EDITOR
Efforts to complete the long-awaited construction of Rukungiri Stadium have been revived following a formal funding request submitted to the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang. The request, authored by Dr. Rutahigwa Elisa, Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, seeks government intervention to transform the stadium into a fully functional facility.
The stadium, which spans approximately eight acres, began construction during the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 financial years under the joint efforts of Rukungiri Local Government and the then Rukungiri Town Council. Progress stalled, however, following the abolition of the graduated tax, leaving the project incomplete for over two decades.
Dr. Rutahigwa highlighted the current state of the stadium, which, despite being in use, lacks essential facilities such as proper sanitation. He called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to deploy a technical team from the National Council for Sports to assess the stadium’s status and identify its immediate needs.
In his letter, Dr. Rutahigwa also appealed for government funding to ensure the project’s completion. “The stadium holds immense potential to enhance sports development and community engagement in Rukungiri Municipality and beyond,” he stated.
The proposal has been forwarded to key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Secretary of the National Council for Sports, for consideration.
As efforts to revive the completion of Rukungiri Stadium gain momentum, concerns have surfaced among residents about the alleged neglect of the facility by the Rukungiri Municipality leadership, headed by Mayor Charles Makulu. Locals claim the stadium, which serves as a vital recreational and revenue-generating asset, has been left in a deteriorating state with visible cracks due to poor maintenance.
Community members expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of accountability and commitment from municipal authorities. They highlighted that the stadium, which hosts various business events such as trade shows, generates significant revenue for the municipality—reportedly over one million Ugandan shillings per day during such events.
“It is disheartening to see the municipal council collecting revenue from this stadium without reinvesting in its maintenance,” one resident lamented. “The stadium is a community resource, but its current state is an embarrassment.”
Sources indicate that questions have been raised about how the stadium’s revenue is utilized, as there is little to show in terms of upkeep or improvements. The stadium’s deteriorating condition has heightened calls for transparency and accountability in managing the funds generated from this critical facility.
If funded, the completion of Rukungiri Stadium could significantly boost local sports and serve as a cornerstone for community events, promoting youth talent and fostering unity in the region.
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