The residents of West Nile region have expressed their appreciation to the Ugandan government and the World Bank for their joint efforts in establishing various sports facilities in the area.
These state-of-the-art facilities, including three football fields, volleyball and netball courts, basketball courts, and running tracks, were built at a cost of over UGX 6 billion.
Wilfred Saka, Chairman of Terego District Local Council V, highlighted the positive impact the development will have on the local youth, particularly in nurturing their talents.
“As people of West Nile, we salute the government and the funder for this great achievement. Our community, including the refugees, are very happy and excited to use this sports complex. We are going to be more competitive in sports,” Saka remarked.
The facilities are set to benefit not only the residents but also the integrated refugee population in the region, promoting social cohesion through sports.
During the official handover of the facilities in Terego, Yumbe, and Madi-Okollo districts, Sports Minister Peter Ogwang expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring proper maintenance and usage of the sports complex.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development through USMID for these magnificent sports facilities. We will do everything to ensure their efficient use for the intended purposes,” Minister Ogwang pledged.
The government has also underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in managing these assets. Dr. Bernard Ogwel, Secretary General of the National Council of Sports, emphasized that the new sports law would enhance talent development by supporting community sports clubs.
Terego District’s Chief Administrative Officer, Moses Echato, assured the public of efforts to maintain high standards, including plans for additional utilities like irrigation systems during droughts.
These developments follow similar infrastructure projects in Kamwenge and Kiryandongo districts under the USMID initiative.