Story by Obed Kankiriho.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kabale has declared its intent to hold its Liberation Day event at Kabale Municipal Stadium on January 26, 2025, despite a dispute with the Kabale Football Association and the Kabale District NRM Youth League over the venue’s availability.
In an official letter dated January 8, 2025, Kabale Municipal Town Clerk Kassajja Jamiilu Kaiiru confirmed that the Kabale Football Association had secured clearance to use the stadium on December 16, 2024. However, the Kabale District NRM Youth League’s request for the same date was denied due to the prior booking. The town clerk advised the youth league to seek an alternative venue.
Despite this, during a meeting chaired by Kabale District NRM Chairperson and State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, David Bahati, the NRM leadership resolved to proceed with using the stadium. Attendees, including NRM committee members, sub-county chairpersons, and district councillors, underscored the stadium’s historical significance, marking the execution site of FRONASA fighters Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and David Kangire. Key figures such as Paulin Bigirwa, Matsiko Robert Runyasi, George William Kanagizi, Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha, and Norah Twenda vowed to mobilize support for what they called a grand celebration.
Responding to the standoff, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, asserted that no one could block the NRM’s Liberation Day celebrations unless federation-sanctioned games were scheduled. He assured that he would provide guidance to the town clerk regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, the national Liberation Day celebrations will be held in Mubende District.
