Category: Daily Monitor

A child born in Uganda in 2000 would have expected to live up to the age of 48.9. One born today, on the other hand, can expect to live for 66 years, and rising. This is one of the success stories in Uganda’s health sector, and the country’s life expectancy has risen above the sub-Saharan African average to near global levels.

There are many underlying reasons, including mass immunisation that has rolled back many preventable diseases, antiretroviral therapies that have reduced mortality from HIV/Aids, the end of major armed conflicts, and a young population that is yet to face the inevitable turbulence of mid- and late-life ailments.

The expansion of primary health care has seen reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality rates, while expansion in private health care has driven investments in complex medical treatments and procedures.

A close look under the microscope, however, shows the many pathogens and problems that, left unattended, will undermine Uganda’s social and economic transformation, as well as the ability of many Ugandans to live long, healthy and productive lives.

First, for all the progress made over the past decades, the two leading causes of death in Uganda are treatable (malaria) and preventable (HIV/Aids).

In the case of malaria, the incidence rate has been worsening since 2021, according to the World Health Organisation. This speaks to a failure in case management and primary health care, especially at the grassroots.

Similarly, the third-leading cause of death — lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, among others — suggests a lack of awareness of hidden dangers such as air pollution, and a lack of public health messaging to address them.

Growing tobacco consumption among young people through vaping, smoking water pipes, and just second-hand cigarette smoke without any meaningful public health education and behavioural change campaigns will only make this worse.

The second, and related, problem is the growing risk of lifestyle or non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertensive disease, among others, which kill about four out of every 10 Ugandans. To this add injuries, including those from road traffic accidents, which claim about 10 percent of fatalities every year.

Some of the fixes in this category are obvious and straightforward. Just forcing boda boda riders and their passengers to wear helmets would reduce the fatality rate from these two-wheeled widow-makers. Enforcing driver learning and regular vehicle inspections would reduce overall road traffic accidents.

Others, however, are harder to see and, therefore, harder to formulate policies around. For instance, the urban low-income-earner diet has changed from organic local food to the refined high-calorie sugars of wheat and antibiotic-flavoured industrial eggs.

The disappearance of public spaces and sports facilities, combined with a growing culture of vertical living in apartment blocks, has taken away free or low-cost exercise options. This pressure on physical space will only increase as the population doubles over the next 25 years.

Crowded into ever denser conurbations, and without common spaces for physical exercise or mental decompression, obesity and its related diseases, combined with mental health disease, are likely to rise. As the population pyramid begins to bulge in the middle, non-communicable diseases could become the leading causes of death.

Public health policy makers, therefore, need to plan for malaria vaccines, as well as running tracks and public parks! This will require new thinking and smarter investments, including in making health care more affordable.

Spending on health as a percentage of GDP, currently at under five percent, will have to triple to meet the pledge in the Abuja Declaration.

The absolute increases, however, will have to rise in tandem with more intelligent decision-making such as buying more ambulances than luxury SUVs, and allocating more money to maintenance and staffing.

One obvious low-hanging fruit is the national health insurance scheme, which has been decades in the planning. It would expand coverage and reduce the cost of healthcare for the most vulnerable, providing a guardrail against that very real nightmare of losing it all with one major medical emergency.

Yet even small illnesses carry large costs. In a new paper, Dablin Mpuuga of the Economic Policy Research Centre and colleagues found that 28.7 percent of households spent more than 40 percent of their non-food expenditure on out-of-pocket healthcare costs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Another 33 percent spent more than 25 percent — money that could have been spent on investment or other forms of consumption.

Fixing the health sector requires a combination of greater investment in prevention and treatment, focusing on outcomes to ensure value-for-money, and derisking inevitable health challenges through a national health insurance scheme.

Ugandans are living longer; we shouldn’t let the cost of healthcare make some wish they could die earlier.

JKL Lady Dolphins can confirm their place in the National Basketball League finals with victory over UCU Lady Canons when the two sides face off tonight in Game Four of the semifinal series at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

The defending champions have won back-to-back games to take a 2-1 lead in the series having lost the opener.

Wednesday night’s 65-61 win saw the four-time champions dig deep and rely on their experience to get over the line and put one foot in the finals.

