Teso renews appeal for sports facilities to boost hidden talent

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Teso leaders have renewed calls for the establishment of modern sports facilities, saying this is the only way to nurture and identify the region’s buried talents.

During a three-day Sports Administration and Management course held at Soroti University, Vice Chancellor Prof. J.R. Ikoja Odongo told the 160 sports administrators and managers in attendance that the lack of sports facilities remains a major hindrance to talent identification and development at the grassroots.

The training was organised by the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) in partnership with Soroti University and Uganda Athletics, aimed at strengthening governance and management skills among sports leaders.

Prof. Ikoja emphasised that “nothing enhances regional development better than sports,” urging the government to increase investment in sports infrastructure across the country.

Meanwhile, Soroti District Sports Officer Richard Etidu acknowledged that the district lacks gazetted land for the construction of a sports ground.

He said the challenge could be addressed if the government increased sports funding for lower local governments to enable them to establish essential sports facilities.

“I have written to the office of the Soroti District Chairperson requesting land to construct a district sports facility that can accommodate activities such as netball, football, athletics, basketball, rugby and others,” Etidu explained.

The Teso region, which requires a coordinated talent development plan, comprises the districts of Soroti City, Soroti District, Amuria, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Bukedea, Serere, Kalaki and Kaberamaido.