Minister of State for Education and Sports Peter Ogwang has called on private investors to establish quality four- and five-star hotels in Lira City as construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium reaches 80 percent completion.
Ogwang said the growing sports infrastructure in the city will create new opportunities for the hospitality sector, particularly as Uganda prepares to host major international sporting events.
The minister made the remarks after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium and the Lira University Training Pitch alongside Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Sam Engola, as well as Lira City and district leaders.
“I call upon private investors to take advantage of the opportunities in Lira by investing in quality four- and five-star hotels to supplement the sports infrastructure,” Ogwang said.
According to Ogwang, construction works at the 20,000-seater Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium are ahead of schedule, with overall progress now at about 80 percent.
“I am pleased to report that works at Akii-Bua are ahead of schedule, with overall progress now at about 80 percent. The 20,000-seater facility is steadily taking shape, including the main stadium, indoor arena, swimming pool, clubhouse, hostel, tennis courts and training pitches,” he said.
The stadium is among Uganda’s flagship sports infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and is expected to transform Lira City’s sporting and economic landscape once completed.
Ogwang said the Government is also working closely with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure that the facilities meet the required standards.
“Government is working closely with CAF to ensure that the facilities meet the required standards,” he said.
The minister said the development of the stadium should be matched with investment in accommodation and other hospitality facilities to cater for visitors, teams, officials and fans expected to travel to Lira for major sporting events.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to expanding modern sports infrastructure across the country.
“The Government of Uganda remains committed to delivering world-class sports infrastructure for Uganda,” Ogwang said.
