The government has unveiled plans to redevelop Kyabazinga Stadium, commonly known as Bugembe Stadium, into a modern sports complex with a seating capacity of about 20,000.
The proposed upgrade is part of a nationwide sports infrastructure programme led by the National Council of Sports, aimed at improving stadium facilities and expanding opportunities for athletes across the country.
According to Milton Chebet, Assistant General Secretary for Technical Affairs at the council, the redevelopment will transform the current facility into a multi-sport complex capable of hosting a wider range of competitions.
“The project will convert the stadium into a modern sports complex with a 20,000-seat main arena, training grounds for athletes, an athletics running track and an indoor sports arena for games such as boxing and basketball,” Chebet said.
Officials say the facility will serve athletes from the Busoga sub-region and the wider eastern part of Uganda, helping to nurture talent and host larger sporting events.
Chebet noted that the redevelopment of Kyabazinga Stadium and Mbale Municipal Stadium has been prioritised as part of the government’s efforts to improve sports infrastructure in eastern Uganda. Construction is expected to begin in a later phase of the programme.
However, the project could face challenges linked to land use around the stadium.
Chebet said authorities have received reports that some individuals may have built permanent houses on sections of land designated for the sports complex.
“There are concerns about possible encroachment on parts of the land that should be used for the full development of the stadium,” he said.
It remains unclear whether the government will compensate occupants if the land has to be reclaimed to allow the redevelopment to proceed as planned.
The stadium, which belongs to the Busoga Kingdom and is associated with the institution of the Kyabazinga of Busoga, has for years hosted regional football matches and community sporting events.
Officials say upgrading the facility will strengthen sports development in the region while positioning Jinja as a key hub for major sporting competitions in eastern Uganda.