The Lady Canons led by nine points (34-25) going into the halftime break and despite leading by as many as 14 points at some point, JKL came back in the fourth frame to snatch the victory.

Four-time MVP Hope Akello recorded 20 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in the game while Brenda Ekone registered 17 points and eight rebounds.

For the Lady Canons, Matrina Anyango got a team-high 15 points and collected five rebounds while Shillah Lamunu had a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Backs against the wall

UCU’s Game One victory now looks a distant memory, with tonight’s assignment putting the university side in a win-or-go-home situation.

Nicholas Natuhereza’s charges shot three-for-29 from three-point range on Wednesday and will need much better percentages to get past a more experienced JKL side.

The scoring burden has largely rested on Lamunu’s shoulders in the series and more senior players like Bridget Aber and team captain Hajara Najjuko will have to do more for UCU to stay alive.

Stopping Ekone’s transition has also proven a challenge in the last two games and that has seen her score 33 points and help the defending champions take charge of the series.

Akello has also dominated the paint to pour in 36 points the last two games. Limiting the duo could be the start of a comeback for UCU but that is easier said than done.

National Basketball League Playoffs

Semifinal result

Game Three

JKL 65-61 UCU

Game Four, Friday -Lugogo

UCU vs. JKL, 7pm

As Uganda marks 63 years of independence, reflections from across the country paint a mixed picture; pride in peace and development tempered by frustration over poverty, corruption, and a sense that true independence remains elusive.

In Kampala, Ms Beatrice Nyangoma remembered how her parents once marked the day with joy and food. ‘Previously, people went to the market to buy rice and meat. Now few people even feel bothered – maybe because of how we’re being governed,’ she lamented. In Rakai District, Gragam Wasajja believes Uganda’s independence remains incomplete as long as citizens remain poor.

‘Real independence is people having money in their pockets,’ he said. ‘Many Ugandans still live below the poverty line and can’t access basic services,’ he added. From Mpigi District, elders shared cautious praise.

Mr Joseph Ssenkatuuka, 86, of Buwama Town Council, acknowledged visible progress in infrastructure. ‘Our roads are far better than before independence,’ he said. ‘But all this borrowing from the World Bank and others worries me. Let Parliament block unnecessary loans – we must depend on our own money,’ he added. His neighbour, Livingston Lumala, 72, said while peace has been maintained, government investment in health and social services has declined. ‘The only notable successes are personal gains, not community services. ‘Our health centres today need treatment themselves,’ he said. In western Uganda, residents of Mbarara also spoke of economic hardship overshadowing celebration. Mr Evaristo Bainomugisha, 70, said the mood has shifted from jubilation to survival. ‘In the past, we would be in a celebratory mood on the eve of independence.

Now people are too burdened by poverty to care,’ he said. At Mbarara Central Market, Mr Alex Tindiwensi, 64, expressed fear and anger over what he called declining freedoms. ‘You can’t talk of independence when people’s rights are abused and others live in fear,’ he said. ‘We are witnessing the same terror they used to talk about in the past,’ he added. Economy Retired civil servant Martin Twinoburyo agreed, arguing that Uganda’s economy remains dominated by foreigners. ‘If the country can’t sustain itself economically, then we can’t talk of independence,’ he said. ‘We may have peace, but there’s little to be excited about.’ Mr Eron Kaggwa, 80, said he has seen progress in how the country marks the day.

‘These days, there’s a lot more effort. Government is putting in more energy to celebrate independence,’ he said. And Mr Daniel Sande, 70, reminisced about the 1980s when independence celebrations drew crowds nationwide. ‘Back then, everyone participated – there was even an Independence Cup. Today, it’s mostly the youth,’ he recalled.

At the height of national political campaigns spanning from 2001, 2006, and 2011, elderly men, women, youth, and children would throng the road-sides flashing the V-sign to signify victory in support of their then favourite Opposition presidential candidate and Forum for Democratic Change party leader, Col (rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye.

