KISORO, Uganda — Kisoro District Councilors have approved a motion to rename Shaza Stadium as the Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi Memorial Stadium to honor her legacy in Kisoro District.
The decision was made today during a council session held in Mugahe Village, Nyakabingo Ward, Chahi Sub-County, Kisoro District, as part of the send-off ceremony for the late Honourable Minister Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke.
The motion to rename the stadium, located on Saaza land, was proposed on September 11, 2024, by Kisoro District Chairperson Abel Bizimana. Bizimana noted that in recognition of the late Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke’s significant contributions to Kisoro District, and with the intention of preserving her memory, the District Executive Committee met on September 10, 2024, under Minute 03/DEC/2024/2025.
During this meeting, it was proposed that the new stadium on Saaza Land in Kisoro Municipality be named Sarah Mateke Stadium.
The Chairperson of the Local Council V (LCV) requested the council to approve this proposal and subsequently urged the central government to allocate funds for the construction of the stadium in memory of the deceased. “This will further the development of sports talents and promote tourism in Kisoro District,” Bizimana stated.
Councilors Agaba James of Southern Division, Bishop Louis of Kirundo Sub-County, and Nambajimana Alex of Central Division, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson of LCV Kisoro District, supported the motion.
They highlighted that the late Sarah Mateke had long funded international women’s celebrations in Kisoro District, which she preferred to rotate among different constituencies, and supported district women’s councils in various activities, including exchange visits.
