LIRA, Uganda—President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni broke ground for the new Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City on Wednesday.
The $129 million stadium will be built by Egypt's SAMCO National Construction Company and Khater Sports. Construction should take 20 months.
Museveni addressed critics who linked the project to upcoming elections. "Elections based on lies kill your country," he said. He explained delays stemmed from focusing on basic needs like peace and infrastructure.
"We had to deal with peace, food, education, health first," Museveni said. "The delay was not because we didn't care about sports."
The stadium forms part of Uganda's plans to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and...
KAMPALA, Uganda - Uganda denied claims it backs M23 rebels after protesters attacked its embassy in Congo's capital this week.
M23 forces took control of Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, on Tuesday. The rebel victory sparked riots in Kinshasa, where crowds damaged embassies of Uganda, Rwanda, France, and Belgium.
"Uganda has no ties to armed groups in Congo," Foreign Affairs Minister John Mulimba told Parliament Wednesday. He said Congo's government promised to protect Uganda's diplomatic staff.
The Ugandan embassy remains open but lacks a top diplomat. A deputy ambassador leads the mission as Uganda awaits approval for its new ambassador to Congo.
"Our staff continues to work despite these challenges," Mulimba said, responding...
KAMPALA, Uganda - Uganda's spy chief Charles Oluka died Wednesday at age 57. Officials said he passed away at Seguku Hospital after a brief illness.
Deputy presidential spokesman Faruk Kirunda announced the death of Oluka, who led the Internal Security Organisation (ISO). Sources said the spy chief had battled heart problems.
President Yoweri Museveni named Oluka ISO director in October 2020. He took over from Colonel Kaka Bagyenda in a leadership shake-up that also removed Deputy Chief Don Mugimba.
Oluka started his military career in 1987. He earned his commission in 1991 after training at Kaweweta military base.
His education included courses in basic military skills, officer training, staff command, and company leadership. He...
ARUSHA, Tanzania—At a special summit Tuesday, East African leaders urged DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to open talks with M23 rebels.
The leaders said military force alone cannot bring peace to eastern Congo. They asked Tshisekedi's government to meet with M23 and other armed groups to hear their concerns.
Tshisekedi skipped the East African Community (EAC) summit, highlighting tensions over the crisis. He calls M23 terrorists backed by Rwanda and refuses to negotiate.
The United States, Turkey, and Uganda's President Museveni have pressed Tshisekedi to consider dialogue. Their calls come as M23 rebels captured the city of Goma this week.
The rebels, who control much of North Kivu province, warn of serious results if Tshisekedi...
KIGALI/PRETORIA—Rwanda and South Africa traded harsh words Thursday after Rwanda's President Paul Kagame warned that he stands ready to confront South Africa if necessary.
"If South Africa wants peace, that's good. But they can't play peacemaker here," Kagame said on social media platform X. He added Rwanda would match any confrontation from South Africa.
The clash began after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed Rwandan forces and M23 rebels for attacks that killed 13 South African peacekeepers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
"These brave soldiers died serving peace," Ramaphosa said. He accused Rwanda's army and M23 of attacking both Congolese forces and peacekeepers from the Southern African Development...
BANJUL, Gambia - The Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) denied claims of contract interference and illegal payments at Abuko Central Abattoir during a press conference Monday.
The response came after the abattoir manager held a briefing last week to accuse the agency of wrongdoing.
"The GLMA upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism," said Board Chairman Ebrima Cham. He called the claims of contract interference "unfounded" and said all procedures follow legal rules.
Director-General Modou Darboe defended the agency's money practices. "Our records are open for review," he said. "These claims about illegal payments have no basis."
Sang Marget Mendy, who leads technical services at GLMA, stressed the...
BANJUL, Gambia - A key figure in the "No to Alliance" movement claims former President Yahya Jammeh could win the 2026 election if he runs.
Kebba Tumanding Sanneh told reporters Jammeh maintains strong support despite his absence from The Gambia. "He would win the 2026 elections even without campaigning," Sanneh said. "People want his leadership beyond party lines."
Sanneh dismissed concerns about Jammeh's recent audio message, saying it poses no threat to peace. He listed current problems like crime, corruption, and unemployment as more pressing issues for the government to address.
"His audio sparked national talks about security," Sanneh said, noting two robberies occurred shortly after the message aired. "This shows our security...
NPP Official Challenges UDP Youth Leader's Claims on Gambian Progress.
A senior member of Gambia's ruling National People's Party (NPP) has disputed recent statements made by the opposition UDP's National Youth President about the country's current state.
NPP executive Essa Dampha rejected UDP youth leader Hagie Suwaneh's assessment, pointing to several government achievements since 2017. Dampha said President Adama Barrow's administration has created opportunities for youth across public and private sectors.
"The government plans to create 150,000 jobs between 2022 and 2027 through private sector partnerships," Dampha said. He noted that new government institutions and businesses show this initiative's success. The Trade Ministry...
JANJANBUREH, Gambia - The eighth annual Janjanbureh Kankurang and Masquerade Festival drew 5,000 visitors to celebrate Gambian cultural heritage from January 24-26, 2025.
The three-day event featured traditional kankurang masquerades and performances from various regions. Residents welcomed tourists and dignitaries, including regional governors, ministers, and officials from partner organizations.
Central River Region Governor Ousman Bah called the festival "a colorful display of our rich culture." He emphasized how the kankurang tradition symbolizes protection, strength, and unity within the community.
Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y Badjie praised the festival's role in preserving cultural identity. "Culture plays a key role in...
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