The government has confirmed Akii Bua Stadium in Lira city as not among the three sporting facilities to be upgraded to host AFCON matches.
This was revealed on Monday, November 13, 2023, by the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, during the morning political talk show on Radio-Voice of Lango in Lira city.
According to Ogwang, whereas Akii Bua Stadium was among the proposed facilities to be upgraded, it has been excluded due to the recommendations from the national committee that was selected to conduct a preliminary inspection.
He said that, Akii Bua Stadium will now be upgraded under a different program in a phased manner, which may kick off in the coming financial year, but not specifically to host AFCON matches.
The minister noted that, Akii Bua Stadium was technically knocked out of the proposed facilities due to a lack of airport and hospitality facilities.
This has, however, attracted bitter reactions from both leaders and residents of the Lango sub region.
Col. (RTD) Tony Otoa, the former Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Institution, described it as a mistake to exclude Akii Bua Stadium from the list of proposed facilities to be upgraded by the government.
“Imagine we have been pushing the issue of Akii Bua Stadium from the 6th Parliament when I was a member. I believe Akii Bua Stadium won’t be built under this regime. Why do they only bring up the issue of upgrading Akii Bua during the election period?” Col. (RTD) Otoa said.
Isa Otto Amiza, a former Oyam South County MP, said that, they are contemplating demonstrations to protest the government’s decision to exclude Akii Bua Stadium from the list.
The government has finally zeroed on Namboole, Hoima, and Nakivubo Stadiums to host AFCON matches.
