Sports 30 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
King Oyo's Passing Sparks Renewed Push for Long-Awaited Tooro Stadium
The recent death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has reignited calls for the government to fulfill its eight-year-old promise to build an Shs11 billion stadium in the region. The project has faced numerous setbacks since its inception in 2018. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/king-oyo-s-death-reignites-calls-for-long-awaited-shs11b-tooro-stadium-5576570
The passing of Tooro King Oyo has brought renewed attention to the stalled construction of a modern stadium in Fort Portal, a project that has been in limbo for eight years. This comes just months after the late King generously donated 50 acres of land to facilitate the development.
Tooro Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, has publicly urged President Yoweri Museveni to honour the government’s commitment. Rwomiire proposed naming the facility the “King Oyo Stadium” as a fitting tribute to the departed monarch.
The initial vision for the stadium dates back to 2018, with a commitment from President Museveni to redevelop Buhinga Stadium. The UPDF Engineering Brigade was tasked with the project, which initially planned a 10,000-seat venue costing an estimated Shs11 billion. However, space constraints at the existing Buhinga site, which measured only seven acres, proved to be a major obstacle.
Subsequent efforts to acquire land at Kyembogo were also unsuccessful due to competing claims. King Oyo himself played a crucial role in May 2025, offering kingdom land during a meeting with President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni to revive the project. He emphasized its potential to benefit from Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In March of this year, the kingdom officially handed over 50 acres of land in Muchwa, Fort Portal. While the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, acknowledged the handover, he stressed the need for technical assessments and legal procedures before construction could commence, noting the land must be fully secured by the government.
Despite the land transfer, construction has yet to begin, and official plans, budgets, or timelines remain elusive. Prime Minister Rwomiire expressed sorrow that King Oyo did not live to see the stadium realized, emphasizing that naming it after him would serve as a lasting memorial and create a significant sporting legacy.