The iconic Legends Rugby Grounds in Kampala has reportedly been sold in a secretive transaction that could signal the end of its role as a premier sporting venue in Uganda.
According to a highly placed source, the grounds were sold for $4 million (approximately UGX 14 billion) to Stanislas Isiagi, a prominent developer and owner of the neighboring Forest Mall.
The sale, which has not been officially confirmed by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), is said to have been kept under wraps among the union’s members.
For years, Legends Rugby Grounds has been at the heart of Uganda’s rugby community, hosting local and international matches and providing a social hub for sports enthusiasts.
Its potential transformation into a commercial complex, which is said to include shops, clubs, hotels, and spas, could mean a significant change for both the venue and its surrounding areas.
Stanislas Isiagi, the new reported owner, is known for his business ventures, particularly with Forest Mall. His plans for the grounds reflect a vision of expansion, turning the space into a vibrant commercial center.
The development is likely to attract new businesses and increase the area’s economic value, but it may come at the cost of displacing one of the country’s most beloved sports venues.
Peter Odong, Secretary General of the URU, which oversees the Legends Rugby Grounds, has remained silent on the matter.
Despite multiple attempts to reach him for comment, Odong has not responded, further fueling speculation about the sale.
This lack of transparency has sparked concern within the rugby community, particularly given that this is not the first time rumors of a sale have surfaced.
A few years ago, reports circulated that the grounds had been sold to Paul Kagwa, an executive at Uganda Development Bank, although the details were never confirmed.
That deal was shrouded in controversy, much like the current transaction. The rugby community remains uncertain about the future of the grounds and whether they will continue to serve as a sports hub or be lost to commercial development.
As the potential sale looms, many in the rugby world are left questioning what this could mean for the sport in Uganda. While development might bring economic benefits to the area, the loss of Legends Rugby Grounds as a venue would be a blow to the sport’s cultural heritage in the country. Only time will tell what becomes of this iconic space, but for now, the uncertainty continues.
