PRESIDENT MUSEVENI OFFICIATES GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR AKII BUA OLYMPIC STADIUM

Its 'Yoleng' In Lango Region President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated his government's continued advocacy towards sports to benefit the largely youthful Ugandan population. This was during the groundbreaking ceremony of Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira that is lined up as part of Uganda's facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of nations. Ambience It's joy unconfined in many areas of Lango region following the groundbreaking ceremony of Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira by President Yoweri Museveni who was flanked by the first lady and Minister for education and sports Janet Museveni. Ambience Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is a President Yoweri Museveni pledge that came as a result of the wonders by home boy Akii Bua who was Uganda's first Olympic gold medallist. The now deceased former Uganda police officer John Akii Bua ran to the 400m hurdles gold medal at the 1972 Olympic games in Germany; in a then world record 47.82 seconds. His achievement not only elevated him to global status but also highlighted Uganda as a nation that is intent on sports promotion. That gold medal that he won before a global audience transcended generations and is the reason President Yoweri Museveni who is a renowned sports person recognized his efforts and advised a stadium in his name. Byte This stadium will now become a reality after a presidential ground breaking ceremony at which President Yoweri Museveni committed towards sports infrastructure to grow the sector that can absorb millions of youth into gainful employment. Byte The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by the First Lady and Minister for education and sports Janet Museveni who spoke fondly about the upcoming Chan and AFCON tournaments plus government's insistence on sports. Byte The local area leadership that once had a slogan of no Akii Bua no votes now confirm total support to the government because this project will not only cater for sports in future but also employment during its construction. Byte - Jane Ruth Aceng - Minister for Health This $129m stadium that is expected in 20 months is seated on 36 acres and will be a 20-thousand seater that will have football pitches with one athletics track,a multi purpose court,tennis court,hostel and mixed use building and a five aside football playground among others. The construction of this stadium is entrusted to Egyptian firm Samco national construction company under the supervision of national council of sports which under the newly- assented-to-law is the over seer of all government sports infrastructure. Ambience Lira has over the years produced gallant men and women that have graced the sports arena including Julius Acon and Dan Obote from the past and Allan Okello and Denis Omedi now. - Ends- Filed & Run 29th Jan, 2025