Government Signs $129 Million Contract to Construct Akii Bua Stadium

The Ugandan government has signed a $129 million contract with Egyptian firm SAMCO National Construction Company to build the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. The 20,000-seat stadium, named after Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist, is set to be completed in 20 months.

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, handed over an 18.455-hectare land title for the project to National Council of Sports (NCS) Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya during the signing ceremony at State House Nakasero on December 6, 2024.

The contract was signed by NCS Accounting Officer Muhammad Bbaale and SAMCO representative Engineer Ibrahim Abdelaziz Mahmoud Mabrouk. Solicitor General Pius Biribonwoha witnessed the signing.

State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang said the stadium will feature a main arena with an athletic track, a 2,000-seat indoor sports hall, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, training facilities, outdoor courts, a 60-room hostel, and parking for 1,000 vehicles. Additional infrastructure will include roads, ICT systems, and a sewerage treatment plant.

“To the people of Lango, the stadium is now a reality,” Ogwang said, describing it as a landmark achievement for the NRM government. He urged contractors to begin work promptly and stick to the timeline.

Ogwang acknowledged delays in fulfilling President Museveni’s 2010 pledge to build the stadium but expressed gratitude to Lira’s local leaders for their support.

Key officials present included Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, Gender Minister Betty Amongi, Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi, and representatives from NCS, FUFA, and PPDA.

The Akii Bua Stadium is expected to boost sports and development in the region.