MP Acuti Demands Equal Infrastructure for Backup Stadium, Questions Exclusion of Key Access Roads

What the report says

Dokolo Post reports that Kole North MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti used a parliamentary sitting on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to challenge the exclusion of several roads from Uganda’s AFCON 2027 infrastructure plan. He specifically questioned why the Corner Ayer, Corner Aboke, and Iceme to Bobi roads were not listed among routes earmarked for construction, saying the omissions affect links to Akii Bua Stadium in Lira City.

According to the article, the Minister of Works and Transport had already released a list of access roads to support the tournament, including routes serving Hoima Stadium and Namboole Stadium. Acuti argued that Akii Bua, identified as a backup venue, should receive supporting infrastructure comparable to that of the main host sites. He said roads connecting Lira to nearby transport points, including Gulu Airfield, are important for the stadium’s use.

The MP told Parliament that he and other legislators had raised the issue in discussions with the sports and works ministries and asked the Prime Minister to convene a multi-ministry meeting. He also suggested a meeting with the president to help resolve the matter, saying the issue has both economic and political significance.

Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth then sought clarification, and Minister Peter Ogwang said the road works fall under the Ministry of Works and Transport. He said the government is aware of the AFCON 2027 timetable and that the concerns are being handled through technical committees. More broadly, the dispute reflects the pressure on government to balance major tournament preparations with infrastructure needs in secondary host areas.