Lira, Uganda | Leaders in Lira City have appealed to the Government to reinstate the planned 18.3-kilometre road network linked to the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, warning that the multi-billion sports facility will not realise its full potential without adequate access infrastructure.
The appeal was made on Monday, July 13, 2026, during a press briefing at Lira City Council Hall, where Lira City Development Forum expressed concern over reports that construction of nine roads earmarked to support the stadium project had been suspended.
Addressing the meeting, City Development Forum President Emmanuel Akeny welcomed the government’s investment in the modern stadium, describing it as a major boost to sports, tourism, employment, and business in the Lango Sub-region. However, he said the project should be implemented as an integrated development, with roads linking the stadium to the city centre, hotels, commercial areas, and surrounding communities.
Akeny said several roads in Lira City East Division had been excluded from the World Bank-funded Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme because they were expected to be constructed under the stadium project. He warned that failure to implement the planned road network could leave parts of the city disadvantaged in infrastructure development.
The forum urged the government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Sports, to restore the 18.3km road project and provide an official update on the status of the works. It argued that adequate road infrastructure is essential for athletes, spectators, emergency services, tourists, and businesses expected to use the facility.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul also commended the government for the progress made on the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, which he said remains on course for completion by December. He, however, expressed concern over delays in constructing the supporting roads.
Atul said the City Council had engaged the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the National Council of Sports to seek clarification after reports emerged that the road project could be reduced from the planned 18.3 kilometres to 10.5 kilometres. He called on the Government to prioritise construction of Won-Nyaci Road, the main access route from Obote Avenue through the Lango Cultural Centre to the stadium, and consider expanding the contractor’s scope of work to include the road network before the stadium is completed.
According to the Lira City Development Forum, the affected roads are Ireda Shamba (2.1km), Lumumba Ogengo (2.5km), Boroboro (5.2km), James Ajal (2.5km), Won-Nyaci (1.7km), Erute (1.7km), Dokolo (0.5km), Moroto (1.5km) and GAPCO-Odokomit (1.5km).
The forum further argued that suspending the road works contradicts the objectives of Uganda Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the Sustainable Development Goals on infrastructure, reduced inequalities and sustainable cities. It appealed to the government to reinstate the road project, ensure the roads are constructed alongside the stadium, and issue an official statement on the implementation plan.
