In a passionate appeal to the State Minister for Sports, Makerere University Tooro students, affiliated to the Empagi Za’Tooro Mak-Chapter Students Movement, are requesting for the prioritization of Buhinga stadium’s construction in the Tooro region.
According to this section of students, this is essential for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament and to foster economic growth in their region.
The students have also hinted at potential political consequences for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government if their demands are not met.
Buhinga Stadium, along with Akii Bua stadium in Lira city, was promised construction by the government in 2018. However, recent statements by the Minister for Sports, Hon. Ogwang Peter, have cast doubt on the fate of Buhinga stadium.
In a recent address to Parliament, the minister indicated that while Akii Bua stadium would be built, the government was deliberating between constructing either Hoima or Buhinga, suggesting that the latter was no longer a top priority.
The Tooro students have highlighted on the significance of Buhinga stadium’s construction for the 2027 Afcon tournament. They believe that it could serve as a catalyst for economic development in the region.
In a statement, they expressed desire for the stadium’s construction to create job opportunities for their parents and provide a marketplace for local vendors to sell their goods. This, they argue, would enable families to generate income for tuition fees, ultimately benefiting the youth of Tooro.
Furthermore, the students emphasized the importance of Buhinga stadium to Fort Portal, the only tourism city in Uganda. They argued that the stadium’s construction would boost tourism and elevate the city’s status, drawing more visitors and investment to the area.
In support of their demands, the students argued the availability of additional land for the stadium’s construction. They pointed out that Tooro Kingdom, in collaboration with Kabarole District local government and the Uganda Land Commission, had secured more land at Kyembogo.
Additionally, Fort Portal Diocese offered land at Kabura, should the current location be deemed unsuitable based on environmental and social impact assessments. This wealth of land options, according to the students, leaves no excuse for Buhinga stadium not to be prioritized.
Over 1,000 individuals, including political and religious leaders in the Tooro Sub-region, have submitted a petition to President Museveni concerning the stalled construction of Buhinga Stadium.
In 2018, the President had announced plans to build 18 stadia across Uganda, one of which was to be in Buhinga. He had previously prioritized other infrastructure projects, such as roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, ICT, and railways.
However, he committed to constructing one stadium in each of the designated 18 zones, with each stadium estimated to cost around Shs 6 billion. Unfortunately, construction on Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal ceased in May 2020 after the perimeter wall had been completed.
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