By Isaac Otwii
The construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is making steady progress, with 90 percent of the earthworks now completed, marking a significant step toward the realization of the multi-sports complex.
The contractor has moved into the next crucial phase of drilling spaces for pillar installation, which will form the foundation for the main structures of the stadium.
Engineers on-site confirmed that once this process is complete, the focus will shift to erecting the pillars, setting the stage for the next phase of construction.
The ongoing works include levelling the ground, compacting the soil, and strengthening the foundation to ensure the stadium can support its 20,000-seat capacity, athletic track, indoor arena, and other sports facilities.
The $129 million project, which was handed over to Egyptian construction firm SAMCO in December, is expected to be completed within 20 months.
The stadium is part of Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where it will serve as one of the host venues alongside Mandela National Stadium in Namboole and Hoima Stadium.
The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is named in honor of John Akii Bua, Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist, who won the 400m hurdles at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Once completed, it will feature:
- A 20,000-seat main stadium
- A 2,000-seat indoor sports arena
- A full-sized football field with modern changing rooms
- A semi-Olympic 25-meter swimming pool
- Outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton
- A 1,000-vehicle parking facility
- A 60-bed hostel for athletes
- State-of-the-art ICT infrastructure
With Uganda gearing up to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, the progress of Akii Bua Stadium is seen as a crucial step in meeting the tournament’s requirements.
The government has also committed to upgrading Gulu International Airport to support the stadium’s accessibility, in line with CAF’s requirement that all host venues must be within 200 km of an international airport.
As construction advances, sports stakeholders in Lango Sub-Region remain hopeful that the stadium will transform the area into a sporting hub, offering opportunities for young athletes while boosting local economic growth.
