By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
MPs from Lango sub-region under the umbrella of Lango Parliamentary Group emergency meeting has resolved to give government an ultimatum of seven days to re-instate Akii-Bua stadium as one of the stadium to host AFCON 2027.
The resolution was made on Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 in a meeting convened following a statement by the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang indicating that Akii-bua Stadium has been excluded from the list of stadiums to host the 2027 AFCON games.
The ultimatum took effect from Midnight Tuesday, 14th November, 2023.
The Lango Parliamentary Group General Secretary, Dr Samuel Opio Acuti said the meeting also resolved to consider collecting 1 million signatures to petition CAF over the decision by the government against the initial plan to construct Akii-bua Stadium.
Following the successful joint bid by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania to host AFCON 2027, Akii-Bua Stadium and Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal were initially submitted as part of the government’s plan for constructing additional stadiums.
However, the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, clarified that despite the planned construction of Akii-Bua and Buhinga stadiums, neither would host the AFCON games. Instead, a new stadium in Hoima would be constructed, in compliance with Confederation of African Football (CAF) guidelines.
Samuel Opio (Kole North) described the abandonment of the construction of Aki-Bua stadium as breach of contract against the 2.5million people of Lango sub-region & questioned Uganda’s preparedness to host AFCON if Government has abandoned construction of Aki-Bua stadium because it has no funds for such an investment.
Ogwang says government has taken the decision because the region has no roads & airport required to host AFCON 2027.
The MPs have now described the move as a breach of contract against the people of Lango sub-region despite supporting NRM in the general elections.
Tony Ayoo (Kwania County) wondered why the aspirations of the 2.5million people in Lango sub-region should be sidelined in preference for Hamis Kiggundu, who has fronted Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, yet his premises are so squeezed and could force closure of businesses down town Kampala.
Hon. Felix Ogong: I want to make it clear that the issue of Akii Bua Stadium is live wire in Lango. I want to advise my President and Chairman not to step on that live wire.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among has warned MPs from Lango sub-region against blackmailing Gov’t with votes over reports that Aki-Bua stadium was struck off list to host AFCON 2027, saying that any attempts to antagonize Uganda’s bid will likely tarnish Uganda’s image at the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
