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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23920, member: 2262"]
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 Tanzania. To meet AFCON requirements, Uganda must build three stadiums: Namboole, Nakivubo, and Akii-Bua.

Janet Museveni, the Education and Sports Minister, praised the timing of the project. "These facilities will serve beyond the AFCON tournament," she said. She outlined plans for more stadiums in Hoima, Buhinga, and Kakyeka.

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng thanked the public for attending on short notice. She highlighted the Lango region's strong sports culture, noting local players compete in national teams.

The ceremony included Gender Minister Betty Amongi, Northern Uganda Minister Kenneth Omona, and former Egyptian diplomat Mohamed El-Hamzani.

The government promises to build smaller regional stadiums in phases. The Akii-Bua project honors Olympic champion John Akii-Bua and supports Uganda's AFCON hosting duties.
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