The construction of the Kakyeka War Memorial Stadium has hit a roadblock due to the untraceable original land title, leading to delays and uncertainty surrounding the project’s progress.
David Muhwezi, the Chief Administrative Officer, revealed the setback while testifying before the District Public Accounts Committee. Upon assuming office, Muhwezi discovered that several original land titles, including that of Kakyeka Stadium, were missing from the registry, leaving only photocopies behind. Concerned by this discrepancy, authorities reported the matter to the Police, prompting an investigation and a statement from the former CAO, Edward Kasagara.
Herbert Kamugisha, the Chairperson of the District Public Accounts Committee, took a decisive stance by ordering the arrest of Edward Kasagara and demanding his appearance before the committee to provide explanations regarding the missing title.
The urgency to resolve this issue is heightened by previous commitments made for the stadium’s development. During last year’s Tarehe Sita Celebrations, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni authorized the Uganda Peoples Defence Force and the National Housing and Construction (NHCC) to construct a perimeter wall around Kakyeka Stadium. However, progress on this initiative has been hindered by the unresolved land title situation.
Despite the government’s allocation of 1.5 billion shillings towards stadium construction, the project has faced delays. Initially scheduled to commence in July 2023 and conclude by the end of the current year, construction works were halted due to an ownership dispute between Mbarara District and city local governments.
The significance of Kakyeka War Memorial Stadium transcends mere infrastructure; it serves as a crucial venue for sports and community events, notably hosting Mbarara City Football Club matches. With a seating capacity of 10,000 people, the stadium holds historical and cultural significance for the region.
Efforts to resolve the missing land title issue are imperative not only for the progress of the stadium construction but also to uphold transparency and accountability in land administration processes.
