By Alele Ronald
Lira, Uganda – Lira District Chairman RCM Okello Orik has today December 18, 2024 confirmed that the official handover of the Akii-Bua Stadium site to the contractor will take place on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2 pm.
This follows a communication received from the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council of Sports, marking a key moment in the much-anticipated construction of the stadium.
Okello welcomed all interested parties to witness the event, describing it as a significant milestone for the region.
“We are excited that the project is now moving forward, and we invite all those who have been following the development to join us at the Akii-Bua ground for the official handover,” Okello said.
The handover, initially scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024, was postponed due to the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, being summoned to Parliament as it closes for the year.
However, the delay has not hindered the project’s progress, with the contractor, SAMCO, already in the country, and ready to begin work.
The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium has been a long-awaited project for Northern Uganda, named in honour of Uganda’s Olympic gold medalist John Akii-Bua, who made history in 1972.
The stadium is set to be a key sports facility in Lango Sub-region and will serve as one of the primary venues for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The groundbreaking ceremony follows months of discussions and planning, culminating in the signing of a contract on December 6, 2024, between the Ugandan government and SAMCO, an Egyptian construction firm.
The government allocated Shs100 billion for the first phase of the project, with a total estimated cost of Shs550 billion. The stadium is expected to be completed in 20 months, ahead of the AFCON tournament.
The project has not been without its challenges. Delays earlier in the year had raised concerns among local leaders, with MPs from the Lango Sub-region accusing the government of neglecting their area.
With the contractor now in the country, construction is set to begin immediately following the handover on December 23, 2024.
The completion of the Akii-Bua Stadium will serve as a symbol of progress for Northern Uganda, providing world-class sports infrastructure and an economic boost to the region.
RCM Okello Orik emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “The Akii-Bua Stadium will be a legacy for our children and an honour to the memory of John Akii-Bua. It will also significantly contribute to the growth of sports in Uganda, particularly in the northern region.”
The region eagerly awaits the realization of this long-awaited promise, with hopes that it will bring both social and economic benefits to the people of Lango.
