The government of Uganda has promised to give a hand to Makerere University in its preparations to host the All Africa University games due July this year.
This was after a meeting by the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi and the Dean of Students, Mr. John Ekudu who is also a President of the organizing committee, met the Minister of State for Sports Hon. Charles Bakabulindi on February 27, 2008.
The government pledged to provide necessary assistance to make preparations possible.
“The Vice Chancellor and Dean of students yesterday met the Minister of State for sports and he promised assistance from the government,” Carol Nantalo who is a sports administrative assistant said.
The 5th edition of the All Africa University Games 2008 are scheduled for July 6 to16, 2008 at Makerere University where over 35 Universities are expected to participate in different sports categories.
“We are currently facing financial shortages. The government has come in time when the organizing committee is facing financial difficulties, which hinders the progress of renovating sports venues and roads,” Carol said.
She further explained that the University has tried to meet some expenses though it is not adequate.
“The University has contributed to part of the budget, but of course it can’t fulfill everything alone, we still need more assistance from other stakeholders,” she said.
The over all budget is estimated to be approximately Ush. 900m. This includes renovating of halls of residence, sports venues and operating expenses during the event.
Renovation of Halls is scheduled for May when students are about to break off for holidays. “We don’t want students to destroy renovated areas that’s why we decided to start in May,” she explained.
Talking about venues, she said, they are to consider Makerere grounds, Namboole National Stadium and near by venues. She assured the public that all venues and halls are going to be ready before the opening day.
The all Africa University games were first held in 1974 in Accra, Ghana, and then in Nairobi Kenya in 1978, this was followed by a lull due to economic and political problems. The third edition was held in 2004 in Bauchi, Nigeria, the 4th was in 2006 in the city of Tswane, South Africa.
Uganda was granted a chance to host the 5th edition of the All Africa Games 2008 after putting up a spectacular performance in 2006 when they emerged second to the hosts South Africa in 2006.
