By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Andrew Ojulong has appealed to Government to consider tarmacking access road to the Africa Football Cup of Nations (AFCON) football competitions Training facility located at the university.
“We continue following-up on the tarmacking of the access road to this world-class facility, which will enhance accessibility and maximise its long-term impact, “Dr. Ojulong said in a speech read for him by the Assoc. Prof. Judith Akello Abal, the Dean Faculty of Management Sciences, at the 3rd site meeting on 26th June 2026.
Being a strategic national investment, Dr. Ojulong said, Lira University is honoured to host the state-of-the-art facility, which will serve not only as a key legacy of the AFCON 2027, but also as a long-term asset for sports development, talent nurturing, research, and community engagement.
The Ag. VC lauded the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council of Sports as the Client, the Ministry of Works and Transport as the Supervising Consultant, and the UPDF Engineering Brigade as the Contractor for their commitment to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding and ensuring steady progress on the project.
On maintenance of the facility, Dr. Ojulong said Lira University looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders on its sustainable management and maintenance. “Together, we are building the infrastructure that will inspire generations and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s sporting excellence”, he said.
Eng. Julius Tayebwa is a Senior Civil Engineer at the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) advised the UPDF Engineering Brigade, the Contractor, to speed up the construction for them to beat the deadline.
Eng. Tayebwa said the training ground will be attached to the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium, itself still under construction. He said, under MoU signed, the contractor is supposed to finish the construction in 180 days. Lira University donated the land to the National Council of Sports (NCS).
As will be the case with Kenya and Tanzania, continental football body CAF will inspect Uganda’s progress towards readiness to host AFCON in August and December this year, and the training grounds will be on that agenda along with the main stadiums, and other facilities such as hotels, hospitals and roads, among others.
The UPDF’s Capt. Jimmy Omara said the works progress was commendable and they plan to complete the construction as indicted in the MoU.
Among those present were Nicholas Zirimaya from NCS, Ms Lydia Amongi, Assistant University Secretary, James Opok, Senior Warden and Opolo Peace, Senior Security Officer.