Alright, grab a popcorn and a front-row seat, because we're about to dive into the glorious, dust-filled, hope-sprouting construction site of the Akii-bua Stadium in Lira! The aerial view is out, and folks, it’s giving us feelings.
First off, the contractors say we’re at a solid 30%. Now, to the untrained eye, 30% might sound like you’ve only just managed to find the TV remote after 10 minutes of searching. But in construction terms, especially in Uganda, 30% means they’ve already fought and won a territorial war with the red soil, tamed a few stubborn rocks, and laid down a skeleton that’s making us all do a double-take. The fact that the Egyptian firm SAMCO has never built a stadium before? Psshh! Everybody has a first time. Even your favourite chef once burned a pot of water. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt—this skeleton looks promising!
Now, let's rewind a bit. Remember when East Africa won the AFCON bid? It was like the whole region was invited to a grand party, but when we checked our wardrobe, the only certified "outfit" we had was Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The rest of us were in metaphorical rags. Cue the panic! Then CHAN came along. Many said, "You can't host a party in those clothes! Go and upgrade!" And just like that, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania hit the gym and all are doing well
Look at us now! Uganda is flexing hard. We’ve got Hoima Stadium almost ready to roll, Namboole getting a glamorous makeover (phase 2 and now this state-of-the-art beauty rising in Lango. This one is for the legend, John Akii-Bua. The man who, in 1972 in Munich, gave us our first Olympic gold medal and a reason to chest-thump for decades. If the contractors say October 2026, then by Ugandan time… let’s just say we’re hopeful for 2027! But hey, it could be a surprise, like finding a perfectly cooked chapati in a street vendor's stack.
Initially, Uganda planned to use Hoima and Namboole for AFCON, but Akii-Bua Stadium might just be that dark horse, the substitute who comes on and scores the winning goal. The only small problem? The airport, but do not forget there is Gulu Airstrip that just needs to be upgraded
The project has a secret weapon: Lira Main Hospital is just 1km away. So if a fan gets too excited and their heart can't take the penalty shootout, medical help is a quick dash away. We haven't inspected the hospital's condition, but let's assume it's as "ready" as our stadiums—filled with potential and hope!
And this isn't just a stadium! The project engineer promises a mini arena, basketball and tennis courts, and a swimming pool. It’s basically going to be a sports-themed amusement park. The constructor is also singing a sweet song of "local content," with 90% of the workers from Lira. That’s not just construction; that’s an economic stimulus package!
Mayor Sam Otulu is right—this facility is about to return the lost glory to Lango. Get ready, world, the next generation of Akii-buas is being inspired right now by the sound of bulldozers and the smell of fresh concrete.
This AFCON bid has been the best thing to happen to East African infrastructure since… well, ever. Look at our neighbours: Kenya is polishing Nyayo and Kasarani and building the 60,000-seater Talanta Complex. Tanzania is sitting pretty with Benjamin Mkapa and building another one in Arusha. The future is so bright for East African sports, we might need to wear sunglasses to the matches.
So, to sum it up: The dust hasn't settled, the cranes are still swinging, and our timelines are… optimistic. But the progress is real. We are building, not just stadiums, but dreams. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll finish them all in time for AFCON. The race is on, East Africa! Let the best (and most completed) stadium win
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