The planned redevelopment of the Lugogo sports complex in Uganda faces uncertainty due to an ownership dispute between the Uganda Sports Union (USU) and the National Council of Sports (NCS), which currently administers the land.
USU asserts its ownership of the land earmarked for redevelopment, setting the stage for a disagreement with NCS. The complexity of the matter led to a meeting on Wednesday, January 10, where the Minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba, convened discussions with representatives from both parties. The NCS delegation included General Secretary Bernard Ogwel and Administrative Secretary Shadia Nakamanya, accompanied by USU lawyers. Additionally, select federations and associations associated with the union were present to address the ownership issue.
However, the meeting, held at the ministry headquarters on Parliament Avenue in Kampala, ended inconclusively. Minister Nabakooba pledged to reconvene discussions with the concerned parties to further deliberate on the matter.
Late last year, New Vision Sport obtained a glimpse of the architectural plan for the Lugogo sports complex’s redevelopment, revealing ambitious structures that would replace the existing facilities on the disputed land.
USU claims historical ownership dating back to 1957 when the land was entrusted to them for development. Nevertheless, complications arose as member associations associated with the union dissolved over time, with some transforming into federations like FUFA and FUBA. Others lack certificates of incorporation with USU.
During the meeting, an official from one of the federations expressed a preference for NCS to continue administering the Lugogo land, citing concerns about USU’s reemergence after a prolonged period of silence.
The proposed renovation, estimated at sh790 billion, secured political approval from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and Turkish contractor Suma is poised to initiate the project. The envisioned complex will feature two arenas (15000 and 3000-seater), a swimming pool, hostels accommodating 120 and 60 people, a hockey pitch, and NCS offices.
The sports fraternity initially welcomed the renovation plans, with State Sports Minister Peter Ogwang championing the initiative. Ogwang emphasized the potential for Ugandan athletes to achieve international recognition with improved facilities like the Lugogo sports complex.
