Overview:
The current rift between the National Council of Sports (NCS) and Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) ought to be put to bed as soon as today lest the impact will drift severely to the innocent party - the players and this will deter the prosperity of this predominately girl-child sport.
Ideally, the synergy between the National Council of Sports (NCS) and the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) is envisaged as a parent-child affair.
Under normal circumstances, NCS as the overseer for all 54 national sports associations and federations is mandated to execute the parental chores, providing the much-needed inter-link with the central Government.
Uganda Netball Federation in this case is one of the babies to be looked after, grow as a child and mature for the prosperity of the netball sport across the country.
Naturally, UNF is expected at all times to accord due respect to their parent in the box.
Ironically, for the past two years or so, the relationship between these two parties has been strained and stained.
UNF through their president Sarah Babirye Kityo has openly (through the media) castigated the operations of NCS and publicly condemned the person of the General Secretary, Bernard Patrick Ogwel.
Babirye in some of the media interviews boldly asserted that Ogwel allegedly asked for bribes through kickbacks on the finances remitted to them.
NCS’ official position as outlined by Ambrose Tashobya, chairperson of the board is clear; to work in harmony with all the sports federations/associations.
Tashobya, flanked by Ogwel, David Ssemakula Katende (assistant General secretary) and Cecilia Anyakoit (NCS Board member) addressed the media at Copper Chimney Restaurant – Lugogo to clarify the alleged falsehoods uttered by Babirye to the media.
“We are in a country governed by rules and laws. No one is bigger than sport. We demand that all national federations follow their constitutions in the way they manage their matters,” the former Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) started.
“We cannot allow bad governance in sport. None of us owns sport. This issue is not personal,” he added as he explained that UNF defied a court order (Injunction) halting an AGM in 2021.
“NCS recognizes the legitimate UNF executive before the assembly of 25th February 2021. Any other changes that came after when there was a court order in force are not considered,” Tashobya added.
Accountability Queries
According to NCS, Uganda Netball Federation failed to account for the sums accruing to Shs 425,014,000/= disbursed for quarter two of the financial year 2021-2021.
“When Government releases money, it is for sports development. The Accounting of funds is required within. Some of the allegations are not accurate,” he added.
Ogwel reacts
National Council of Sports General Secretary, Ogwel who is the accounting officer on behalf of the Government was emotional in submission.
“I appreciate the role of the media in nation-building. I, therefore, expect you to report objectively and balanced. NCS is a fully accountable organ of Government and one of the best performing,” his speech started.
“Federations registered with NCS should do their work in accordance with the statutes. Sports development requires teamwork. For the allegations and accusations from the Uganda Netball Federation president, we have sought advice from the Solicitor General to involve the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),” he warned.
Ogwel hinted at the grey patches within the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) as unaccounted-for funds (Shs 161,006,000/=), lack of air tickets acknowledgement (Shs 127,256,220/=), uncomprehensive accountabilities submitted (Shs 288,262,220/=), statistical performance of the team, team kit (Shs 10,000,000/=), rudimentary accounting system (Shs 186,374,110).
Babirye, however, insists she has got the evidence pinning NCS general secretary and condemns the operations of NCS.
“Whenever needed, I will present the evidence. We have to put the house in order,” the former member of parliament answered back when contacted.
At the moment, it is not all good in the coffers of the Uganda Netball Federation as the main administrative offices at Mengo are currently locked following rent arrears for more than three months.
The national league has been suspended for lack of financial resources and the other operations are also halted.
The current rift ought to be put to bed as soon as today lest the impact will drift severely to the innocent party – the players and this will deter the prosperity of this predominately girl-child sport.
