David GOMBE
The construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City is at the final structural phase, with the main stadium frame almost done.
The stadium has advanced to the roofing stage, with teams installing a complex steel space truss system subcontracted to Turkish engineering firm POLARKON. The system will cover 30,000 square metres. Once the steel framework is secured, it will be completed with waterproof sheets to provide full overhead protection.
Currently the main roof structure is being installed as well as tiling and interior painting of VIP sections and utility rooms, and construction of auxiliary facilities such as players’ hostels, a clubhouse and a 25 metre semi Olympic swimming pool.
However, overall project progress stands at 45 percent as roofing, mechanical, electrical and finishing works continue.
Works on the 20,000-seat multi-sport complex began in January 2024 and are conducted by Egyptian firm SAMCO National Construction Company.
The stadium is named after Uganda’s legendary athelete John Akii-Bua, who is also the nation’s first Olympic gold medalist, following his 400-meter hurdles victory at the 1972 Munich Games.
Akii-Bua Olympic stadium is located in Lira and will feature an eight-lane athletics track, a main football pitch, a 2,000-seat indoor arena, outdoor courts, and parking space for up to 1,000 vehicles.
The stadium is expected to host some of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games, which Uganda is co-hosting with Kenya and Tanzania.
