Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang has clarified the status of the Akii-bua Stadium project ahead of preparations for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Uganda had initially earmarked Namboole Stadium and Hoima City Stadium as its main venues for the continental tournament, while the under-construction Akii-Bua Stadium was widely considered uncertain in terms of readiness.
However, speaking on the floor of Parliament today, Ogwang clarified that Akii-bua Stadium is not being abandoned for the tournament but will instead serve as a backup facility.
“Confederation of African Football (CAF) gave us, the three countries, each to have two stadiums because we are three; they want a total of six stadiums,” Ogwang said.
“But they also advised us to have a backup stadium, and on that note, Akii-bua Stadium is a backup stadium for AFCON 2027. Kenya and Tanzania are also doing the same.”
He added that Uganda’s primary match venues will remain Namboole and Hoima City Stadium, while Akii-bua will be on standby in case of need.
“It’s not that Akii-bua is totally out, but for purposes of this competition, we will have Namboole and Hoima, while Akii-bua is backup. We will have Akii-bua ready by the end of this year,” he said.
The Akii-bua Stadium is part of a major multi-sport complex project valued at Sh470 billion, launched in May 2025 and being constructed by SAMCO.
Once completed, the facility will feature a 20,000-seater main stadium with an athletics track, training grounds with modern changing rooms, a 2,000-seater indoor arena, a 25-metre semi-Olympic swimming pool, and outdoor courts for basketball, netball, volleyball, and badminton.
The development also includes a 1,000-vehicle parking facility, internal road network, ICT systems, sewerage treatment plant, perimeter fencing, security installations, a clubhouse, a 60-room hostel, five sports pitches, and a borehole to support water supply.
Originally, the project had been expected to be completed ahead of February 2027.
Post a comment