Construction of the $129 million Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, northern Uganda, has reached 80 per cent completion as the country intensifies preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

The 20,000-capacity stadium is one of Uganda’s major infrastructure projects ahead of the continental football tournament, with the facility expected to provide modern sporting infrastructure for international competitions and team preparations.

According to report, the stadium project has made significant progress, with construction nearing completion as the three East African countries work towards delivering facilities capable of hosting Africa’s biggest football tournament.

The development forms part of Uganda’s broader preparations for AFCON 2027, which will bring together national teams, officials, supporters and other stakeholders from across the continent.

Modern facilities for football development

The Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium features a hybrid grass pitch, modern sporting infrastructure and a multi-pitch training complex designed to support the preparation of football teams and promote the development of the sport.

The facilities are expected to provide an improved environment for players and coaching staff while offering spectators a modern venue to watch football matches.

The inclusion of a multi-pitch training complex is also expected to support team preparations during major competitions, helping participating teams access suitable training facilities.

With a planned capacity of 20,000 spectators, the stadium will provide Uganda with an additional venue for hosting international football matches and other sporting events.

Uganda steps up AFCON 2027 preparations

Uganda will co-host the 2027 AFCON with Kenya and Tanzania, marking a significant opportunity for the East African region to showcase its sporting infrastructure and organisational capacity.

The tournament is expected to attract some of Africa’s leading national teams, alongside football supporters and other visitors from different parts of the continent.

For Uganda, the completion of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium would represent an important milestone in its preparations, as host countries require suitable venues and supporting facilities to accommodate the demands of a major continental competition.

The progress recorded at the stadium also highlights the country’s investment in sports infrastructure ahead of the tournament.

Long-term benefits for Ugandan sports

Beyond AFCON 2027, the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is expected to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to host international sporting competitions and provide modern facilities for athletes and football supporters.

The infrastructure could also contribute to the development of football by providing a venue for competitive matches, training activities and other sporting programmes.

Its location in Lira City, in northern Uganda, could help expand access to modern sporting facilities beyond the country’s principal urban centres.

The investment also represents an opportunity to improve the country’s sporting profile and create a lasting legacy from hosting the continental tournament.

With construction reportedly at 80 per cent completion, attention will remain on the project’s progress as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania continue preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.