Sports 10 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
AFCON 2027: Akii-Bua Stadium Nears Completion Amidst Road and Compensation Challenges
Members of Parliament from the Lango sub-region have expressed optimism about the progress of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite significant advancements, hurdles remain regarding road infrastructure and community compensation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/afcon-2027-akii-bua-stadium-on-track-but-faces-road-compensation-hurdles-5553240
Lawmakers from the Lango sub-region recently toured the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, a crucial facility for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The delegation, led by Lango Parliamentary Group Chairperson Mr. Patrick Ogwang Obura, found the construction, undertaken by Egyptian firm SAMCO National Construction Company, to be progressing steadily.
Project Manager Eng. Mohammed Nazih reported that the Shs470 billion facility has reached the 75 percent completion mark. While this indicates strong progress, the initial December 2026 completion deadline cited to Parliament appears unlikely to be met. The contractor’s revised schedule now targets completion by February 2, 2027, just weeks before the tournament is set to begin.
The parliamentary tour also highlighted potential infrastructural challenges. Although a 1.8-kilometer access road has been constructed, its current width is deemed insufficient for the anticipated influx of vehicles and spectators. The Lango Parliamentary Group has pledged to advocate for negotiations with the Uganda Prisons Service to acquire adjacent land, aiming to widen this critical access route.
Furthermore, lawmakers raised concerns about the necessity of a formal process for profiling and compensating community members impacted by the stadium’s construction. Ensuring all legal and social obligations are met is seen as vital before the AFCON 2027 deadline.
The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, financed by the Ugandan government, is a 20,000-seat facility that will include a main stadium with an athletics track, training amenities, an indoor arena, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, and various outdoor courts. It also features extensive parking, a clubhouse, a hostel, sports pitches, and essential utilities.
“We have gone round it. We have seen the work in progress. We have seen very steady work that is promising,” stated Mr. Ogwang Obura, who also thanked President Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to the region and commended the contractor’s efforts. The legislators emphasized the stadium’s significance not just as infrastructure but as a unifying symbol for football fans and local residents.
This update comes from the Daily Monitor.