Parliament's Committee on Education and Sports inspected the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City on Monday to assess progress ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The committee led by Vice Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho toured the facility alongside National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel and contractor SAMCO representatives.
Engineers reported the multi-purpose complex has reached 82 per cent completion overall.
The US$129 million project by Egyptian firm SAMCO and Khater Sports centres on a 20,000-seater stadium with football pitch and athletics track.
Additional facilities include an outdoor training pitch, two five-a-side artificial turf pitches, a clubhouse, 60-bed athlete hostel, indoor arena and swimming pool.
The venue is designated as a backup stadium for AFCON 2027.
Legislators pressed NCS to guarantee the facility remains active and maintained after the tournament.
Committee members expressed satisfaction with the scale and quality of work observed.
The inspection followed a visit to the National High Altitude Training Centre in Teryet, Kapchorwa.
Stakeholders hope the complex will serve multiple sporting disciplines beyond football.
Sustainable usage plans will determine the project's long-term value to Lira and Uganda.
Key Project Details
- Stadium capacity: 20,000 seats
- Overall progress: 82% complete
- Investment: US$129 million
- Contractor: SAMCO National Construction Company & Khater Sports
- AFCON 2027 role: Backup/standby venue
- Additional facilities: Training pitch, 5-a-side pitches, hostel, indoor arena, swimming pool
- *Inspection date: Monday, 21 September 2026
- Committee chair: Hon. Emmanuel Ongiertho
- NCS representative: Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel
Source: Kawowo Sports
