The Uganda Sports Union (USU) is asserting its ownership of the land, creating a dispute with the National Council of Sports (NCS), which currently administers the property in a development that might prolong the planned redevelopment of the Lugogo sports complex.
USU claims ownership of the land earmarked for the redevelopment, leading to a standoff with NCS, the current land administrator. The dispute came to a head on Wednesday, January 10, when the Minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba, convened a meeting with representatives from both NCS, led by General Secretary Bernard Ogwel and Administrative Secretary Shadia Nakamanya, and USU lawyers. Select federations and associations that were once part of the union also participated in the meeting to address the ownership issue.
However, the meeting held at the ministry headquarters on Parliament Avenue in Kampala proved inconclusive, with Minister Nabakooba pledging to reconvene discussions with the involved parties.
Late last year, local media had the opportunity to review the architectural plan for the upcoming complex, intended to replace the existing structures on the disputed land.
USU claims to have held ownership of the land since 1957 when it was entrusted to them for development. However, the member associations that constituted the union have disbanded, and their responsibilities are now under NCS. Associations such as the Uganda Amateur Boxing Association, Uganda Cricket Association, Uganda Lawn Tennis Association, Uganda Hockey Association, and Uganda Football Association are no longer part of the union. Some have evolved into federations, while others lack certificates of incorporation with USU.
An official from one of the federations, requesting anonymity, expressed the desire for NCS to continue administering the land in Lugogo. The official argued that NCS is best suited for the redevelopment and administration of the complex, emphasizing that the union’s motives remain unclear.
The renovation project is estimated to cost sh790 billion, and the Turkish contractor Suma has received political approval from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to commence the work. Upon completion, the complex will feature two arenas (seating 15,000 and 3,000 respectively), a swimming pool, hostels accommodating 120 and 60 people, a hockey pitch, and NCS offices.
The sports fraternity has welcomed the renovation, with State Sports Minister Peter Ogwang championing the initiative, recognizing the potential for Ugandan athletes to achieve international acclaim with modern sports facilities. Ogwang emphasized the need to prioritize the development of facilities like the Lugogo sports complex during a national sports forum last year.
