Last Updated on: 10th November 2023, 08:44 pm
A local adage widely used by Lango people says “A stick far away can’t kill a snake” and indeed it’s very true.
Some wise people have always said, “Start with what you have and grow big”.
Now, with the two above adages appearing to be one or two of the only options, Lango people have started constructing for themselves a perimeter wall and levelling playfield on the controversial proposed Akii-bua Olympic stadium’s land.
Worth knowing that what Lango people are doing for themselves now is a government multi-billion project, which besides stalling for decades, has had controversies.
This was after Parliament queried how over shillings 600 million given to Lira district local government for preliminary works was mis[used].
As per the fund’s allocation, both Lira district local government nor the central government didn’t include the Akii-bua Olympic stadium construction in their immediate plan and too, in the 2019/2020 fiscal year budgets.
What stands as of now is a simple pavilion, pit latrines, and access roads – all done, thanks to the government.
‘We can’t wait’
Speaking to TND News on Friday morning, Francis Ogema Awany – one top mobilizer and an ardent supporter of Lango Province Team in the popular Fufa Drum Competitions says they couldn’t wait.
He refuted reports indicating that Lango is “building the entire Akii Bua Olympic Stadium”, revealing that an alternative playground is what is being worked on.
“We are doing it as Lango. We took the initiative because we can’t wait for the local government’s decision and it has not been planned for,” he says.
Mr. Ogema added: “UTC Lira playground is worn out and so many activities taking place there. FUFA gave us conditions that they want a green field with a perimeter fence.”
Asked how they’re getting funds to do the work, he says, “We are picking by ourselves and some wellwishers are contributing”. About shillings 22 million is required for perimeter fence.
Asked if after Lira district LC5 chairman, Alex Patrick Oremo Alot used his powers to allow Lango Province Team management ‘develop the stadium’ and be used for Province footballing activities, there is any more political support from Lango MPs, Ogema said “We are not begging anybody for help”.
“We are not looking for everybody and we can’t beg anybody. If Lango Parliamentary Group (LPG) want, let them come,” Ogema sounded on the phone, Thursday.
He applauded Lira district for giving them “more than what anybody has given”.
According to him, what they’re doing now is out of “passion for football”.
In his message to TND News Friday afternoon, Denis Hamson Obua, the Ajuri County MP in Alebtong district applauded the local initiative.
Mr. Obua, who is also the Lango Province Team Head of Delegation briefly said: “As we wait for the promised construction of Akii Bua Stadium to start by the government, I support the local initiative by the people of Lango to have the stadium.”
This preparation is also following the FUFA selection of Lango and Acholi subregions as hosts of the Fufa Drum quarterfinals due next month.
Both Lango and Acholi Provinces progressed to the quarterfinals after quality displays at group stages.