Can Uganda maintain its shiny new sports facilities?

With government investing heavily in building and renovating sports facilities such as Namboole Stadium, Hoima Stadium, Akii Bua Stadium, and Teryet National High Altitude Training Centre among others, proper management and maintenance are critical for sustainability.

Since the National Council of Sports (NCS) has been entrusted with overseeing most of these facilities, a well-structured approach is needed to ensure they are maintained and run professionally.

Ambrose Tashobya, the chairman of the National Council of Sports (NCS), emphasised that they have already started putting measures in place to ensure Uganda’s newly built and renovated sports facilities are properly managed and not mishandled.

“We are going to establish a robust management system to help us run these facilities. We are also going to put in place a structured team led by NCS General Secretary Bernard Ogwel who will oversee the facilities. Clear governance policies will be put in place to ensure accountability. As sports infrastructure grows, more skilled personnel will be recruited,” noted Tashobya.

The government, according to Tashoby,a is looking to partner with the private sector to manage sports facilities, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency, attracting global athletes, and boosting sports tourism.

Athletes having a fill of the Teryet track

“We have plans to privatize the management of certain sports facilities. This comes after we have benchmarked with other countries like Rwanda’s Kigali Arena, which is successfully managed by a private company,” Tashobya told Vision Sport.

“Having facilities like Teryet National High Altitude Training Centre will enable Uganda to attract international athletes for training. Through this Uganda will capitalise on its “Land of Champions” status, with athletes like Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo inspiring global interest.

“Hosting international training camps and tournaments will place Uganda on the world sports map.

This will increase sports tourism, which will bring in foreign revenue through athlete visits, events, and sponsorships,” he added.

Uganda aims to leverage its sports facilities to showcase its growth in sports and attract international athletes.

According to Tashobya, these facilities will not only elevate Uganda’s global reputation but also offer a competitive advantage over other countries.

“We shall use these facilities to project Uganda’s name all over the world. Not many countries have facilities like Teryet that can be used throughout the year, unlike many global facilities that face winter disruptions.

We have to sell them to the world and when visiting athletes and teams come, they are not disappointed but rather find them in good shape,” Tashobya reasoned.

An aeriel view of the ongoing works at Hoima City Stadium.

Maintaining and professionally run renovated and newly built sports facilities in Uganda requires a well-structured approach that ensures sustainability, proper usage, and long-term benefits.

Here are the key procedures that can be followed.

Management of the facilities

Considering that NCS is entrusted with running these facilities, they have to appoint professional managers and administrators with expertise in sports infrastructure management, develop clear policies on facility use, maintenance schedules, revenue generation, and stakeholder involvement.

Regular maintenance

Implement a routine maintenance plan, including cleaning, repairs, and inspections; assign dedicated maintenance teams for specialized areas like turf management, track resurfacing, and floodlight systems and schedule major renovations periodically to avoid deterioration.

Financial sustainability

Introduce revenue-generating activities, such as hosting local and international events, leasing space for commercial activities, and partnering with sponsors, establish government funding mechanisms through annual budgets, sports development grants, or partnerships with private investors and then implement affordable user fees for clubs, schools, and individuals to access the facilities while ensuring inclusivity.

Safety standards

Employ trained security personnel and install CCTV surveillance systems, ensure emergency response systems, such as first aid stations, firefighting equipment, and evacuation plans, adhere to international safety standards, especially for seating capacity, field dimensions, and spectator control.

The planned Lugogo sports complex renovation.

Stakeholder engagement

Engage local sports federations, clubs, and academies to encourage regular facility use, partner with schools and universities for sports development programs, encourage community involvement through open-access days, sports festivals, and training programs.

Talent development centres

Use the facilities for grassroots talent scouting and training camps, partner with national teams and federations to host training sessions and competitions and facilitate coaching and officiating courses to improve the quality of sports management.

Digitalisation

Develop an online booking system for efficient scheduling and revenue tracking, utilize data analytics to monitor attendance, maintenance needs, and financial performance, invest in smart stadium technology, including digital scoreboards, automated lighting, and Wi-Fi access.

Compliance with legal and environmental standards

Ensure adherence to government regulations regarding facility operations and public access, implement eco-friendly practices, such as water recycling systems, solar energy use, and waste management strategies.

In conclusion, for these facilities to operate professionally and sustainably, a structured management system, continuous maintenance, financial sustainability, and community engagement are essential.

A blend of public-private partnerships and government oversight will ensure these facilities serve their purpose for future generations.