Lira, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | A collective identifying itself as “Ger Akii Bua pi AFCON 2027” has declared its intention to take Uganda, the National Council of Sports, and FUFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Their grievance stems from the failure to initiate the construction of Akiibua Stadium.

During a press conference hosted at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Lira City, where they commenced the collection of signatures for a petition addressed to the Confederation for African Football (CAF) and the government, the group expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of Akiibua Stadium from the construction and hosting plans for AFCON 2027. Emphasizing an unwavering stance, they declared that only the construction of Akiibua Stadium would be acceptable for hosting AFCON 2027.

Issa Otto Amiza, leading another faction named ‘Build Akiibua for AFCON 2027,’ called for a review of the Pamoja bid that granted hosting rights to Uganda and other East African countries. He insisted on the necessity for the Ugandan government to construct Akiibua Stadium. Amiza, a former Oyam South MP, asserted that if the government failed to build the stadium, Uganda should forfeit its opportunity to host AFCON.

Denis Obic Awio Ngec-Ngeny expressed bewilderment at the government’s initial inclusion of Akiibua Stadium in its plans, only to retract after CAF’s approval. Sarah Awor Angweri, the Workers’ Councilor of Lira City, characterized the petition as an exposure of the Ugandan government for what the group perceives as a malicious exclusion of Akiibua Stadium from AFCON hosting.

Moses Mawa raised concerns about potential misuse of funds designated for Akiibua Stadium construction, suggesting that another stadium might be presented in its place. Mawa also questioned why President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had not convened a meeting with Lango MPs to address the matter.

Attempts to contact Rogers Mulindwa, the spokesperson for the Pamoja Bid, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.