“The Minister needs to give us a status update on the progress of Namboole Stadium and also provide accountability for the 97billion shillings. This is a serious issue,all Ugandans have been excited about AFCON, but the same time, we cannot play in another Country”.Said the Speaker
Speaker Anitah Annet Among has however ordered the State Minister of Sports Peter Ogwang to provide accountability for the 97 billion Uganda Shillings which were spent on renovating the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
However, the Speaker’s directives came after a concern which was raised by the Opposition Chief Whip John Nambeshe who in this case expressed disappointment regarding Minister Ogwang’s failure to fulfill his pledges regarding the National Stadium.
“The inspection report has found the stadium works to be non compliant and not approved, the minister had promised that the works would be ready by the time of inspection but he has let us down”. Argued Nambeshe
The Kumi Municipality member of parliament Silas Aogon also took this same opportunity to raise his concerns about this matter and therefore called for the resignation of all the individuals responsible for the substandard works at Mandela National Stadium.
“If the Minister cannot provide a proper explanation for the shortcomings, then they should vacate their position we cannot afford to miss this opportunity. Said Silas Aogon
“Namboole is the precondition for us to host CHAN and if you satisfy, then you can host AFCON. We need answers from the Minister in light of our bids to host these tournaments”. Said Jonathan Odur member of Parliament Erut South
Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda who is the member of parliament for Kira Municipality also questioned if the Minister’s invitation for MPs to visit the Mandela National Stadium was intended to replace the opinions gave by CAF experts.
“Are MPs now being invited to replace the inspector’s opinions? If MPs say the stadium is ready, can we do away with the inspectors?”. Ssemuju Asked
Peter Ogwang is the current State Minister of Sports who was appointed on 22nd July 2022 replacing Denis Obua.
