Lira, Uganda – A landmark moment unfolded on December 24, 2024, as Akii Bua Stadium was officially handed over to SAMCO Egypt Construction Company for its highly anticipated construction.
The stadium, named after Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist, John Akii-Bua, promises to elevate the nation’s sports infrastructure and inspire future generations of athletes.
The handover ceremony at the stadium site in Lira City East Division marked the beginning of the $129,743,185 project, excluding taxes.
Representing Minister of Education and Sports Janet K. Museveni and State Minister of Sports Peter Ogwang, Dennis Hamson Obua underscored the project’s significance for Uganda’s sports landscape.
He called for local engagement, urging the contractors to prioritize hiring laborers from Lango sub-region to foster community involvement.
Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is designed as a state-of-the-art facility, featuring a 20,000-seat main arena, an indoor stadium, training grounds, a swimming pool, outdoor courts, parking areas and supporting infrastructure.
The project is expected to be completed within 20 months, heralding a new era for sports in Uganda.
All MPs from Lango have emphasized the importance of involving local people in the construction process reflecting a collective push for community participation.
Muhammed Amin, a representative from SAMCO Egypt Construction Company, assured the public of the project’s grandeur. “Akii Bua will be one of the biggest sports facilities in Uganda, supporting diverse sports activities,” he remarked.
The stadium is named to honour the legacy of John Akii-Bua, an icon of Ugandan sports. Born on December 3, 1949, in Lira, Akii-Bua rose to fame by winning the 400-meter hurdles at the 1972 Munich Olympics. His record-breaking time of 47.82 seconds earned Uganda its first Olympic gold medal, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the nation’s sporting history.
“This stadium is a symbol of Akii-Bua’s indomitable spirit and a celebration of Uganda’s potential in global sports,” Obua remarked during the ceremony.
The project, spanning 18.455 acres of donated land, represents a significant investment in Lango sub-region.
Beyond its immediate sporting impact, the stadium is expected to spur economic growth by creating jobs, attracting international events and boosting tourism.
The government’s commitment to sports development is evident in this ambitious initiative, positioning Uganda as a hub for athletic excellence in East Africa.
The facility will not only serve professional athletes but also provide a space for young talents to hone their skills, nurturing the next generation of sports stars.
Anticipation is high among local residents and the broader Ugandan community as construction commences.
For Lango sub-region, Akii Bua Stadium is more than just a sports venue – it is a beacon of hope, unity and progress.
“The legacy of Akii-Bua is not just about his achievements but about inspiring a nation to dream bigger,” Obua concluded.
With the completion of the Akii Bua Stadium, Uganda is poised to make a bold statement on the global sports stage while paying tribute to one of its most celebrated heroes.
