UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Members of Parliament have requested the Ministry of Education and Sports to create a master plan for the development of regional stadiums across the country to aid in nurturing talent.
In early April, MPs requested an update from Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports, on the progress of the Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal City, estimated to cost about 238.669 billion Shillings, and the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City, estimated to cost about USD 48 million (about 179 billion Shillings).
Ogwang updated Parliament on the proposed construction of Buhinga Stadium in Kabarole District and Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City.
“A report on feasibility studies, concept design, and environmental and social impact assessments was submitted to the Ministry of Finance awaiting for funds to commence construction of Buhinga and Akii Bua,” Ogwang added.
Ogwang said Buhinga Stadium is designed to host 26,000 people with two netball courts, two volleyball courts, two handball courts, two basketball courts, an artificial turf, three tennis courts, a fitness centre and a hotel all to cost US$64 million.
The proposed 30,000-seater Akii Bua Stadium upon completion will have an athletics track, two netball courts, two volleyball courts, two basketball courts, two handball courts, an artificial turf, three tennis courts and a swimming pool.
MPs argue that while the Government has initiated the development of these two stadia based on Presidential pledges made in 2010 and 2012, respectively, the Ministry should develop a master plan to create other regional stadia to generate non-tax revenues for the country and guide the government in wooing investors rather than relying solely on Presidential pledges.
Solomon Silwany, Bukooli Central Member of Parliament in Bugiri District, states that it is long overdue for the country to have a master plan guiding the development of stadia because most of these facilities have deteriorated, which is detrimental to sports lovers in the country.
Additionally, Rosemary Nyakikongoro, the Sheema District Woman Member of Parliament, suggests that the Government can expand its revenue base by investing in the redevelopment and upgrading of stadia in the country.
Redevelopment and Upgrade of Mandela National Stadium
Ogwang also revealed that the renovation and upgrade of the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole to international standards has been affected by delays in the release of funds.
Since March 2022, the UPDF Engineering Bridge has been redeveloping the Mandela National Stadium Namboole to meet requisite international standards.
Ogwang said whereas Parliament approved the budget in the 2021/2022 financial year, the money was released late. As a result, only 32 per cent of civil works have been completed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, with procurement at 68 per cent.
In the Financial Year 2021/2022, Parliament approved 31 billion Shillings and additional supplementary funding of 67.2 billion for the renovation and upgrade of the stadium with a seating capacity of 45,202.
“Parliament approved Shs31billion and a supplementary funding of Shs67.2 billion in the 2021/2022 financial year for the construction of a boundary wall, renovation and upgrade but the stadium received funds in July 2022,” Ogwang said.
The minister said the ongoing works will hopefully satisfy the requirements for Uganda to host international tournaments such as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
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