Overview:
In Uganda, the year 2022 produced 167 gold medals, 130 silver medals and 146 bronze medals. Uganda featured prominently in all the major games and competitions. There are 22 national sports federations for fast tracking coming to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France. The funding will be prioritized to major games. The sports budget has suffered a 65% decrease.
The 12th edition of the National Sports Forum For National Sports Federations / Associations quarterly meeting was held at the Copper Chimney Restaurant, Lugogo – Kampala on Tuesday, 3rd January 2023.
This meeting was earlier scheduled to be held late last year but was pushed ahead because of unforeseen circumstances.
Officials from the Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) led by the president Justus Mugisha and Chris Mugisha were invited as special guests in this forum.
Hon. Peter Ogwang, the state minister of sports was the chairperson of this meeting that stretched for close to eight hours.
The minister was flanked by the commissioner of physical education and sports Rev. Duncans Mugumya, technical advisor in ministry of education and sports Gunter Lange Okello, chairperson for the Board of National Council of Sports (NCS) Ambrose Tashobya, NCS General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, presidents and general secretaries for the various sports federations / associations.
In his presentation, the minister highlighted about the gains (achievements) from the previous year (2022), hinted about the present situation of national sports federations / associations as he also torched into the future of Uganda’s sport in 2023 and the years ahead.
Hon. Ogwang called for urgent professionalization of the national sports associations, vehemently condemned wrangling among sports bodies, called for proposals towards sports development and notified about the latest developments for the new sports law.
“The year 2022 was very fruitful in terms of achievements registered domestically and in international competitions.” Hon. Ogwang revealed.
In 2022 alone, Uganda recorded 167 gold medals, 130 silver medals and 146 bronze medals in the international competitions held.
The minister stated that the recent parliamentary probe into the operations of the National Council of Sports (NCS) is a normal procedure that happens in every sector of the economy.
“National Council of Sports (NCS) is adhering to the proceedings and everything has progressed well. The probe is normal, just like in the other sectors of the economy” he added.
He hinted about the sports budget, rewards and recognitions procedure, facility development, strengthening of capacity building workshops as well as seeking of new partnerships to supplement on the Government funding.
He condemned the age cheating vice among sports associations and federations.
Various sports leaders reacted upon a number of issues with rich proposals and recommendations as the minister and his team listened attentively.
The year 2022 was the best in terms of performance with 167 gold medals, 130 silver medals and 146 bronze medals. Uganda featured prominently in all the major games and competitions. There 22 national sports federations for fast tracking coming to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France. The funding will be prioritized to major games. The sports budget has suffered a 65% decrease. We urge sports federations and associations to account for every penny received at least 60 days after getting payments. NCS plans a workshop for branding and marketing.
Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, General Secretary – National Council of Sports (NCS)
Athletics is the center of gravity for Uganda’s sports. Uganda Athletics Federation has worked upon talent nurturing right from the grassroots with great training programs from Monday to Saturday.
Dominic Otuchet, president Uganda Athletics Federation
Uganda Woodball Federation has for long been manufacturing its own equipment. We need tax exemptions as we build the brands. Sports Federations and associations need more creativity to thrive.
Paul Mark Kayongo, President Uganda Woodball Federation
We need to work upon the facilities where sports is held. Schools need facilities and it has to be a policy
Thomas Bamuteeze, President, Uganda Rollball Association
Sports federations and associations need the utmost support from Government and the private sector.
Robert Jjagwe, President, Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA)
There should a funds distribution guideline well set out by the National Council of Sports.
Moses Muhangi, President – Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF)
The biggest challenge of sport in Uganda today remains funding. Chess has cried for a long time and resorted to cash-washing drives. But, why? Talent identification should start in primary schools with online academies for talent identification and development as well.
Emmanuel Mwaka, President, Uganda Chess Federation (UCF)
At Uganda Rugby Union, it remains work in progress as the sky is not the limit. We also call for tax exemptions.
Godwin Kayangwe, President – Uganda Rugby Union
The Physical Education in Schools should be strengthened. NCS should also give us a very streamlined funding guideline.
Hariert Aya, President – Uganda Gymnastics Association
We have had zero money on our accounts yet we are told to account. Account for what? We have many upcoming championships that we humbled request for support.
Deaf Sport Association President
The minister also held a press conference with various sports journalists.
