Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium Project Reaches Final Phase as Roofing Works Progress

LIRA CITY, Uganda – Residents of Lira City have welcomed another major milestone in the construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, as engineers continue installing the stadium's massive steel roof structure ahead of the project's completion.

Project managers say the stadium has reached approximately 95 percent physical completion, with roofing, interior finishing, electrical installations, and landscaping among the remaining activities before handover.

Named after Uganda's first Olympic gold medalist, John Akii-Bua, the 20,000-seat multi-purpose stadium is one of Uganda's flagship sports infrastructure projects. Once completed, it will feature:

A FIFA-standard football pitch An eight-lane athletics track Indoor sports arena Olympic-size swimming pool Modern changing rooms and athlete facilities VIP and media sections Training grounds and auxiliary facilities

The stadium is being constructed by Egypt's SAMCO National Construction Company under a contract with the Government of Uganda as part of the country's preparations for hosting matches during the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Local leaders believe the project will significantly transform Lira City's economy by attracting sporting events, tourism, business investments, and employment opportunities. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and local traders are expected to benefit once the facility becomes operational.

Sports enthusiasts across Northern Uganda have also expressed excitement, noting that the stadium will provide young athletes with world-class facilities for training and competition, while placing Lira among East Africa's major sporting destinations.

With construction entering its final stretch, government officials remain optimistic that the stadium will be ready in time to support Uganda's AFCON 2027 hosting commitments and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.