Minister of State for Sports and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Hon. Peter Ogwang, conducted a pre-inspection today at Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School in preparation for the FEASSA delegation’s visit. The delegation will evaluate the accommodation and sports facilities from Monday, June 17th to Thursday, June 20th, 2024.
Hon. Ogwang was joined by USSSA officials, including President Justus Mugisha, Hajji Twahil Kiteezaala, Commissioner of Physical Education Rev. Dr. Ducans Mugumya, and host headteachers Opio Richard of Amus and Jona Gumisiriza of Bukedea Comprehensive School, along with President Emeritus Patrick Okanya.
The pre-inspection began at Amus College School in Eastern Uganda, where the team reviewed five playgrounds, three basketball courts, and the accommodation facilities. The inspection continued at Bukedea Comprehensive School.
During the visit, Minister Ogwang expressed concerns about the slow progress, particularly regarding the sports facilities.
“With only 40 days left, this level of progress is unacceptable. We need to double our efforts because this event benefits Uganda as a whole. Despite the slow pace, we remain hopeful that we will be ready to host the games in August. Our role as the government is to ensure that these games are successfully hosted in Eastern Uganda,” Ogwang stated.
The minister acknowledged that while work is ongoing at both schools, the current pace may hinder the country’s ability to host the games. However, he commended the efforts of the host schools and promised continuous supervision by himself and the LOC.
Ogwang also announced that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, would officiate the event.
The FEASSA inspection delegation will be in Uganda from Monday, July 17th to Thursday, July 21st to assess the readiness for hosting the event.
USSSA President and FEASSA President Justus Mugisha expressed gratitude to Minister Ogwang for his leadership as the Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee.
“We appreciate your acceptance to chair the NOC. Your track record assures us that what seemed impossible will be achieved. We also have confidence in the people managing the host schools and have a backup plan with Namilyango College if needed,” Mugisha said.
Mugisha highlighted that this would be Uganda’s sixth time hosting the games and emphasized the historical significance of having the head of state grace the event for the first time in the competition’s 21 editions.
“We are confident in our teams’ readiness. They have both national and international exposure, which assures us of their quality. We will ensure that only eligible players participate,” Mugisha added.
The inspection checklist will cover accommodation, sports facilities, medical services, transport accessibility, and utilities.
The last time Uganda hosted these games was in Gulu, Northern Uganda.
