Constructed in 2016, the Uganda Skateboard Society (USS) skatepark was more than just a place to skateboard. For nearly a decade, it served as a safe space where hundreds of young people discovered their passion, built lifelong friendships, gained confidence, and found opportunities that reached far beyond Uganda’s borders. It became the heart of Uganda’s skateboarding community and played a key role in developing athletes who have represented Uganda on the international stage.
Sadly, after serving the community for almost 10 years, the skatepark was demolished when the landowner reclaimed the property for commercial development. While the loss was devastating, it also united the global skateboarding community behind a shared mission to build a permanent home for skateboarding in Uganda.
Recognizing the importance of preserving skateboarding in Uganda, Thrasher Magazine and adidas Skateboarding stepped in to help secure a permanent future for the community. Together, they helped Uganda Skateboard Society secure 1,700 square meters of land in Mukono, which will become the new permanent home of skateboarding in Uganda. Owning the land means the community can now build with confidence, knowing future generations will have a place to skate without the uncertainty of losing it again.
To turn this vision into reality, Salad Days of Skateboarding, a U.S.-registered nonprofit organization, is managing the official GoFundMe campaign, ensuring transparent fundraising and financial oversight. Every donation made through the campaign will go toward constructing the new skatepark and creating a lasting legacy for skateboarders across Uganda.
The fundraising campaign launched with a goal of $80,000 to fund construction of the new skatepark. Thanks to the incredible support of the global skateboarding community, the campaign has already surpassed 68% of its goal. This overwhelming response is a testament to the strength and unity of skateboarding worldwide. Uganda Skateboard Society extends its heartfelt gratitude to every individual, skate shop, brand, and organization that has donated, shared the campaign, and stood behind this project.
Construction of the new skatepark will be carried out in partnership with Salad Days of Skateboarding and Wonders Around the World, who will provide technical expertise, volunteer support, and construction guidance throughout the project. Working alongside Uganda Skateboard Society, these organizations share the vision of building a world-class concrete skatepark that will serve not only Uganda but the wider East African skateboarding community.Construction is expected to begin as soon as the remaining funds are raised and all required building approvals and permits have been obtained from the Mukono Municipal Building Authorities. These steps will ensure the project is built safely, professionally, and in full compliance with local regulations.
This entire campaign is being led by Gose Gerald, founder of the Uganda Skateboard Society, together with Tony Vitello, President of Thrasher Magazine, whose leadership and commitment have helped rally the international skateboarding community behind this historic project.
The new facility will be much more than a skatepark. It will be a permanent training center for future Olympians, a safe place for youth development, a venue for national and international competitions, and a community hub where young people can learn, grow, and thrive through skateboarding.
Although the original skatepark has been demolished, the movement is stronger than ever. What began as a heartbreaking loss has become an opportunity to build something even greater—a permanent home for skateboarding in Uganda, made possible through the support of local leaders and the global skateboarding family.
The old skatepark may be gone, but the future of skateboarding in Uganda has never been brighter. Together, we’re building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
