In a contentious development, Pioneer Easy Bus Company’s demand for compensation has escalated amidst allegations of disruptions during their lease period at Namboole Stadium. As the dispute intensifies, pressure mounts on the government to resolve the matter swiftly, especially with the looming deadline to prepare the stadium for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
The dispute stems from a purported lease agreement between Pioneer Easy Bus Company and the government, possibly facilitated through the Ministry of Lands. While Pioneer Easy Bus Company asserts the validity of this agreement, Namboole Stadium denies any knowledge of its existence, adding layers of complexity to the situation.
Central to Pioneer Easy Bus Company’s grievances are the alleged access restrictions imposed by Namboole Stadium during their lease period. These restrictions, particularly on the movement of buses, are claimed to have severely disrupted their business operations and resulted in significant financial losses.
Furthermore, Pioneer Easy Bus Company contends that Namboole Stadium’s actions, including constant removal of buses during renovations, led to legal disputes even before the lease period had expired. This contentious environment has fueled their demand for compensation of 25 billion Ugandan shillings as they seek to recover losses incurred during their occupancy.
The urgency of resolving the dispute is compounded by the government’s need to free the space at Namboole Stadium in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for 2027. With AFCON demanding that the stadium and its facilities meet stringent standards, there is immense pressure on the government to swiftly address the situation and ensure smooth preparations for the prestigious event.
Parliamentary discussions held on April 16th underscore the gravity of the situation, with Honourable Ogwang, representing the Ministry of Sports, tasked with handling the matter legally. As stakeholders anxiously await the government’s response, the outcome of efforts to resolve the dispute will have far-reaching implications for business relations and the preparations for AFCON at Namboole Stadium.
