In a united effort to bolster sports infrastructure and nurture talent across Uganda, members of the 11th Parliament have advocated for the government’s commitment to developing regional and district sports and games facilities. This initiative was prominently highlighted yesterday during a visit to Rukiga District, where the Uganda Parliament Football and Netball Teams participated in a friendly match.
The event, held at the Kamwezi playground in Kamwezi sub-county, saw the Parliament Football Team face off against Nyakagabagaba Football Club, the champions of the Dr. Sylvia Tumuheirwe Alinaitwe Football Tournament.
The tightly contested match concluded in a 1-1 draw and attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators. In addition, the Parliamentary Netball Team played a close game against the Rukiga District Select Netball Team, narrowly losing 12-13.
Honorable members emphasized the critical need for improved sports facilities to identify and develop local talent. “Investing in sports infrastructure at the regional and district levels is essential for the discovery and nurturing of talent. This will not only promote physical fitness but also unite communities and offer opportunities for youth empowerment,” said Honorable Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, the Rukiga County MP.
He added that sports in general have not been given due attention, pointing out that the government’s policy has not prioritized sports as a source of income and foreign exchange for the country.
Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, highlighted that football talent cannot flourish if facilities remain in poor condition and if talented sportsmen and women are not adequately supported. He noted that while Parliament has committed funds to develop Akii Bua Stadium in Lira District and Hoima City Stadium, every region requires a major stadium to elevate sports from the local to the national level.
Basalirwa emphasized that countries with advanced sports sectors have standardized facilities, and it is challenging to identify and nurture young talent if they risk injuries due to substandard pitches.
Mbale Industrial City Division Member of Parliament, Hon. Karim Masaba, echoed the call for government investment in local sports to nurture and develop talent. He mentioned that observations and reports from Rukiga will inform their discussions in Parliament.
The Deputy Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Dr. Sylvia Tumuheirwe Alinaitwe, encouraged residents to embrace sports for health benefits and income generation.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, stated that sports foster unity and friendship in society and urged players to aim for the national team. She also asked leaders to extend the unity seen in sports to government programs for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Hosted by Dr. Sylivia Alinaitwe, the friendly matches served as a practical demonstration of the potential benefits such infrastructure could bring, fostering community spirit and providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills. The Parliamentarians’ call to action seeks to ensure that sports development becomes a cornerstone of regional growth strategies, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall social and economic progress.
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