The Ugandan government is set to transform the Lugogo Cricket Oval into a modern Multipurpose Sports Complex aimed at boosting the country’s sports development.
The project, which was met with approval from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, follows a proposal from the Turkish construction company Summa.
The decision was made following a high-level meeting that included President Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang, Rev. Duncan Mugumya, the Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports, and representatives from Summa Construction Company, among others.
Key Features of the Proposed Complex:
The new Multipurpose Sports Complex will feature:
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A main indoor arena with a capacity for 15,000 spectators
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An eight-lane swimming pool
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A versatile, international standard pitch
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An athlete hostel with accommodation for 60 individuals
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A fitness gym of top-tier standards
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A shopping center and a showroom
In addition, Dr. Benard Patrick Ogwel, the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), revealed plans to expand the current MTN Arena, which is primarily used for indoor sports. The MTN Arena will undergo a significant renovation, increasing its seating capacity from 750 to 3,000.
Ogwel stressed the importance of these improvements, given the deteriorating state of the existing Lugogo facility, which has been in use since its construction in 1957.
The transformation of the Lugogo Cricket Oval will affect cricket in Uganda, as the new complex will be designed for a variety of sports. However, cricket will continue to have a venue in Kampala. As part of the transition, the sport will be relocated to Kyambogo, where plans for a proper management structure are already in place. An MOU with Kyambogo University is currently under development.
Rev. Can. Duncan Mugumya, the Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports, emphasized that the upgrade would cater to various sports disciplines, not only enhancing cricket’s relocation but also expanding the national sports infrastructure. The current Old Arena will also be upgraded, while the new complex will provide additional facilities for other sports. Detailed designs for the new complex are set to be unveiled in the coming months.
Cricket’s Response:
Denis Musaali, the Communications Director of the Uganda Cricket Association, expressed support for the planned changes, assuring that cricket will continue to have a strong presence in Kampala, despite the relocation.
A Step Forward in Uganda’s Sports Development:
The completion of the Multipurpose Sports Complex will address Uganda’s long-standing sports infrastructure gap.
The country currently relies heavily on the aging MTN Indoor Arena for international events, and this new facility will provide much-needed support for major tournaments.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Uganda’s sports infrastructure. The government is also progressing with the construction of several key projects, including the Hoima City Stadium, the Akii Bua Stadium in Lira, and the rehabilitation of Namboole Stadium. These developments are strategically aligned with Uganda’s preparations to co-host the AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania.
