The Lira City Development Forum has launched an online petition targeting one million signatures to pressure the government into commencing construction of access roads connecting Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium to the city centre ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The forum’s president, Akeny Emmanuel, said the petition, addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, seeks to secure immediate action on the road infrastructure, warning that delays could undermine the benefits of the government’s investment in the stadium.
Addressing journalists at Mayor’s Garden in Lira City on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Akeny said the stadium is nearing completion and is expected to be handed over in January 2027, yet construction of the supporting road network had not commenced.
He said the forum had also launched a campaign targeting elected leaders, particularly Members of Parliament, urging residents to demand accountability and regular updates on the proposed road projects through telephone calls, text messages and social media engagements.
Akeny appealed to the people of Lango to unite behind the initiative, saying the successful hosting of AFCON should translate into tangible economic opportunities for the region.
He further urged local businesses, tourism operators, artists, and sports clubs to prepare to benefit from the tournament through hospitality services, entertainment, cultural exhibitions, and sporting activities.
The forum identified nine priority roads requiring attention: Won-Nyaci, Lumumba Ogengo, Ireda Shamba, James Ajal, Erute, Dokolo, Moroto, Gapco Odokomit and Boroboro roads.
According to the forum, the routes are critical to connecting the stadium with hotels, business centres and other important facilities across Lira City, making their development essential to supporting the expected influx of visitors during the continental football tournament.
The road infrastructure plan involves 18.3 kilometres of access roads linking Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium to key parts of the city.
Construction of the stadium project commenced in May 2025, with the main works expected to be completed by December 2026 and the final handover scheduled for January 2027, approximately six months before the July 2027 AFCON tournament.
The online petition is available at: https://petitionforakiibuaroads.com/