Minister Ogaba revives Uganda Sports Union

By Peter Ekarot TWO years after sports state minister then Kweronda Ruhemba rejected the revival of Uganda Sports Union, the body is back with blessings of sports state minister Omony Ogaba. Last year Ogaba gave a go ahead to the revival of USU, but whose sole motive is to commercialise Lugogo sports complex. In 1998, the media bust USU plans to sale the Green Car Park adjacent to Lugogo sports complex to a South African supermarket giant, Checkers, then use the National Council of Sports facilities for business and Ruhemba blocked the move. USU formed in 1953 with the objective of developing sports acquired Lugogo land in 1975. The NCS headquarters and its complex has been housed on this land since 1964 when the Act of Parliament was enacted. After expulsion of Asians in 1973, USU ceased. Rugby, cricket, tennis and hockey were founders. Rugby later seceded when Lugogo By-pass road was built. Athletics, football, badminton and boxing joined later. Documents available indicate that meetings were held May 17, May 26, June 11, August 11, and November 16 where USU co-ordination committee to steer the union was formed. Former boxing leader David Agong was elected chairman, UBA boss Dr James Sekajugo secretary, Rajni Tailor treasurer, URFU chief Paul Sigombe and UTA secretary Gideon Karyoko, UHA's Danlee Mulindwa as members. USU bids to recover its property at Lugogo where in effect NCS will pay rent and sale off the Green Car Park. The other property USU owns is plot 10 Hesketh Bell Road, Plot 61, 65 Upper Kololo Terrace/plot 15 Hesketh Bell Road while land titles for Lugogo sports complex are however still missing. NCS general secretary Abbey Lutaya said: "This happened while I was on leave, ask the minister." Ogaba's was not available for comment. Ends