The Buganda Kingdom, in partnership with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), has officially broken ground for the construction of the Kabaka Daudi Chwa II EACOP Stadium Buddu in Masaka City, in a move aimed at promoting youth development through sports.
The stadium is being constructed under EACOP’s Social and Economic Investment Programme, specifically through its youth empowerment pillar, which supports initiatives designed to improve the social and economic well-being of communities along the pipeline corridor.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, described the project as a significant investment in the future of the Kingdom’s youth and a demonstration of the value of partnerships in advancing community development.
Mayiga said the construction of the stadium forms part of activities marking the 33rd anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, noting that the facility will provide young people with opportunities to nurture their sporting talent and improve their livelihoods.
He encouraged the youth to embrace sports, saying they have the potential to transform lives by creating employment opportunities, generating income for households and contributing to national economic growth.
The Katikkiro also commended EACOP for extending its corporate social investment beyond its core infrastructure project, saying such initiatives leave lasting benefits for communities.
Speaking at the same event, EACOP Deputy Managing Director John B. Habumugisha said the construction of the stadium reflects the company’s commitment to creating sustainable social and economic value in the communities where it operates.
Habumugisha thanked the Buganda Kingdom for its continued partnership and support, which he said has enabled EACOP to successfully roll out community development initiatives across the Kingdom.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing social investment projects in every district traversed by the Eastankwanzi, Mubende, Sembabule, Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai—covering approximately 130 villages in four of the Kingdom’s African Crude Oil Pipeline.
According to Habumugisha, the pipeline passes through seven districts within the Buganda Kingdom—Gomba, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Sembabule, Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai—covering approximately 130 villages in four of the Kingdom’s 18 counties.
He said EACOP’s community investment programme focuses on initiatives that create long-term benefits for host communities, particularly in areas such as education, health, youth empowerment and sports.
The Kabaka Daudi Chwa II EACOP Stadium is expected to become a key sporting facility in the greater Masaka region, providing a venue for talent development, competitions and community activities while strengthening efforts to harness sports as a driver of socio-economic transformation.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted officials from the Buganda Kingdom, EACOP, local leaders and residents, who welcomed the project as a major boost to sports infrastructure and youth development in Buddu County.
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