Mark Namanya
John Akii-Bua will forever hold mythical status in Ugandan folklore. As Uganda’s first gold medalist, his 400m hurdles achievement at the 1972 Munich Olympics catapulted him to global stardom in a world-record time of 47.82.
Now 54 years after his legendary accomplishment and 29 years after his passing, the revered son of the soil will have his legacy etched in stone when the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is officially opened.
The picture (left) is John Akii-Bua celebrating shortly after winning gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics in world-record time.
It is one of the three national stadiums that the Local Organising Committee has presented to CAF for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel reckons that the naming of the Stadium will preserve Akii-Bua’s legend.
“He was not just Uganda’s first Olympic gold medallist,” Dr Ogwel, ironically a native of Lira, says.
“He was the country’s first superstar. He was a great honour for the government of Uganda and the people of Uganda, and honouring him this way is the most befitting tribute.”
Built on 48 acres, upon completion the 20,000 capacity Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium will be the most endowed sports edifice in the country.
The facility will have a high performance centre with accommodation for athletes and officials, an Aquatic centre of world standard with an outside artificial and natural grass pitch as well as two futsal grounds.
“It will have just about everything that you would want in a stadium,” adds Dr Ogwel.
“It is a smart stadium with the best technology available but it also has a clubhouse and several other auxiliary features that will support its self-sustenance.”
The construction of Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium means that the Lango sub-region and the country will be blessed with first-class sports infrastructure capable of attracting various regional and continental competitions long after the final whistle of AFCON 2027 tournament.
The government has also committed to support the hospitality industry in the sub-region to ensure that the right facilities are in place to support the influx of sports tourists.
Besides Akii-Bua Stadium, training facilities are also being constructed in Lira and Gulu to be used by teams during the tournament.
It helps that the people of Lango sub-region are known to be among the most passionate in the country, and these developments can only enhance the love for sport in the area.
