Members of Parliament (MPs) on Uganda’s budget committee have called on the government to prioritize the construction of Akii-Bua Stadium as one of the venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games. The request follows the presentation of a budget projection, allocating UGX 100 billion for the construction of the 30,000-seater Akii-Bua Stadium. The chairperson of the Committee on Education and Sports, John Ntamuhiira, emphasized the need for the Ministry of Finance to commit additional funding for the stadium.
While reading the committee report, Ntamuhiira recommended that the ministry allocate UGX 380 billion to the National Council of Sports for the construction of Hoima Stadium. However, some legislators expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed budget, particularly the allocation for Akii-Bua Stadium. Paul Omara, an independent MP from Otuke County, criticized the perceived relegation of Akii-Bua Stadium in the budget report, urging the government to prioritize its construction for the AFCON 2027 games.
Omara highlighted the importance of Akii-Bua Stadium, emphasizing that the proposed budget did not give it sufficient priority. He urged a reconsideration of the allocation, stating that the Greater East region has a significant number of footballers and fans. Maxwell Akora, a UPC MP from Maruzi County, emphasized the symbolic significance of Akii-Bua, the first Ugandan to win an Olympic gold medal, and expressed concern about the perceived marginalization of the Northern region.
The committee also recommended a provision of UGX 110 billion for the construction of 11 training grounds for the 2027 AFCON games and additional funding of UGX 114 billion to cover commitment fees under the PAMOJA bid. Ntamuhiira emphasized the importance of fulfilling requirements by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to avoid the revocation of the AFCON bid.
The MPs’ calls reflect concerns about the equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure development, particularly in regions with historical significance in Ugandan sports. The government will need to carefully consider these recommendations to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach to sports infrastructure development.
