The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has partnered with the Buganda Kingdom, for the construction of the Kabaka Daudi Chwa II EACOP Stadium in Buddu, which is set to boost and promote young talent in the region.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the 10,000-seat sports complex at Sazza Grounds in Masaka City on Friday, the Deputy Managing Director of EACOP Ltd,Mr. JB Habumugisha, said the event was a reflection of it’s long-term commitment to advancing sustainability and socio-economic development.
“By supporting the sports centre, we are investing in initiatives that will deliver lasting value for the communities in which we operate” he said.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who welcomed the partnership noted that the Kingdom cherishes collaborations that address critical needs such as youth empowerment. “Through Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa II Stadium-Buddu, we are pleased to work with EACOP to create a legacy of resilience, opportunity, and growth for our people” he said.
He added. “The stadium’s name had been chosen not only to commemorate the legacy of Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa II, who contributed immensely to the development of sports in Uganda, but also as part of activities marking the 33rd coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II”
According to Mr. Mayiga, the construction of the stadium highlights the shared commitment of the Buganda Kingdom, and EACOP to driving community transformation and development in Masaka and beyond.
The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ali Ssekatawa while commending the partnership between EACOP and Buganda Kingdom, said the stadium was a result of sustained collaboration among project developers, the Government of Uganda, the Buganda Kingdom, and the communities through which the EACOP project passes.
“What we are witnessing today is the result of sustained collaboration among the project developers, the Government of Uganda, the Buganda Kingdom, and the communities through which EACOP traverses,” he said
He added, “It demonstrates the value of partnership in delivering lasting benefits that extend beyond the lifecycle of major infrastructure projects”.
Mr. Ssekatawa further noted that Buganda holds a unique place in the EACOP project.
“Of the ten districts traversed by the pipeline in Uganda, seven are located within Buganda. This makes today’s milestone particularly significant and positions this sports complex as a fitting legacy project for the Kingdom and its people,” he said.
The Buganda Kingdom demonstrated its commitment to the initiative by allocating 10 acres of land for the construction of the community sports centre, while EACOP has provided financial support towards the development of the facility, which is envisioned to nurture young talent, promote physical fitness, and serve as a hub for unity and community engagement.
The Commissioner for Midstream at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Mr. George Ogwang, said the facility would have benefits beyond sports.
“Beyond sports, the facility has the potential to generate employment opportunities, support local enterprises, attract sporting events, and stimulate economic activity within the surrounding communities,” he said.
Mr Ogwang noted that the facility would contribute to sustainable wealth creation and community development.
“EACOP is now 90 percent complete, a testament to the unwavering support of the Buganda Kingdom and its people despite the interference of activists” he said.
The 1,443-kilometre EACOP pipeline stretches across Uganda and Tanzania, with 296 kilometres located in Uganda. The pipeline passes through 10 districts and 25 sub-counties. Of these, seven districts are within the Buganda Kingdom, covering 130 villages across four of the Kingdom’s 18 counties.
These districts and counties include, Gomba District (Gomba County), Kyankwanzi District (Singo County), Mubende District (Buwekula County), Sembabule District (Mawogola County), Lwengo, Kyotera, and Rakai Districts (Buddu County).
The stadium represents a shared vision between EACOP and the Buganda Kingdom to promote sustainable regional development in Masaka and the surrounding areas.
