MPs have tasked the ministry of education to urgently complete the construction of Teryet National High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa District.
The matter was raised by Opposition Chief whip John Baptist Nambeshe,as the deputy speaker of parliament Thomas Tayebwa was delivering a congratulatory message for Joshua Cheptegei for equalling a record of three consecutive world athletics championship wins.
Cheptegei won gold in the 10,000 metres race at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary on Sunday, 20 August 2023 - following in the footsteps of field track names like Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Belele and Mo Farah.
Nambeshe said the best form of tribute towards Cheptegei would be to complete the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre.
“This project commenced in 2012 and was supposed to be handed over in 2020 but up to now, they are dragging their feet,” said Nambeshe.
He noted that Shs26 billion has been utilised on the project, saying there has been no value for the works on ground.
However the State Minister for Education and Sports John Chrysostom Muyingo, said that 98 per cent of the work has been done so far, on the centre.
“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,” Muyingo said.
Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West County) raised concerns about the extent of readiness of the training centre as alluded to by the minister.
Kalungu west Mp Joseph Ssewungu said if the centre was almost complete and favourable for athletes, they would not have to train from Kenya.
Makindye west MP Allan Ssewanyana added that the minister, in his statement, should address the dwindling performance and participation of Ugandan athletes in international competitions.
The Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa tasked the State Minister for Sports to update Parliament on the progress of the football stadiums and the high altitude training centre by tomorrow Thursday, 24 August 2023.
