President Yoweri Museveni is expected in Kabarole district this weekend to preside over the commissioning of construction works on the multi-billion Buhinga stadium project in Fort Portal.
The ground-breaking ceremony and laying of a foundation stone for the said stadium will take place on Saturday February 10, 2018. The construction of the sports facility is estimated to cost Shs 11 billion.
On the same day, the President will attend the commissioning of a new school chapel at Kyebambe Girls School still in Kabarole district.
He will later launch the Kalya Courts Hotel and Rwenzori Region Tourism Information centre which facility is hoped to reinforce efforts to improve the tourism sector.
Museveni will address a rally and flag off a football match between Mbarara city team and Tooro football team.
During a planning meeting by the Kabarole district officials, the district chairperson disclosed that architectural designs for the Buhinga stadium have been completed and construction work commences immediately after the ground breaking. Construction comes after over ten years of lobbying and fundraising for the project.
In 2012, government released Shs 800 million shillings towards the construction of the stadium following several meetings that had been held between district officials and the Ministry of Finance.
The stadium which has hosted several national and regional soccer tournaments including the East African Secondary School games, Copa Coca Cola football tournament and Zone XI soccer tournament is currently in a dilapidated state, with no; perimeter wall, sufficient toilets, shelter, changing rooms and shade for spectators.
The field sometimes is used as venue for concerts, rallies as well as grazing ground for animals, and the failure to improve its surface has resulted into challenges whenever it rains.
According to the district plans, the stadium will be a 30,000 seater with a pavilion, dressing rooms and more toilets.
The district believes that once the facility is complete, it will generate more revenue through bookings, gate collections during sports and other events.
District leaders have previously lobbied government, particularly the President to support the construction of the stadium and other projects like the upgrading of Kijura and Saka roads, the extension of power and water to Rwengaju model parish and government takeover of Mountains of the Moon University.
Museveni’s visit to Kabarole district will be the second time he is in the district in less than a week.
Four days ago, Museveni was in Burahya County in Kabarole where he attended the 83rd birthday celebration and thanksgiving for Constance Kabakaali Muhangazima Adyeeri. She is wife to the late Phillip Muhangazima and mother to Burahya County MP, Margaret Muhanga and CEO of Independent Magazine, Andrew Mwenda.