The steady disappearance of open spaces in Kampala once used as public sports grounds is sparking alarm among sports leaders and former athletes, with fears growing over the future of Ugandan talent development.
Former national athlete and current Nakawa East MP Ronald Balimwezo is leading the charge in criticizing the government’s continued sale of public land to private investors.
He warns that playgrounds which once nurtured top-tier talent are now being swallowed up by arcades and commercial buildings.
“I was a sportsman, and what helped me excel was the availability of open playgrounds where I could train for free,” Balimwezo said.
“But now the government has sold most of those spaces to investors who are building arcades instead of sports infrastructure.”
Balimwezo said this concern has shaped his political ambitions.
He’s now vying for the Kampala Lord Mayor seat, vowing to make the protection and restoration of sports facilities a key priority in his campaign.
He argues that reversing the land giveaway trend is essential to preserve the next generation of athletes.
Former Lugazi coach Oliver Mbekeka agrees the situation is dire but insists athletes must adapt.
“Even with limited space, we’ve learned to make use of what’s available. If we have to train on the streets, we will,” she said.
Despite this determination, sports stakeholders fear that without urgent action, Uganda risks losing an entire generation of talent to urban expansion and poor planning.
