Contractors promise timely delivery of Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium
Dec 26, 2024
"We are committed to completing the stadium within the specified timeline and meeting the required international standards," said Eng. Abdelhadi.
(l-R) Lango Diocese Bishop Alfred Olwa, Tony Ayo, government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, Health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, and the SAMCO Engineer during the handover ceremony. (Photos by Hudson Apunyo)
Hudson Apunyo
Journalist @New Vision
The long-awaited construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is set to begin following the official handover of the site to the contractors on Tuesday (December 24) in Lira city.
It's a significant step forward, offering much-needed relief to the local people who had long expressed unease over the delayed start of the project.
The stadium is expected to be used when Uganda co-hosts the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside neighbours Kenya and Tanzania.
The National Council of Sports (NCS) and the Ministry of Education and Sports officially handed over the site to SAMCO National Construction Company, an Egyptian firm contracted to execute the project.
'Long journey'
Representing the First Lady and education minister Janet Kataaha Museveni and sports state minister Peter Ogwang, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua presided over the event.
Both ministers were absent due to commitments related to preparations for Uganda's hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN) next year.
Obua described the day as a moment to give thanks and reflect on the journey of bringing this project to fruition.
“This has been a long journey — from 1972, when the late John Akii-Bua won Uganda’s first Olympic gold medal, to 2024, when we hand over the site for construction to begin,” he said.
Obua credited President Yoweri Museveni for his pivotal role in ensuring the project’s realization.
In the same spirit, he also praised the First Lady for her support and expressed confidence that she would visit the site at an opportune time.
The government has committed $129.7 million (sh474 billion) to the project, which is expected be completed within 20 months (one year and eight months).
The structural design of the stadium. 
The modern, multi-sports stadium will have a seating capacity of 20,000 and meet international standards, ensuring it is suitable for hosting major competitions and nurturing talent from the region and beyond.
'Moment of pride'
The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium project honors the legacy of John Akii-Bua, Uganda’s legendary athlete who won the country’s first gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
The facility will stand as a symbol of unity, national pride, and the enduring spirit of sports in Lango and Uganda at large.
Emphasizing local content, political leaders called for the inclusion of Lango’s skilled professionals in the project.
Kole district Woman MP Judith Alyek, the chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, urged SAMCO to ensure that 80 per cent of the workforce — including surveyors and engineers — is sourced locally.
Health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who is also the Lira City Woman MP, was present at the function.
She highlighted the historical significance of the project and its importance to the people of Lango.
“President Museveni initiated this project and he has worked tirelessly to bring us to today. This is a moment of pride for the 2.6 million people in Lango,” she said.
Timely delivery
With a tight deadline of 20 months, stakeholders emphasized the need for efficient execution and robust oversight to ensure timely delivery of the stadium.
The Ministry of Works and Transport, NCS, and other entities involved in the project have been urged to engage in regular supervision and risk management to avoid disruptions.
The handover ceremony concluded with a joint message from the First Lady and Minister Ogwang, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise.
“This project is a testament to the NRM government’s dedication to sports infrastructure development. We expect nothing less than a high-quality, iconic facility that will stand the test of time," read the message.
Eng. Ahmed Abdelgalil Abdelhadi from SAMCO assured stakeholders of timely delivery and adherence to international standards for the stadium project, despite acknowledging it is their first experience constructing such a facility.
"We are committed to completing the stadium within the specified timeline and meeting the required international standards," he said.
"Although this is our first stadium project, we have successfully handled numerous other developments, and the differences are minimal."
This is the company's inaugural project in Uganda.
Responding to local concerns, he pledged to prioritize hiring local workers and to ensure gender balance, a commitment that was warmly welcomed by the area's leaders.
President Museveni is expected to perform the ground breaking in January next year during his PDM tour of Lango sub-region, according to minister Aceng.
The project
The facility will comprise a complete structure with all auxiliary facilities, associated installations and services.
It will have;
▪️ The main Stadium (20,000-seater with an athletic track)
▪️ Training facilities (track & field with at least two changing rooms)
▪️ 2,000-seater multi-sport indoor stadium
▪️ 25-metre semi-Olympic size swimming pool
▪️ Outdoor stadia (basketball/netball, volleyball/badminton)
▪️ Open and closed car park (1,000 cars)
▪️ Spectator piazza