By Male Solomon Grace
Uganda’s school sports sector is undergoing a transformative revolution, driven by government investment, infrastructure development, and a commitment to nurturing young talent. With increased funding and a focus on grassroots development, Uganda aims to become a regional sports hub, producing world-class athletes and hosting international tournaments.
The Ministry of Education and Sports, under the leadership of the Cabinet Minister who is also the First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni and supported by State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang has championed a significant boost in funding for Physical Education and Sports from UGX2.5 billion to UGX7.5 billion, demonstrating their dedication to nurturing young talent. Quarterly allocations of UGX10 million are remitted regularly to local governments to support district-level school sports programmes, focusing on grassroots development and talent identification.
Sports is no longer merely a leisure activity; it has become a source of livelihood and a highly paid career globally. However, to represent one’s country, athletes must be disciplined, and sports managers should refrain from selecting overage players for specific games.
To address concerns regarding sports infrastructure, inclusiveness, and malpractices like using non-bonafide players (Bakyuba), President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assented to the National Sports Bill 2023, criminalising such vices. The Ministry has introduced online registration for sportsmen and women from elementary school level to monitor players, showcasing their commitment to nurturing young talent.
On 28 August 2023, President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to developing all sports disciplines through renovating public schools’ sports facilities, constructing new stadiums, and supporting training grounds. He emphasised sports’ role in promoting fitness, combating lifestyle diseases, and driving tourism.
Basing on my telephone conversation (August 15, 2024 at 13:42PM) with Sports Minister, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the ongoing renovation of public sports facilities, including the Mandela National Stadium (UGX97 billion), Nakivubo, and the construction of the Teryet High Altitude Training Centre in Kapchorwa (UGX26 billion), Hoima Stadium, and Lugogo Sports Complex, will provide Uganda’s sportsmen and women with state-of-the-art facilities to compete and host international tournaments like AFCON 2027.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, the government has allocated a significant budget for sports infrastructure and development through the National Council for Sports, including USD130 million for Hoima City Stadium and USD126 million for Akibua Stadium. The Ministry of Works has estimated UGX120 billion for 11 support training grounds. Redevelopment plans are underway for Lugogo Sports Complex and Buhinga Stadium.
Additionally, the government has provided UGX48.8 billion (UGX30 billion for sports federations and UGX18.8 billion for salaries, operational activities, and administrative costs).
Uganda’s recent participation in the Paris Olympics yielded a historic two medals, showcasing growing athletic prowess. Joshua Cheptegei won gold in the Men’s 10,000m, and Peruth Chemutai won silver in the Women’s 3,000m steeplechase, inspiring a new generation of athletes participating in the forthcoming FEASSA Games.
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association manages school sports programmes efficiently and effectively. Since 2002, Uganda’s school sports teams have excelled in regional and international competitions, including FEASSA Games, International Championships for Schools, ISF World Cup for Schools, and World Schools Basketball Championship.
With USSSA’s support, Uganda aims to become a hub for regional sports federations, hosting international events, and showcasing its sports prowess. The upcoming FEASSA Games (16-27 August 2024) will feature Uganda’s talented young sportsmen and women, reinforcing Uganda’s position in regional school sports. Hosted by Bukedea Comprehensive School and co-hosted by Amus College in Bukedea District, with supporting facilities in Mbale City.
Team Uganda consists of 1,690 participants from schools, including Namilyango College, Nabisunsa Girls, St. Noah Girls, Kibuli SS, Bombo Umeya, Kawempe Muslim SS, Kitende SSS, Kawanda SS, Gomba SSS, and more. The sports disciplines at the #FEASSSAGames2024 will range from Badminton, Athletics, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Hockey, Netball, Soccer, Goalball, Rugby (7’s and 15’s) as well as Basketball (3X3 and 5×5).
With continued government support, Uganda is poised to become a regional sports hub, producing world-class athletes and hosting international tournaments. Investment in school sports and infrastructure development is a recipe for success, paving the way for Uganda to become a sports powerhouse in East Africa.
Let’s rally behind our young sportsmen and women and cheer them on to victory at the FEASSA Games!
