Summary:
- Baryayanga revealed that before he left Parliament, Kabale District had been among the districts identified to host a satellite stadium.
KABALE: The Former Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament Andrew Aja Baryayanga has expressed disappointment over the stalled construction of a satellite stadium in Kabale District.
Baryayanga revealed that before he left Parliament, Kabale District had been among the districts identified to host a satellite stadium. He explained that Parliament had considered purchasing land in the Kazigizigye area to kickstart the stadium’s construction.
“But of course, when you leave Parliament, not everything goes as planned because of different interests. When I talk of a satellite stadium, I mean facilities like Nakivubo, St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende, and others. Uganda had a plan to develop regional stadiums, which would enable the country to host the African Cup of Nations alone instead of co-hosting with Kenya and Tanzania,” Baryayanga said on Monday while launching the Aja Sports Tournament at Kabale Municipal Stadium.
Baryayanga emphasized that constructing a satellite stadium would promote Kabale District and benefit the entire Kigezi Sub-region through sports tourism.
He also recalled that in June 2013, the then-State Minister for Sports, Charles Bakkabulindi, announced that the government had contracted two companies to redesign six regional stadiums. These included Kabale Municipal Stadium, Kakyeka Stadium, Mbale Municipal Stadium, Kyabazinga Stadium, Masaka Recreation Ground, and Pece Stadium in Gulu.
However, Baryayanga noted that the government’s initiative to redesign these stadiums has since stalled, hindering the growth and promotion of sports talent. He reiterated his commitment to pushing for the development of the satellite stadium if he returns to Parliament.
CUE IN BARYAYANGA……ON SATELLITE STADIUM………ENG//
Aja Sports Tournament Returns:
The Aja Sports Tournament, which was previously held annually, is now making a comeback after Baryayanga’s defeat in the 2021 parliamentary elections by the incumbent, Dr. Nicholas Kamara.
Baryayanga said this year’s tournament comes with new incentives to make it bigger and better.
“The Aja Champions League is not new in Kabale Municipality; I used to organize it before, and now it’s back. We are working to develop the talents of boys and girls in Kigezi Region, particularly in Kabale. This time, we have made improvements, and there will be more gifts. Spectators will also have a chance to enjoy additional incentives as the tournament progresses. It’s going to be very beautiful, and we are seriously improving it in terms of prizes. Every team will feel like a winner, and for the first time, girls will also participate,” Baryayanga said.
A Political Tool?
When asked if the tournament is a political tool, Baryayanga responded, “Being a politician, of course, it comes in. People know that when I promise something, I deliver. They used to call me a servant leader. I cannot promise things I cannot achieve, and this time, I am promising and will deliver.”
What Makes This Tournament Different?
Baryayanga emphasized that the tournament has expanded beyond its previous scope.
“This tournament has now gone deeper. It is no longer just about Northern Division, Central Division, and Southern Division. Now, all 12 parishes in Kabale Municipality will participate. Each parish will have a team, and matches will not only be played at Kabale Municipal Stadium but also in Northern, Southern, and Central Divisions. This will promote unity and integration among the people of Kabale Municipality,” he explained.
Promoting Football Talent
Frank Mutaremwa, the Kabale District Football Association Chairman and the tournament’s organizing chairman, highlighted the importance of the event in developing sports talent. He encouraged players to exhibit fair play throughout the tournament.
“We need to identify and develop more talents. Many of the footballers we previously supported have progressed to the national level, which is a credit to us as promoters of sports. We aim to put Kabale District and the entire Kigezi Sub-region on the sports map,” Mutaremwa said.
The launch ceremony featured the distribution of jerseys, soccer balls, and other equipment to the twelve participating teams. In an Opener Match held at Kabale Municipal stadium, Upper Bugongi FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kijuguta FC.
The tournament will run through January 26, 2025.
The Source Reports.
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