is designed to host a variety of indoor and outdoor sporting events.
With a seating capacity of 20,000, it promises to provide a modern, state-of-the-art venue for both athletes and fans.
Ogwel added that a memorial for the late John Akii Bua will be erected once construction is complete.
Both the Lango Paramount Chief and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni are expected to officiate at the stadium’s inauguration ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament.
He further confirmed that the government has allocated all the necessary funds for the project, ensuring there will be no delays. Construction is being managed by SAMCO Construction Company Limited.
The project has provided employment to 1,093 workers, of whom about 80% are natives of Lango, giving local residents both job opportunities and technical skills development.
During the same visit, Moses Anyii Omara, a board member of the National Council of Sports, urged the Paramount Chief to continue engaging local leaders and residents to resolve any land-related issues around the project peacefully.
He also encouraged community support for the proposed construction of an airport near the stadium, noting that it would promote tourism, sports, and economic growth in the Lango sub-region.
The inspection marked a major milestone in Lango’s preparation for hosting part of the AFCON 2027 games. Once completed, the John Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is expected to stand as a lasting tribute to Uganda’s first Olympic gold medallist and a catalyst for socio-economic transformation in northern Uganda.
