Sports stakeholders in Kabale District have decried the lack of improved sports infrastructure, which has hindered sports activities in the region.
This concern was raised during a friendly match between Karubanda Legends FC and staff from K-Town FM, organised by the Deputy RCC Nakawa and son of the soil, Sheikh Kasimu Kamugisha.
The football match, played at St. Paul’s Seminary playground in Kabale Municipality, ended with Karubanda Legends FC winning 3-1.
Sheikh Kasimu Kamugisha emphasised the need for various stakeholders to invest in sports infrastructure, highlighting that Kabale and the Kigezi sub-region at large lack any improved facilities capable of hosting local sports at the national level.
Kamugisha further encouraged the younger generation to embrace sports, citing its potential to generate income and promote physical fitness.
“We need to prioritise sports development in order to tap into the potential of the youth,” Kamugisha said.
Brian Akakwasa, CEO of Kigezi Homeboys, expressed disappointment over the state of sports infrastructure in Kabale, noting that both the government and local authorities have paid little attention to its development.
“This is an indication that sports in the Kigezi sub-region have been neglected. I am calling on different stakeholders to intervene and save the situation,” Akakwasa stated.
Hillary Tumukunde, the team captain of Karubanda Legends FC, attributed the fading out of legendary teams in the region to a lack of funding from both the local community and the government.
Kabale District Deputy Speaker Ian Mugisha called on the community to unite in improving sports infrastructure by supporting local talent, adding that this would prompt the government to intervene and provide support.
Over the years, sports infrastructure in the Kigezi sub-region, particularly in Kabale District, has remained in a worrying state. Facilities like the Kabale Municipal Stadium are especially problematic, becoming unusable during rainy weather.