GIDEON TUMWIJUKYE
After weeks of standoff over the use of Kabale Municipal Stadium between the Kabale Football Association and the Kabale District NRM Youth League, the matter has finally been resolved.
In a letter dated 8th January 2025, Kabale Municipal Town Clerk, Kassajja Jamiilu Kaiiru, confirmed that the Kabale Football Association had requested to use the stadium on 26th January 2025 and had been granted clearance by the municipal council.
The same letter noted that the Kabale District NRM Youth League had also requested to use the stadium on the same date but was denied clearance as the venue had already been booked. The town clerk advised the NRM Youth League to seek an alternative venue for their event.
This decision prompted the Kabale National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership to hold a crisis meeting on Sunday, where they unanimously agreed to insist on using the Kabale Municipal Stadium. They emphasized the stadium’s historical significance, as it commemorates the execution of three Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) members—Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and David Kangire—who were killed during the struggle to liberate the country.
When contacted, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, stated that no one could stop the NRM’s Liberation Day celebrations and promised to advise the town clerk on the matter.
Subsequently, in a letter dated 22nd January 2025, Town Clerk Kassajja Jamiilu Kaiiru reversed the earlier decision and cleared the NRM to use the stadium. The clearance followed instructions from the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, stated that security has already been heightened to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Meanwhile, the national NRM Liberation Day celebrations will take place in Mubende District.
