Lira City Development Forum Launches One-Million-Signature Petition to Pressure Museveni Over Akii-Bua Access Roads

What the report says

The Lira City Development Forum has begun an online petition seeking one million signatures to push the Ugandan government to start construction of access roads linked to Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City. The petition is addressed to President Yoweri Museveni and is meant to accelerate work on the road network connecting the stadium to the city centre before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, according to Dokolo Post.

Forum president Akeny Emmanuel said during a briefing at Mayor’s Garden in Lira City on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, that the stadium is close to completion and expected to be handed over in January 2027, while the supporting roads have not yet started. He warned that delays could reduce the value of the state’s investment in the stadium. The forum is also urging residents to put pressure on elected leaders, especially MPs, through calls, texts and social media so they can demand updates and accountability.

The group says nine roads are priorities: Won-Nyaci, Lumumba Ogengo, Ireda Shamba, James Ajal, Erute, Dokolo, Moroto, Gapco Odokomit and Boroboro. It says the full plan covers 18.3 kilometres of access roads intended to link the venue with hotels, business areas and other facilities across the city. The forum argues that better infrastructure would help Lira benefit economically from the tournament through tourism, hospitality, entertainment and related services. Construction of the stadium began in May 2025, with main works due by December 2026 and handover planned for January 2027.