By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
The State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, officially launched the construction of the Lira University sports training pitch on 1st May 2026, marking another step in the preparations for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under the “Pamoja” bid.
The project, to be implemented by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, will cost 13.2 billion shillings. He said the investment, a boost to the sports sector, aims to promote talent development, meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, and position Uganda to host future international competitions.
On the standard requirement, the Minister said the training venue must have grass surface to comply with CAF regulations, with the Contractor, the UPDF Engineering Brigade being responsible for the construction work to complete the site works within six months from May 2026.
The Minister noted that the project ensures Lira University will have modern infrastructure for training and future university sports development. “My next task or challenge will be the tarmacking access road to the pitch, using murrum road to access the Training Facility…..not possible, and as stakeholders we have to put our heads together for this next project of the road,” he said.
Related to this, the President, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while officiating at the Lira University’s 1st Graduation Ceremony in 2019, pledged to tamarack the 24-Km Lira University internal roads, a promise that remains unfulfilled to date.
Lira University Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Andrew Ojulong(in jacket and tie), Deputy Bursar, CPA Anthorny Elemu and Senior Warden, Mr. Opok James Bond(wearing a coat), pose for a group photo with UPDF Engineering Brigade Team during the launch.
Hon. Ogwang revealed that the Lira University Training Facility project is part of a nationwide initiative to build seven specialized training grounds, executed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade within a 6-month timeline to meet CAF standards for the tournament.
On the scope of work, he said, the construction includes the pitch itself and potential improvements to surrounding infrastructure, aiming for a lasting legacy for the university and its community.
The Sports Minister explained that Akii Bua Olympic Stadium will be supported by training pitches at Lira and Gulu Universities, plus one at Pece Stadium. “Tamacking the Corner Aboke-Iceme-Gulu road project is in high gear, we must do it, no doubt, “he explained.
He urged Lira University Management to start planning and working on maintenance budgets for the post-AFCON period.
“During the construction, the students and staff should be trained on maintenance skills to avoid contracting foreigners to do the work after the completion of the project. Let the money be sunk here, in this community, but not hiring foreigners to do what our children can do,” Minister advised.
Hon. Ogwang encouraged business communities to build 5-star hotels to accommodate players and their supporters. “We need more than 2000 rooms here in Lira….5-star hotels. There are more international sports competitions that will be hosted in Uganda, Lira inclusive. Please construct these accommodation facilities in Lira and elsewhere in the region, there is no loss in such big investments” he said, adding the accommodation facilities will be used before and after the AFCON.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Andrew Ojulong lauded President Museveni and his government for always supporting Lira University infrastructure development activities, among others. “We are happy and appreciate this sports infrastructure project. It will definitely support sports training programmes of the university and its community, “ Dr. Ojuong said.
While speaking on behalf of the University Council Chairperson, Mr. Bosco Onyik, also the Council Member, praised the National Council of Sports(NCS) for including Lango subregion in the AFCON projects. “Lango have been waiting and waiting for the Akibua Stadium construction, and it has come. We are grateful to NCS for this positive gesture,” he said.
Mr. Onyik, the former chairperson NCS, and currently the Chairperson Appointment Board at Lira University noted that the sports facilities being constructed in the subregion will boost skills training and Lango will definitely regain its international status in sports performance.
Lira City Mayor, Hon. Atul Sam encouraged the Contractor to adhere to the project timeline and complete the construction within a record period of 6 months. He noted that Lira City and the entire Lango will be happy if all the sports facilities here are done with the quality and standards specified.
The National Council for Sports (NCS) was led by Chairman Ambrose Tashobya together with General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, among others.
Tashobya underscored the importance of partnering with universities to create an AFCON legacy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to funding the projects. He said the facility is designed to serve as a high-standard training ground for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The UPDF Engineering Brigade’s Lt. Col. Engineer Peter Sseku Kidemuka confirmed they had already received Shs13.2b to start work at the Lira University ground. “During the construction of the pitch, we shall also use local expertise and materials from this sub region,” Kidemuka said.
