LIRA CITY: The National Council of Sports is seeking the Lango leadership’s assistance in negotiating with the Ugandan government to secure funding for an international airport in Anai, Lira City.
The proposed airport would greatly benefit the region by facilitating transportation for visitors attending sports events at the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium.
During a recent visit to the stadium’s construction site, Moses Anyii Omara, a board member, urged the Lango Paramount Chief, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, to engage with people residing in the and facilitate the airport’s construction.
Anyii emphasized the importance of cultural leaders resolving any land issues peacefully and highlighted the potential economic benefits for the Lango community.
The construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium has already positively impacted the region, providing employment opportunities for locals. Out of 1,093 workers employed by SAMCO, 80% are Lango natives who are gaining valuable experience and earning a living.
Dr. Benard Patrick Ogwel, the Secretary General of the National Council of Sports, announced that the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium, with a budget of 470 billion, will soon be completed and ready to host various sporting events, both indoor and outdoor. With a capacity of 20,000 people, the stadium will provide a state-of-the-art venue for athletes and sports fans.
Ogwel also revealed that once construction is finished, they plan to erect a memorial for the late John Akii Bua, and invite the Lango paramount chief and President of Uganda to inaugurate the stadium before it is used for the upcoming AFCON tournament in 2027.
Furthermore, Ogwel confirmed that the government has allocated all the necessary funds for the construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium, and there will be no delays in the process. The project will be overseen by construction company SAMCO.
During his own speech, Lango paramount chief Dr. Eng Michael Moses Odongo Okune expressed his gratitude to the NRM government, led by General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for funding the construction of the Olympic stadium in Lango and naming it after the renowned athlete, John Akii Bua, who is known worldwide.
Dr. Odongo emphasized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the government in order to secure more development opportunities for Lango.
He noted that other regions that have had a close relationship with the government have significantly benefited, and Lango should work towards achieving the same level of progress.
Looking ahead to the AFCON tournament in 2027, Dr. Odongo encouraged talented Lango footballers and athletes to utilize the stadium to showcase their skills and bring honor to the late John Akii Bua’s legacy.
At the moment, the Akii Bua Stadium is 25% complete, and there are high hopes that it will be ready to host the 2027 AFCON games.
