There is a new wave of optimism sweeping through the Busoga sub-region. The government, through the National Council of Sports (NCS), has officially unveiled ambitious plans to transform the iconic Kyabazinga Stadium—widely known as Bugembe Stadium—into a state-of-the-art, 20,000-seater sports complex.
For decades, Bugembe has been the heartbeat of sports in Eastern Uganda. From the historic 1996 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup to the electrifying finals of the Busoga Masaza Cup, this ground has witnessed the rise of some of the country’s finest talents. Now, it is finally poised for a long-awaited metamorphosis.
According to Milton Chebet, the Assistant General Secretary for Technical Affairs at the NCS, the vision goes far beyond a simple face-lift. The proposed redevelopment is set to convert the facility into a true multi-sport hub, featuring:
A 20,000-seater main stadium: Built to modern standards, ready to host top-tier domestic and regional football matches.
An Athletics Track: A dedicated space to cultivate the next generation of Ugandan runners.
Indoor Sports Arena: A facility designed specifically for indoor disciplines like basketball and boxing, helping to revive the rich fighting heritage of the region.
Training Grounds: Essential infrastructure to support academy and professional-level development.
While the plans are cause for celebration, the project faces a complex challenge: land management. Officials have confirmed that parts of the land originally designated for the stadium have been encroached upon, with permanent structures currently occupying the space.
The path forward hinges on how the government and local stakeholders handle these land issues—specifically whether the encroached areas can be reclaimed and how that process will be managed.
