The latest on Akii Bua Olympic Stadium construction

Speaking to a group of sports journalists on April 29, Mahamad Nazih, project manager of SAMCO Construction Company, an Egyptian company hired to build Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, stated that the work can be completed within the project timeline.

SAMCO and the Ugandan government agreed that twenty (20) months would be sufficient for completion.

However, Nazih believes the work can be completed in less time than expected.

“We are in the process of piling holes and making concrete for the stadium’s foundation,” he said, revealing that 8% of the work has been completed so far.

He added that resource mobilization is currently at 85%.

Shara Ajok, technical officer and planner, stated that the earthworks or ground levelling have been completed, a significant step toward realizing the multi-sports complex, which will include a 20,000-seat main stadium and a 2,000-seat indoor sports arena.

The stadium will also feature a semi-Olympic swimming pool, as well as basketball, volleyball, netball, and badminton courts. Among other provisions, there will be parking spaces for at least 1,000 vehicles.

Ajok stated that the contractor has completed the earthworks and is now drilling holes for pillar installation, with the focus shifting to erecting pillars, paving the way for the next phase of construction.

“The stadium construction is expected to be completed within 20 months,” Ajok added.

She highlighted one challenge: electricity, stating that their only source is the generator. However, she is hopeful that electricity will be connected soon because the company has already brought transformers that are ready to be installed.

In terms of employment, Rebecca Adera, who is currently working as an assistant human resource manager, stated that the company prioritizes recruitments (human resources) from the Lango sub-region, with at least 60% of employees recruited from the north.

According to Adera, recruitment is based on demand and departmental needs, and it follows standard processes.

“The project aims to boost economic transformation in the region while also providing opportunities for young athletes,” she explained.

Mary Adongo, a resident of Kwania district, is working on the site. She stated that the job was given without the exchange of money. “We are eating well, with the necessary requirements,” Adongo said.

Francis Opono, a health and safety officer, stated that every new employee receives a safety induction.

The NRM government has promised Lango and the country in general that the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium will be ready for AFCON tournaments in 2027.

Last year, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania won a joint bid to host Africa’s premier football tournament.