The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon.Anita Among, has warned Members of Parliament from the Lango region to stop politicizing the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, as they have threatened not to vote NRM back into power come 2026.

She made these remarks on November 15, 2023, while responding to MPs from the Lango region who claimed that Akii-Bua Stadium was struck off the list to host AFCON 2027.

This follows the MPs protests against the decision by the government to abandon construction of Akii-Bua Stadium because the region has no roads or airport required to host AFCON 2027, describing the move as a breach of contract against the people of the Lango sub-region despite supporting NRM in the general elections.

She said that the government will not tolerate their blackmail, urging them to refrain from such attempts because they antagonize Uganda and tarnish its image.

“We are not going to tolerate this noise; why didn’t you make these noises during bidding to have Akii-Bua host AFCON?” Among the questions

She urged MPs to love their country and desist from cheap politics, which will not take the country anywhere.

It should be noted that Akii-Bua Stadium will be constructed at whatever cost, but that doesn’t mean the MPs will blackmail the government for votes.

“Let us not attach politics to AFCON with claims that you will not vote NRM in power. First, make sure you have votes before threatening the government,” she added.

Akii-Bua Stadium’s exclusion from AFCON 2027 has sparked a Lango outcry. The government’s choice of Hoima over Lira has raised protests from Issa Otto, the former Oyam South member of parliament, and Tony Otoa.