Kapchorwa Boma Grounds renamed Stephen Kiprotich Stadium

By Rashid Muzugyo in Kapchorwa

Kapchorwa district council has renamed the Boma Grounds as Stephen Kiprotich Stadium in honour of his recent victory in the 2012 Olympic Games held in London.

The councilors made the resolution Friday during a meeting presided over by the district Speaker, Backson Kapsandui.

The meeting held at Kook Hall in Kapchorwa Town was attended by the Chief Administrative Officer George William Omuge.

 It followed a presentation by the district vice chairperson, Dan Cherotich who was delivering a number of proposals the district executive committee had recommended to the district council.

He had said the committee wanted the Boma Grounds to be renamed Stephen Kiprotich Stadium.

The district executive committee’s proposal to rename the Kapchorwa Boma Grounds was seconded by Kiplangat Michael, the councilor representing people with disabilities (PWDs) and Twalla Edward, the councilor representing Kapchesombe sub-county.

“It is good to rename it [Boma Grounds] in honour of Kiprotich Stadium,” Twalla told councilors.

The council also approved sh2m towards the sh97m budget for a welcome party for the Olympian whose achievement in London has earned him among several other things, the name “Golden Boy”.

Kapsandui had earlier communicated that district was preparing a welcome party for Kiprotich in honour of his success in the Olympics.

Kiprotich won the only medal for Uganda in London at a time when all hopes of securing one had almost faded among his fellow countrymen.

Rejected

Another proposal by the executive district Executive Committee to rename the National High Altitude Training Centre in Teryet as Stephen Kiprotich National Stadium was rejected.

This was after the district clerk, Diisi Saul advised councilors that renaming the Training Centre required consultations with the Central Government.

The proposed National High Altitude Training Centre is to be located in Teryet, Kwoti in Kapchesombe sub-county, Kapchorwa.

Government last year approved sh800m for implementation of its activities that included relocation of Teryet Primary School, extension of electricity to the area and construction of a gravity water flow scheme to the site.

Kapchorwa Boma Grounds is the official playground for Kapchorwa Primary School that is often hosts public occasions in the district.

It is located in Senior Quarters Village, Chepsikiroi Parish, Kapchorwa Town Council.

Meanwhile the Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA) has congratulated Kapchorwa district upon the recent success of Kiprotich.

The district Speaker disclosed that the congratulatory message was contained in a letter signed by ULGA secretary general, Gertrude Gamwera.

"ULGA would like to congratulate Kapchorwa District local government upon the victory of the son of the soil, Stephen Kiprotich who won Gold medal......" the letter read in part.