David GOMBE
On Friday, 6th December 2024, Ugandan government and Egypt’s construction company SAMCO signed a $129M approximately Shs470Bn contract at Nakasero State House to build the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni handed over 18,455 hectare land title and revealed how the project will give athletes in Uganda a home worthy their dreams.
“I had the immense honor of handing over the 18,455-hectare land title for the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium to the National Council of Sports. This is not just about infrastructure it’s about giving our athletes a home worthy of their dreams.” Said Janet before adding,
“This landmark project honors the legacy of the great John Akii-Bua while lighting the way for future champions. It is a proud step forward for sports and for Uganda’s future.”
Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang asserted that the project is expected to be completed in 20 months.
“We signed the contract for the construction of Akii bua Olympic Stadium at State House, Nakasero.
“The contractor-SAMCO is expected to complete works in 20 months.” Stated Ogwang
The complex that is expected to be completed in 20 months will feature a 20,000-seat main stadium with an athletic track, training facilities with at least two changing rooms, a 2,000-seat multi-sport indoor stadium, a 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool, outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton, and a 1,000-vehicle parking facility.
The Ugandan government is set to release approximately $200 million (UGX 730 billion) in January for both the Akii Bua and Hoima stadiums.
The two stadiums are expected to be used for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to be Co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
For starters, John Akii-Bua was the first ever Ugandan Olympic champion following his triumph in the 400m Hurdles at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
