Accelerating Teryet High Altitude Training Centre Completion
The Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports is facing heightened pressure to expedite the finalization of the Teryet National High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa District.
The urgency of this demand emerged from Chief Opposition Chief, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, who articulated it during a plenary sitting on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
A Tribute to Athletic Achievements
The impetus for this urgency stems from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa’s commendation of Joshua Cheptegei’s remarkable feat in equaling the record for three consecutive world athletics championship victories.
Cheptegei’s recent gold triumph in the 10,000 meters race at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary on August 20, 2023, echoes the legacy of athletic icons like Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Belele, and Mo Farah.
A Symbolic Gesture Towards Excellence
Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe emphasized that a tangible gesture honor Cheptegei’s achievements lies in the expeditious completion of the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre.
A project initiated in 2012 with a target handover in 2020, Nambeshe conveyed discontent with the sluggish progress. Importantly, a sum of Shs26 billion has been designated for this endeavor, yet the on-ground outcomes do not reflect commensurate value.
A Glimpse of Progress and Commitment
However, Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo, State Minister for Education and Sports (Higher Education), countered by indicating that they have nearly finalized 98% of the project.
Muyingo’s assertion brings optimism, stating,
“I can confidently share with you that this high altitude training centre is almost complete. Soon we shall invite you to see the beautiful work going on in that place.”
Accountability in Infrastructure and Athletics
In the midst of these discussions, concerns surfaced regarding the readiness of the training centre as indicated by the minister. Hon. Joseph Ssewungu voiced apprehensions, questioning why Ugandan athletes still resort to training in Kenya if the facility is almost complete.
He drew parallels to the state of Uganda’s hosting capabilities, highlighting the non-functionality of Namboole Stadium, rendering it unsuitable for hosting FIFA games.
Parliamentary Action and Athletic Empowerment
Responding to these concerns, the Deputy Speaker assigned the State Minister for Sports to present an update on the progress of football stadiums and the high-altitude training centre by Thursday, August 24, 2023.
Hon. Allan Ssewanyana added that the minister’s statement should also address the dwindling performance and participation of Ugandan athletes in international competitions.
In a related context, Hon. Michael Kakembo emphasized the need for funding to prepare Ugandan athletes for the qualifiers of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Muyingo affirmed that they have allocated the budget for the program, and the funds will be distributed to the respective teams.
Sources: THX News & Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
