The State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, revealed on Sunday that the ministry failed to utilise an allocated Shs1.5 billion for upgrading Kakyeeka Stadium in Mbarara City due to an ongoing dispute over the stadium's land title between the city and the district.
“I want to confirm that there was Shs1.5 billion earmarked for the first phase of the Kakyeeka Stadium construction, intended for installing artificial turf, a new pavilion, and improvements to the washrooms and flush toilets,” Minister Ogwang stated.
He further explained, “The challenge arose when a team was sent to engage both the district and the city, but they could not reach an agreement. Consequently, I must confirm that the money was returned to the central government before the procurement process could even begin.”
Ogwang also mentioned that National Housing had agreed to invest an additional Shs1 billion, bringing the total investment to Shs2.5 billion for upgrading Kakyeeka Stadium.
“I had been informed that National Housing had pledged this extra funding, which we unfortunately missed out on. I call upon both entities to sit down and reach an agreement so that sportsmen and women from the region can start benefiting from the improved facility,” he urged.
He noted that Kakyeeka Stadium is included in the Ministry of Education and Sports' development plan, which had promised annual allocations.
However, he lamented, “We are now unable to proceed with this plan.”
In response, Mbarara District Chairman Didas Tabaro denied any obstruction to progress regarding Kakyeeka Stadium, attributing the project's failure to the ministry.
“We have never hindered any progress on Kakyeeka Stadium. Neither the district nor the city has blocked the government’s investment in the stadium,” Tabaro stated.
“I wrote to Minister Ogwang in June this year regarding the stadium, but I have never received a response. There is no conflict; we have had joint meetings and reached agreements. I am disappointed in his statements. Let them not use Mbarara again if they want to squander our money,” Tabaro added.
He challenged Ogwang, saying, “Let him clarify who the complainant is. No one is complaining. The stadium benefits us all, and we want it constructed.”
The National Council of Sports, tasked with implementing the project, visited the district in July and promised to begin work soon, but no progress has been observed since then.