Summary:
- In a letter dated 22nd January 2025, the town clerk rescinded the earlier decision and granted the NRM permission to use the stadium.
KABALE: After weeks of disagreement over the use of Kabale Municipal Stadium between the Kabale Football Association and the Kabale District NRM Youth League, Kabale Town Clerk, Kasajja Jamilu Kairu, has reversed his earlier decision and granted the Kabale District NRM Youth League organizers official permission to use the stadium.
In a letter dated 8th January 2025, Kabale Municipal Town Clerk Kasajja Jamilu Kairu confirmed that the Kabale Football Association had requested the stadium for use on 16th December 2024 and was granted clearance by the municipal council for that date.
The same letter indicated that the Kabale District NRM Youth League had also requested the venue for the same day but was denied due to prior booking. The town clerk advised the NRM Youth League to seek an alternative venue.
This decision led to a crisis meeting held by Kabale’s NRM leadership on Sunday. The meeting unanimously resolved to push for the use of the stadium, citing its historical significance.
The stadium holds symbolic value as the site where three Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) members, Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and David Kangire—were executed during their fight for the country’s liberation.
The controversy escalated further when the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, weighed in, asserting that no one could block the NRM’s Liberation Day celebrations. He assured that he would advise the town clerk on the matter.
Subsequently, in a letter dated 22nd January 2025, the town clerk rescinded the earlier decision and granted the NRM permission to use the stadium. The new clearance followed instructions from the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Nyakahuma.
Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed that security measures had been heightened to ensure peaceful celebrations.
CUE IN MAATE……ON THE ISSUE……RR//
Meanwhile, the national Liberation Day celebrations will take place in Mubende District.
