Lango MPs hail 75% completion of Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, push for access roads ahead of AFCON 2027.
By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdyel
LIRA CITY, UGANDA: The Lango Parliamentary Group has commended government and the contractor for the progress made on the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, saying the facility has reached 75 percent completion ahead of the 2027 AFCON finals.
Led by the LPG Chairperson and Oyam South MP Hon. Patrick Ogwang Obura, the MPs toured the project on a fact-finding visit and pledged support to ensure the stadium is ready on time.
“A promise fulfilled to Lango”
Hon. Ogwang described the stadium as a fulfillment of government’s promise to the people of Lango.
“This project is really taking shape rapidly. The engineer and SAMCO are doing a wonderful job to ensure that we beat the timeline for hosting AFCON. As Members of Parliament, we say thank you,” MP Ogwang remarked.
MPs present:
Those present included Hon. Opito Vincent, Hon. Obong Acuda, and Hon Hon Ocen Geoffrey Kiring, Dokolo Woman MP Hon. Aguti Nyangkori, Dokolo North MP Hon. Ogwal Zones, Otuke East MP Hon. Julius Acon Bua, Maruzi County MP Hon. Obong Acuda, and Ajuri County MP Hon. Jalameso Fred, among others.
Works at over 75 %
SAMCO National Construction Company Project Manager, Eng. Mohammed Nazih, told the MPs that most structural works were done.
“We have almost finished all the skeleton works for the project. We are now doing the final finishing inside the facilities as well as soft and hard landscaping,” He stated.
Meanwhile the project currently employs over 1,000 workers and is being implemented under a 20-month contract period. However, the completion date is January 2027, but the contractor targets to finish by December 2026.He disclosed to the media that installation of seats in the main stadium of Akii-bua was almost complete, with only VIP seats remaining as of now assuring the MPs that installation of the VIP chairs starts immediately.
Mr. Nazih added that work on the main playing surface had advanced and hybrid grass is expected to be planted within the next two weeks.
Construction is also ongoing on auxiliary facilities under Zone Two, including a clubhouse, hostel, swimming pool, training pitch, and multi-purpose hall.
MPs raise concern over access roads and accommodation:
Despite the progress, the MPs flagged gaps in supporting infrastructure.
Hon Ogwang said about 18.7 kilometres of access roads around Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium and to training facilities at Lira University had not been catered for.
“About 18.7 kilometres of access roads leading to Akii-Bua and the surrounding ecosystem have not been catered for,” said Alebtong District’s Moroto County MP Hon. Elem Leo.
The MPs said they would raise the matter in Parliament and engage the responsible ministries to address the infrastructure gaps before commissioning.
Ajuri County MP Hon. Jalameso Fred also said hotel owners in Lira City need support to upgrade facilities to meet AFCON standards. He told a meeting of over 400 hotel owners at Gracious Palace Hotel that this was a key request to government.
“We are engaging government to ensure those critical issues are handled before hosting AFCON,” Jalameso said.
MPs absent were ;
Hon. Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti – Kole North, Hon. Okot Boniface, Hon. Sandra Aceng – Kole Woman MP, Hon. Betty Awor Engola – Apac Woman MP, Hon. Patrick Ocan – Apac Municipality, Hon. Bernard Otim Odoch – Maruzi North, Hon. Shedrick Vincent Obong Eyit – Lira City West Division, Hon. Linda Agnes Auma, Hon. Denis Alyela Omodi, GWC Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, and other Ministers including Hon Sam Engola, Faith Mercy Lakisa, and Santa Alum Ogwang who were all on official duty. Other MPs absent were; Kwania WMP Hon Auma Kenny Lapat and Eron Tonny.
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