The government has made a U-turn on its commitment to construct Akii-Bua Stadium to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

In November, the government committed to constructing the Stadium in Lira City, but not specifically for hosting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. The State Minister for Education and Sports Peter Ogwang, said that while Akii-Bua and Buhinga stadiums will be constructed, they will not host the AFCON games. Instead, a new stadium will be built in Hoima.

According to Ogwang, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) guidelines state that stadiums hosting the games must be within a 50-kilometer radius of an international airport and have Five Star Hotels.

However, speaking in Lira on Thursday, Ogwang disclosed that the stadium will be constructed within 22 months and be ready for hosting the 2027 games.

Ogwang who was in the company of officials from SAMCO Egypt, the construction company which was awarded the contract to construct the stadium was addressing hundreds of fans and local leaders of Lango at the Akii-Bua playground.

According to Ogwang, the government has been prioritizing other activities as well as engaging various stakeholders to secure funding for the project.

He was however quick to note that, the government is yet to officially sign a formal contract and fulfill other requirements like a provision of a water source, power, and access roads for the contractor to use before the physical works begin.

Sam Atul, the Mayor of Lira City tasked all stakeholders to join hands with the government to recognize the contribution of the late John Akii-Bua by ensuring that the stadium is constructed in his honor.

Leaders and activists in Lango have been up in arms with the government over the construction of the stadium. The government has been searching for a new contractor since March 2023 when the Chinese government announced its withdrawal from funding the construction of Akii-Bua and Buhinga.