By Chris Woo
Addressing hundreds of sports enthusiasts and dignitaries at Akibua Memorial Stadium on the second day of his wealth creation countryside tour, President Yoweri Museveni explained that the construction of Akibua Memorial Stadium had been delayed due to the prioritization of security stabilization.
The explanation came in response to widespread criticism from the Lango sub-region regarding the government’s delay in constructing the Akibua Olympic Stadium. Many in the Lango community had criticized the government, with some even threatening to vote against the NRM party, including Museveni, if the stadium was not built. Museveni dismissed this as cheap opposition propaganda aimed at gaining popularity.
During the event, Museveni pledged to donate a bus to Lango Province, following a request by Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, who is also the Lira City Woman Member of Parliament. Aceng emphasized the need to support Lango Province with a bus, as well as funding other upcoming clubs in the big leagues and regional leagues to develop young talented players.
Janet Kataaha Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports, revealed that the stadium, estimated to cost US$129 million (approximately Shs470 billion), would be constructed by SAMCO National Construction Company. The project is expected to be completed within 20 months.
Furthermore, Mrs. Museveni stated that the 20,000-seat capacity stadium, along with other stadiums being built in the country, aims to host the African Cup of Nations and benefit future generations. She challenged the contractor, SAMCO National Construction Company Limited, to ensure value for money.
In a memo presented by Hon. Judith Alyek, the Kole Woman Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, Lango leaders expressed their sincere gratitude to President Museveni for commissioning the Akibua Stadium in memory of the late John Akibua, Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist.