Government has officially handed over the site for the construction of the highly anticipated Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, was officiated by Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip, representing the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, and the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.
The stadium project, named in honor of Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist, the late John Akii-Bua, is expected to transform the sporting landscape of the Lango sub-region and the entire country.
In a joint message delivered by Hon. Obua, the First Lady and Hon. Ogwang expressed their profound gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for his visionary leadership in championing the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium project.
They also acknowledged the collective efforts of key stakeholders, including the Cabinet, Parliament, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES), the National Council of Sports (NCS), and Lira City and District authorities, for their unwavering support and collaboration.
The leaders reiterated the government’s dedication to nurturing talent, promoting sports, and preserving the legacy of Uganda’s sporting heroes. Hon. Obua emphasized the importance of adhering to the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, urging the contractor, Ms. Samco National Construction Company, to prioritize local content and workforce engagement during the construction process.
The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium will be constructed on an 18.455-hectare parcel of land in Lira City. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet international standards and will include modern amenities to host national and international sporting events. The project, valued at USD 129,743,185, is expected to be completed within 20 months.
The stadium will serve as a multipurpose facility, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and hosting cultural and social events, thereby fostering unity and development in the region.
The handover ceremony was graced by a diverse range of dignitaries and stakeholders, reflecting the national significance of the project. Among the attendees were:
Members of Parliament from the Lango sub-region
Religious and cultural leaders
Lira City and District authorities
Security chiefs and representatives from the local community
The event demonstrated a strong partnership between the government, local authorities, and development partners, aimed at ensuring the successful execution of the project.
The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is poised to bring immense benefits to Lira City and the entire country. It is expected to:
Enhance Sports Development: Provide a world-class facility for training and competitions, nurturing local talent and boosting Uganda’s standing in international sports.
Boost Economic Growth: Create jobs during and after construction, stimulate local businesses, and attract investments in sports tourism.
Preserve Akii-Bua’s Legacy: Honor the achievements of John Akii-Bua, who won Uganda’s first Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1972 Munich Olympics, inspiring generations of athletes.
Hon. Obua called upon all stakeholders to actively support the project and ensure its timely completion. He stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to quality standards throughout the construction process.
The handover of the site for the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium marks a significant step towards achieving Uganda’s vision of becoming a regional hub for sports excellence. With construction set to commence, the people of Lira City and Uganda at large eagerly anticipate the completion of this landmark facility, which will not only celebrate the legacy of John Akii-Bua but also serve as a beacon of hope and progress for the nation.
The countdown to the stadium’s unveiling has officially begun, heralding a new era of sports development and community empowerment in Uganda.