President Yoweri Museveni has tasked the Minister of Sports, Peter Ogwang to explain why Akii Bua Stadium will not host the AFCON 2027 tournament, as Uganda prepares to co-host the competition scheduled for next year.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, during the NRM MPs’ Retreat at National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi district, Dr Samuel Opio Acuti, Member of Parliament for Kole North also general secretary of LPG, told President Museveni that they have received information indicating that Akii Bua Stadium will not be part of AFCON.
He noted that critical infrastructure such as the corner Ayer and Aboke, the Iceme-to-Bobi road, and Gulu Airfield—which is supposed to be upgraded—along with accommodation facilities that had been promised, have not been considered in the project.
Dr Acuti further told Museveni that aside from that, they have seen funds allocated for the upgrade of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, but nothing has been given for Lira Regional Referral Hospital upgrade.
Also read: “Lango Akii Bua Stadium roads”: Museveni orders release of funds
The Kole North MP stated that billions of shillings have been allocated for facility upgrades in Hoima ahead of the tournament, yet the same has not been done for Lira or the Lango sub-region.
MP Dr Opio also used the platform to thank the NRM government under President Museveni for ensuring that Akii Bua Stadium is constructed in Lango, as they had expected it to host AFCON.
Acuti appealed to the President, saying: “For us to protect the gains in Lango, which gave you 84% of the votes. I encourage you, Mr President, to let these projects proceed—whether we are going to host AFCON or as we prepare to be ready for the World Cup—by starting with the necessary facilities.”
In response to MP Acuti’s message, President Yoweri Museveni immediately ordered Minister Peter Ogwang to explain why Akii Bua Stadium is not part of the project.
According to Ogwang, Akii Bua Stadium is a “backup stadium” for both Namboole, which has over 45,000 seats, and Hoima.
Museveni immediately ordered the release of funds for road construction and the upgrade of the airfield required to enable Akii Bua Stadium to host the AFCON 2027 tournament.
He directed his Private Secretary to bring the necessary documents for his signature so that works on Corner Aboke via Iceme to Bobi, and Gulu Airfield, can begin to support Akii Bua for AFCON.
Minister Ogwang told Museveni that a number of amenities are needed for the stadium to qualify to host the competition.
Ogwang added that the reason Akii Bua Stadium was placed on standby was due to a lack of adequate roads, an airfield, and a five-star hotel—all of which require significant funding to be completed on time.
He clarified that designating Akii Bua as a backup stadium means it can still host AFCON matches.
Ogwang added that other works are already underway, such as the construction of training facilities at Lira University, Gulu University, and Pece Stadium, as funds for those projects are readily available.
