President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for Mengo’s Lwattamu Mall, a significant project that reflects Uganda’s deep connection to tradition, heritage and progress.
While speaking at the event, President Museveni emphasized the vital role of culture and identity in nation-building, recalling how the Bataka, Balangila and Bambeja stood firmly with the liberation struggle against the regimes of Amin and Obote.
President Museveni called on the Bataka of Buganda to work closely with religious leaders in preserving our traditional values, particularly in areas of language and indigenous foods—pillars of cultural continuity.
The President reiterated that clans are a cornerstone of unity in our society and play an essential role in maintaining cohesion and in a show of solidarity and encouragement, he contributed Ugx 100 million to the Bukesa Abalangila n’Abambeja SACCO, applauding the collaboration between the Balangila and Bambeja as a model for collective advancement.
Meanwhile President Yoweri Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady Maama Janet has today officially launched the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kololo Airstrip where he praised sports for playing a crucial role in personal and national development by fostering discipline, fitness, confidence, teamwork, leadership, unity, patriotism and youth empowerment.
The President noted that sports also enhance public health and reduce crime, additionally boosting the country’s image, attracting investment, creating jobs, inspiring pride and driving both social and economic growth.
The President committed that the Government of Uganda will continue to actively support the sports community to help the youth develop through sports.
The Head of State was joined by the Vice President, Maj Jessica Alupo the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, the Government Chief Whip Hon Denis Hamson Obua, the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Minister of Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda, the Minister of State for Tourism Hon Martin Mugarra Bahinduka and Commissioner General of Prisons DrJohnson Byabashaija.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from August 2nd to 30th 2025 and its unique feature as its triple-host format, co-hosted for the first time by the 3 countrues.
CHAN is a showcase of Africa’s homegrown talent, featuring only players active in their domestic leagues and it’s seen as a preparatory test for the upcoming AFCON 2027, also to be hosted by the East African countries.
In Uganda, the event is a moment of national pride, with upgraded infrastructure and heightened sports tourism expectations and other matches will be played across Dar es Salaam as opening match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Nairobi as final, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums and Kampala in Uganda hosting Group C matches and the third-place playoff at Mandela Stadium
The Minister of State for Sports Hon Peter Ogwang described the event as a milestone in Uganda’s sports tourism journey and a critical rehearsal for AFCON 2027.
