President Yoweri Museveni has officially commenced the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, marking a significant milestone for the long-awaited project. Named after Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist, John Akii-Bua, the stadium is set to be completed within 20 months with an estimated cost of approximately Shs470 billion ($129 million).

During the ceremony attended by Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni and other dignitaries, President Museveni addressed the delays in the stadium’s development, attributing them to past economic challenges. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing survival before embarking on such ambitious infrastructure projects.

The Akii-Bua Stadium will include a main stadium with a seating capacity of 20,000, a multi-sport indoor stadium accommodating 2,000 spectators, and various outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton. Additional amenities such as a semi-Olympic swimming pool, a 1,000-vehicle parking facility, and comprehensive infrastructure for roads, utilities, and security systems are also planned.

Minister Janet Museveni expressed gratitude for the project, highlighting its role in enhancing sports infrastructure and promoting economic growth in Lira City and the surrounding region. Lira City Mayor Sam Atul commended the government’s initiative, emphasizing the potential of the stadium to stimulate economic productivity and improve living standards in the community.

Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang assured sports enthusiasts that the Akii-Bua Stadium will surpass existing facilities like Namboole and Hoima, setting a new standard for sports venues in Uganda. The completion of the stadium is expected to have significant implications for the 2026 elections, potentially influencing voter sentiment in the Lango Sub-region.

President Museveni underscored the importance of honesty and transparency in politics, urging against misinformation and emphasizing the need for informed decision-making among voters. The launch of the Akii-Bua Stadium construction represents a pivotal moment in Uganda’s sports infrastructure development, promising to elevate the country’s sporting prowess on a national and international stage.