World Bank USMID projects: Five new sports facilities handed over
The World Bank provided a $150 million grant in 2019 to USMID's project to enhance social services, economic opportunities, and environmental management for refugees and host communities.
Five new sports complexes worth more than shs10 billion , sponsored by the World Bank under the USMID initiative, have now been handed over to the government.
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The sporting facilities are located in the refugee host districts of Kiryandongo, Terego, Yumbe, Madi-Okollo, and Kamwenge in mid- western Uganda.
The amenities in each district include a football pitch, netball, basketball, and volleyball courts, as well as a jogging track.
Officials accompanied Peter Ogwang, State Minister in Charge of Sports, from the National Council of Sports to Kiryandongo district to accept finished USMID projects.
"These are critical assets that will help to improve our national sports infrastructure. We are grateful to the World Bank for making this possible in such a short time,"Ogwang remarked.
National Council for Sports attending the handover of the sports complex in Terego.
The minister noted that the sporting facilities would allow both citizens and foreigners in the refugee settlements to improve their athletic abilities, as well as expand the pool of potential.
Martin Jacan Gwokto, Kiryandongo District's Chief Administrative Officer, stated that the investment in sports facilities funded by the World Bank's refugee window component will make the community more inclusive.
"Sports are one of the ways that communities may continue to live together and in harmony. We applaud this investment since locals and refugees are the same people. The benefits to Kiryandongo are numerous," Jacan emphasized.
Wilfred Saka, the Chairperson of Local Council V in Terego's West- Nile area, suggested that the government hire more sports tutors in various disciplines to help professionalize talent.
"Beyond these great structures, we must professionalize our youthful talent so that we can compete across regions and borders. Terego's population is expanding, and we are hosting a large number of refugees.This sports complex is a blessing," Saka stated.
Sports Minister Peter Ogwang( in cap) with other officials during the handover of the facility in Terego.
These facilities are part of a network of 11 districts in Uganda that serve refugees. The USMID program also developed other infrastructure such as community roads, resource centers, and
playgrounds.
"These activities mark the end of the USMID-AF programme closures, and the sports infrastructure is expected to enhance inclusivity in accordance with the project objectives. We anticipate that the beneficiary communities will make the most use of these facilities while ensuring that they are appropriately maintained," said Eng. Olive Nalugo, a USMID representative.
