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Calls for Transparency on Sports Infrastructure Funds
As the Hoima Stadium nears completion, Speaker Anita Annet Among has raised concerns about the allocation and use of funds for two key sports facilities: Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara and Masaka’s recreation ground. These remarks were made during a plenary session on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, where the House was responding to a statement from the Sports Minister, Peter Ogwang, regarding Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Uganda is set to host the tournament, which begins on August 2, with its first match against Algeria, the previous edition’s finalists, scheduled for August 4 at Namboole Stadium at 8:00 pm.
Among expressed her appreciation for the Hoima Stadium, stating that she had visited the site and was impressed by the quality of the work. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that public funds are used effectively and transparently. “I want to thank the Minister of Sports for the stadium in Hoima. I now know where our money went. The stadium is really good, and works are ongoing. I want to thank you for the sports infrastructure,” she said. She also called for more training grounds in different cities across the country in the next budgeting season.
However, her comments took a critical turn when she addressed the funding for Kakyeka Stadium and the facility in Masaka. “There is the money that the President talked about. Money which was meant for Kakyeka stadium. We want an explanation on what happened to that money. I also know that we gave money to Masaka, we will also want an explanation on what happened,” she stated.
Financial Allocation and Delays in Kakyeka Stadium Upgrade
According to the National Council of Sports (NCS) 2023/24 annual report, the NCS received an appropriation of Sh1.5 billion in the 2023/24 financial year. This funding was intended to upgrade Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara to an artificial turf. However, at the time of the allocation, Kakyeka did not have a project code, which led to complications in the disbursement process.
The report explained that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) temporarily allocated the funds to the NCS retooling project, which already had a project code. It was expected that the funds would be transferred to the Kakyeka project once it was assigned a code. However, the NCS requested the transfer, and the request was submitted to the Development Committee within the same ministry. No response was received, and as a result, the Sh1.15 billion released by MoFPED was eventually returned to the Uganda Consolidated Fund by June 30, 2024.
Masaka Recreation Ground Faces Long-Term Upgrades
Meanwhile, the Masaka Recreation Ground, commonly known as ‘Liiku,’ has been undergoing a major facelift worth Sh16 billion for over a year. This seven-acre facility, which was commissioned by Governor Andrew Cohen in 1954, had not seen any significant upgrades until this recent project.
At the start of last year, Sports Minister Peter Ogwang pledged to conduct a fact-finding visit to assess the value for money of the project. However, the results of his visit have yet to be disclosed publicly. This lack of transparency has raised questions among stakeholders about the progress and effectiveness of the investment.
With the upcoming CHAN tournament, the need for well-maintained and functional sports infrastructure becomes even more critical. As the nation prepares to showcase its capabilities on the international stage, accountability and transparency in the use of public funds remain essential to ensure that such events are not only successful but also serve the long-term interests of Ugandan sports.
