In a bid to ensure a tranquil house, Uganda Rowing clubs have urged a quick re-organisation of their administrative docket.
The clubs issued a strongly worded missive as they demanded the immediate organisation of elections and a return to constitutional governance.
They cite prolonged leadership disputes and unresolved compliance issues that they say are undermining the sport.
The clubs demanded to elect a new executive in place that will steer the federation in a bid to fulfil the statutory compliance requirements.
They referenced a letter from the National Council of Sports (NCS) dated March 9, 2026 (Ref. No. NCS. 3/4), which outlined several compliance gaps that Uganda Rowing must address to meet the requirements of the National Sports Act, Cap. 151.
“Rowing had remained mired in internal wrangling and resistance to an orderly leadership transition, creating confusion and mistrust among member clubs,” they reasoned.
For starters, the current executive committee was elected in March 2021 for a four-year term that expired in March 2025, over a year ago.
Despite these clear pathways, the clubs lamented the lack of implementation, alleging that certain elements within the current leadership have frustrated the transition process and fostered an atmosphere of pressure and exclusion.
In their statement, the concerned clubs outlined several demands aimed at restoring stability and credibility within Uganda Rowing with Immediate return to constitutional and collective governance, Implementation of the adopted Electoral Roadmap and issuance of a clear election timetable, Urgent execution of the Membership Compliance and Club Regularisation Roadmap to support lawful and transparent club participation, Full compliance with the National Council of Sports’ directives, addressing governance, constitutional, and procedural gaps, Respect and enforcement of the 2024 Constitution under a fresh and credible electoral mandate, Cessation of unilateral actions and exclusionary conduct that undermine trust and unity within the federation.
The clubs emphasised that their position is motivated by a genuine desire to safeguard the future of rowing in Uganda rather than hostility toward the federation’s leadership.
“We want a federation that is lawful, stable, inclusive, and respected. We want athletes to train and compete under a credible national body, and clubs to participate without fear,” the statement noted.
They also called upon key stakeholders—including the National Council of Sports, the Uganda Olympic Committee, World Rowing, and the wider sporting community—to support a lawful, peaceful, and credible transition.
Concluding their statement, the member clubs urged the current leadership to prioritise the interests of the sport over personal or internal disputes.
They stressed that the time for delay has passed and that decisive action is necessary to restore confidence in the federation.
“Not more delay. Not more confusion. Not more internal fights. But a clear roadmap, a credible process, and a new Executive with a proper mandate to restore trust and lead Uganda Rowing forward.”
Hamza Kahwa is the current president of Uganda Rowing.
