Stephen Ssemutono, a FUFA delegate representing Greater Masaka, echoes the frustration of the sports community over the project's delay, emphasizing the need for a modern sports arena to nurture local talent.
The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has raised concerns about the delayed reconstruction of the Masaka Recreation Grounds, warning against mismanagement of funds and alterations to structural designs.
Despite parliament approving 16 billion Shillings for renovation in the last fiscal year, only 9 billion Shillings has been disbursed from the consolidated fund, with the project yet to commence due to inconsistencies in the contract awarding process by Masaka City Council.
FUFA President Moses Magogo, addressing District Sports Officers, Referees, and Football Coaches in the greater Masaka sub-region, expressed frustration over the delays, which hinder the federation's efforts to develop sports talent.
Magogo suspects deliberate delays by certain individuals within the City council and vows to monitor the project closely to prevent embezzlement.
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Magogo also warns against altering the sports facility's design to include business premises, emphasizing the importance of preserving it solely for sports purposes.
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Stephen Ssemutono, a FUFA delegate representing Greater Masaka, echoes the frustration of the sports community over the project's delay, emphasizing the need for a modern sports arena to nurture local talent. Despite engaging City council authorities for updates, they have not received satisfactory responses.
Vincent Okrutu, the Masaka City Clerk, attributes the delays to procurement bureaucracies, particularly due to an appeal by a pre qualified firm against the valuation committee's decision.
While a tribunal is reviewing the appeal, Okrutu remains hopeful that the process will conclude soon, allowing the project to commence.