10/October/2025
by Y.Emma#lcctv reporter
LIRA CITY, UGANDA –The long-awaited Aki Bua Stadium is in its final stages of construction, with officials now projecting a grand opening in the first quarter of 2026. The state-of-the-art facility, named after the legendary Ugandan Olympic champion John Akii-Bua, is poised to become a hub for sports, culture, and economic activity in the Lango sub-region and beyond.
After years of delays and public anticipation, our visit to the site this week confirms significant progress. The imposing 20,000-seater arena now stands complete with its iconic roof, the running track is fully laid, and the lush green turf of the main football pitch is being meticulously nurtured.
“The tangible excitement in the city is palpable,” said Eng. Robert Okello, the Lira City Resident Engineer overseeing the project. “What you see now are the finishing works. We are installing the final bucket seats, testing the state-of-the-art floodlighting system, and commissioning the digital scoreboards. The focus has shifted from major construction to ensuring all systems are operational and world-class.”
The project, funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports, is seen as a fulfillment of a long-standing pledge to decentralize and elevate sports infrastructure in the country.
Local businesses are already feeling the positive ripple effects. Sarah Adongo, who runs a restaurant near the stadium, told us, “The number of workers and visitors coming to see the stadium has increased my customers. We are hopeful that when matches and concerts start, it will be a permanent boom for us.”
The Lira City authorities have begun drafting plans to manage the expected influx of visitors for major events, including traffic flow and security. A newly established local committee is also exploring how to maximize the stadium’s use for community events, youth tournaments, and national celebrations.
For the sporting community, the stadium represents a new dawn. Denis Omedi, Captain of the Lira-based UPL side Lira City FC, expressed his team’s eagerness. “Training here has been a dream. The pitch is fantastic, and the facilities are incredible. This will not only give us a massive home advantage but also inspire a new generation of athletes from the North to dream bigger.”
The Uganda Athletics Federation has already indicated interest in hosting national trials and international track and field events at the venue, citing its modern facilities as a perfect tribute to its namesake, John Akii-Bua, who won gold in the 400m hurdles at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
While the physical structure is nearly complete, the final hurdle lies in the administrative and operational handover. A source within the National Council of Sports confirmed that a joint committee is finalizing the management structure for the stadium to ensure its sustainability post-construction.
As the sun sets on the nearly finished Aki Bua Stadium, it casts a new light on Lira City—a symbol of progress, a catalyst for opportunity, and a long-awaited home for the champions of tomorrow. All eyes are now on the first quarter of 2026 for the official kick-off and starting pistol.
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