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Alarm bells are ringing among alumni of Mbarara High School following reports that the school’s historic sports playground could be sold or leased, triggering fears over the future of sports and co-curricular development at one of Uganda’s oldest schools. Through their lawyers, Silicon Advocates, the Mbarara High School Old Boys Association has formally petitioned the school’s Board of Governors, demanding clarity over what they describe as a possible plan to change the use of the playground.
In a letter addressed to the Board Chairperson, Prof. William Bazeyo, the alumni say they have received informal information suggesting that the Ankole Diocese is allegedly pushing to lease the playground to a Chinese investor—a move they say has raised serious concern within the school community.
“Our clients have become aware, through informal reports, that land long used as the school playground may be under consideration for a change of use,” the lawyers wrote. “While they appreciate the governance and trusteeship structures involved, they are deeply concerned by the absence of any formal communication on a matter of such magnitude.”
The alumni argue that the playground is not just land, but a core pillar of the school’s identity, having for decades supported academic balance, physical development, and sporting excellence.
They warn that uncertainty over the playground’s future has already created anxiety among former students and other stakeholders, many of whom credit the facility for nurturing generations of athletes who have competed at national, continental, and international levels.
The school pitch. [Courtesy Photo]
In their petition, the Old Boys are demanding that the Board clearly states whether any formal discussions, proposals, or decisions exist regarding the lease, sale, or change of use of the playground, and how stakeholders would be consulted should such plans advance.
“Accordingly, and without prejudice to any lawful processes, our clients respectfully request confirmation as to whether any proposal or decision exists regarding the change of use, lease, or disposal of the land currently serving as the school playground,” the letter reads.
Founded more than a century ago, Mbarara High School is among Uganda’s most prestigious institutions, known for producing influential leaders in government, the military, and the private sector. Beyond academics, the school has earned national recognition for sports, with the playground serving as its primary training and competition ground.
Stakeholders fear that any move to dispose of or repurpose the playground would deal a lasting blow to the school’s sporting legacy and future talent development. By press time, the Board of Governors had not issued a public response to the concerns raised by the alumni.
