Parliament directs NCS to address deficiencies at Teryet High Altitude Centre

The Parliament Committee for Education and Sports has directed the National Council of Sports (NCS) to complete all outstanding work from phase one of the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa before commencing phase two.

The committee, led by Vice Chairman Emmanuel Ongiertho Obonyo, visited the centre on Monday with NCS board members, staff, and key officials, including Duncan Mugumya and Gunter Lange, as well as local leaders.

The purpose was to assess completed work, identify requirements for the next phase, and evaluate value for money and local benefits ahead of next year’s budget allocations.

NCS Patrick Ogwel (left) and Presidential Advisor Gunter Lange lead MPs on a guided tour alongside the running track at the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Obonyo welcomed the project's progress to a usable stage but noted that several issues remain, despite the President's commissioning. These include the lack of sanitary facilities and changing rooms near the running track, as well as concerns about protecting water infrastructure and preventing encroachment by neighbouring communities.

Obonyo thanked the President and First Lady for allocating additional resources to address the remaining deficiencies. Although the Ministry of Education transferred the facility to the NCS with some gaps, State House provided funds to resolve them.

The facility now has running water, a standby generator, and maintenance equipment. Obonyo is confident the facility will soon operate smoothly and is pleased that planning for phase two is underway, with budget provisions expected in the next fiscal year.

“This facility is intended to support Ugandan athletes and welcome athletes from other countries. Notably, even in its current state, athletes from other nations have already trained here. The government aims to further internationalise the facility by enhancing its amenities. With new equipment procured by the State House, I believe this facility will truly live up to its name,” Obonyo stated.

Engineer Samuel Kasato from State House reported that after the facility's commissioning, the President and First Lady identified several on-site issues. A technical team was formed to resolve these within six months, supported by an emergency budget.

One of the MPs tries out one of the fitness stations alongside the running track at the Teryet High Altitude Training center in Kapchorwa. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Kasato explained that a grounds team was established to clear and manage the 150-acre site, prioritise tasks, train staff, and restore the water supply. Due to vandalism, including damage to pipelines and equipment, they implemented a temporary solution by connecting to National Water, as full repairs exceeded the budget. This ensured immediate water access for operations. Ground maintenance is complete, and a 550 kVA generator was purchased to meet power needs for both phases.

Gunter requested that parliamentarians consider budgeting for the reactivation of a police landing strip near the center to improve access for tourists and athletes.

He also proposed incorporating the Boma ground into the training centre to offer international coaches two altitude options: one at 2,555 meters and another between 1,800 and 1,900 meters.

NCS General Secretary Patrick Ogwel said the parliamentary committee's visit was historic because it was the first of its kind since the project was handed over to NCS.

“This visit allowed us to present our needs and clarify several issues raised by the committee. We will also submit any additional required information. As you know, phase one had gaps, which were the main focus of this visit,” Ogwel said. “As we move toward phase two, our goal is to make the facility fully operational. To achieve this, we must present the current status of the facility.”

Ogwel said the facility was well maintained; however, the equipment required to maintain the artificial turf and running tracks is expected to arrive within two weeks.

“Once the equipment arrives, the facility will be fully equipped to support proper maintenance and meet quality standards. This will also allow us to open the facility to the wider public.

He stated that phase two will require sh98 billion, and they are inviting potential investors to develop certain amenities through Public-Private Partnerships. Regarding the unworked community road, Ogwel explained that it was included in phase one and assigned to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

However, construction stalled because large rocks along the route required an additional sh650 million to clear. He added that there is a sh2 billion provision from NCS for interim sanitary facilities and changing rooms while awaiting phase two allocations.

The RDC Kapchorwa District, Stanley Bayole, the head of security in the district, said that together with his security team, they have agreed on the following actions : “First, we will conduct community sensitisation to highlight the dangers of vandalism. Second, we will educate the public on the importance of this facility. Third, we will ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Bayole said.

“Additionally, we are deploying 12 police officers and six soldiers to establish a permanent security base and police post at this location. We will maintain 24/7 surveillance. The National Council of Sports is also installing cameras to enhance security and protect the government's investment.”

He said they had also stopped cattle grazing on the premises.

“Currently, grazing is not permitted on the property. We are prepared to proceed, as this facility is a valuable income-generating asset for both the district and the region. We also encourage the district's political leaders to help sensitise the community.

“Local leaders are better positioned to engage the community. I believe Members of Parliament and local officials have agreed to collaborate to ensure the security of this facility for the benefit of the country and the region.”