Construction of the 470 billion-shilling Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, Uganda, has reached 85 per cent completion as work enters its final phase. The project, which began in May 2025, is being undertaken by Egyptian firm SAMCO National Construction Company under a 20-month contract scheduled to end in January 2027. The facility is expected to support Uganda's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The remaining works include finishing the main stadium structure, maintaining the playing surfaces, and completing supporting sports and hospitality facilities. Eng. Mohammed Nazih, the project manager at SAMCO National Construction Company, disclosed the progress during a site visit by Parliament's Committee on Industry, Trade and Tourism. Nazih said the main stadium structure was nearing completion, with construction teams concentrating on the remaining sections to ensure the project is delivered within the agreed timeframe.
The stadium's playing surfaces are being developed by subcontractor Integral Group, which has planted hybrid grass on both the main stadium pitch and the training pitch. The hybrid grass comprises 80 per cent natural grass and 20 per cent artificial turf, a combination intended to improve durability and playing performance. Eng. Emre Erisik of Integral Group said the engineers were undertaking maintenance work to ensure the surfaces meet professional sporting standards.
The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is designed to accommodate 20,000 spectators and is being developed in two zones. The first zone comprises the main stadium, entrance gates, and parking areas, while the second includes additional sports and hospitality facilities intended to expand the complex's use beyond football. These facilities include a 2,000-seat indoor multi-purpose arena, a 60-bed hotel, and a clubhouse.
The project also includes a range of other facilities, such as a 25-metre semi-Olympic swimming pool, training pitches, and outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton. Additionally, the stadium will have parking space for up to 1,000 vehicles, a 1.8-kilometre ring road, approximately 1.5 kilometres of perimeter fencing, utility installations, a sewage treatment plant, information and communications technology systems, landscaping, and security infrastructure.
William Achol, a Lira City resident and Executive Director of Corruption Brakes Crusade, described the progress as encouraging after touring the stadium and its supporting facilities. Achol said he had also inspected other components of the project, including the swimming pool and buildings designed to support the stadium's operations beyond the continental football tournament.
Once completed, the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is expected to provide a major sporting venue for northern Uganda, expanding access to sports facilities while supporting the country's preparations to host AFCON 2027. The project is a significant development for the region, and its completion is eagerly anticipated by local residents and sports enthusiasts.
Key points
- The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is expected to be completed in January 2027.
- The stadium will have a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators.
- The project includes a range of facilities, such as a 2,000-seat indoor multi-purpose arena, a 60-bed hotel, and a 25-metre semi-Olympic swimming pool.
