Leaders in Jinja are currently divided on the venue to host the national Liberation Day celebrations, scheduled for January, 26.
The leaders are split over whether the celebrations should be held within or outside of the city.
Whereas one group wants the event held at Wakitaka play grounds in Mafubira sub-county, another wants the national celebrations held at Jinja Secondary School in Jinja City.
The debate is around whether the event should be held at a venue that is convenient for dignitaries with access to nearby hotels or at one that will give locals an experience of national functions presided over by the president.
The national organizing committee, including the state minister for land and urban development, Persis Namuganza, the third prime minister Rukia Nakadama,the minister for presidency, Milly Babalanda, Nathan Igeme Nabeta-NRM chairperson and Jinja South East Mp, was forced to visit the two venues before coming up with a conclusive decision.
Later, the committee lead by the minister for presidency opted for Wakitaka venue which left some of the leaders in Jinja city unhappy but with no option.
Speaking to NilePost, the chairperson and the MP Jinja South East Nathan Igeme Nabeta said that disagreeing is normal and asked all leaders to put aside their differences to work together for the good of the party and the event.
The state minster for lands and urban development Hon Persis Namuganza encouraged the people of Busoga to turn up in large numbers to welcome Ugandans who are expected in thousands to attend the event.
The minster for presidency Milly Babalanda asked the residents to prepare to tap into the economic dividends that accompany such events as well as display the highest level of hospitality which is Busoga’s trademark.
“The multiplier effects will be immense trickling down even to the lowest person with hotel bookings, restaurants, vendors, transporters like bodaboda motorists and food sellers,"Babalanda said.
The national coordinator for sports in the office of the National Chairman NRM Saint Meri said that there will be several sports activities in Bugembe stadium as part of the celebrations.