While singing their traditional songs as a way of marketing the campaigns, they would be seen ululating as they jumped out of their mud and wattle grass-thatched houses in excitement to cheer Dr Besigye in his convoy. The supporters would lay traditional kitenge clothes for the three-time presidential candidate to walk on, and they would offer him gifts such as doves, chickens, goats, and sheep, in a show of great support and solidarity. He received a hero’s welcome across West Nile, in a region whose locals suffered while in exile in DR Congo and South Sudan after the fall of President Idi Amin in 1979.

Dr Besigye, who could roar during campaigns with his trademark ballistic voice, was a darling to the people of West Nile because his messages spoke to the common man’s problems. Key on his agenda at that time was the bad roads, non-connection to the national grid, and the arrests of OPEC boys, the notorious fuel smugglers who carried goods across the borders of South Sudan and Dr Congo. He would also ride on the poverty levels in communities in West Nile to drive his point home. Dr Besigye went ahead to fault the government on the sorry state of health and educational institutions in the sub-region. These factors, among others, won the hearts of the people of West Nile, making the NRM government unpopular. Another factor was the popularity of the late Democratic Party presidential candidate, Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, who contested in the 1996 elections and won across West Nile with more than 80 percent of the votes.

The same favour and love for the Opposition candidate was reciprocated in support of Dr Besigye’s Reform Agenda and later FDC. Dr Besigye had set up party structures with FDC offices opened in key districts such as Nebbi and Arua. It appeared apparent that massive mobilisation was being conducted right from the grassroots level. It is no wonder that during the 2006 presidential campaigns, the procession from the FDC office in Arua Town, which is about 800 metres to Arua Hill grounds, took about 30 minutes of slow driving as traffic jams were created in the town, with a mammoth crowd following him. That time, the Muslim group played the drum as a way of mobilisation for Dr Besigye. In 2016, the same love for the Opposition was still visible. That time, the late Ibrahim Abiriga, who then served as Arua District Resident District Commissioner, mobilised some NRM supporters for a bull feast to divert people’s attention from attending Dr Besigye’s rally. But this was in vain as people abandoned the feast and dashed to Arua Hill for campaigns. Some of the NRM supporters moved with the animal’s hooves during Dr Besigye’s procession.

How Opposition lost ground

Incensed by the incident, the late Abiriga planned dismantling of the Opposition party support. He moved to various boda boda stages to mobilise support for Mr Museveni. ‘Stop listening to those lies of the Opposition. We should support the government that brought you back from exile. The government works on services in phases. The roads, electricity, schools and hospitals will be done if you support NRM,’ he said in 2016. During the campaigns, the late Abiriga managed to mobilise and pull crowds for Mr Museveni. He spoke vehemently about the completion of the Karuma-Olwiyo-Pakwach-Nebbi-Arua road, which he said was a success for the NRM regime. Some people believed him and were compelled to support the regime. Abiriga’s efforts paid off while in Arua District in 2016, where President Museveni won with 114,888 (57.71 percent) and Dr Kizza Besigye got 68,108 (34.22 percent) out of the 336,384 registered voters. This was the starting point for the NRM to find a foot in the elections.

NRM take over

Pakwach District chairperson Robert Omit Steen said: ‘We appreciate his (Museveni’s) efforts in the last terms of rehabilitating some of the roads, constructing Seed schools in communities, and connecting the region to the national grid. These are services our people needed and so he deserved our support.’

He, however, said there are areas that require the government’s urgent attention such as the revival of the Pakwach Railway Station and port, upgrading of Pakwach Health Centre IV to a hospital status and upgrading of Uganda College of Commerce Pakwach to university status. President Museveni throughout the campaign in West Nile promised to provide scholastic materials, pads for pupils in schools, tarmac the roads, and connect the region to the national grid and this was fulfilled on August 3, 2024. He also promised free Universal Primary Education. This statement won hearts of many of the poor parents, especially in rural areas, who looked at him as a saviour. The NRM has also mobilised various youth groups, women and men to canvas for votes in the rural areas.

The defections

The exodus of devotees from the FDC such as former Arua Central Division MP Kassiano Wadri, former Arua Woman MP Christine Abia, Ms Amina Atako, Ms Nesma Ocokoru, Ms Night Asara to Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) among other party officials also disabled the party’s support base. This left a gap in the leading Opposition party structures. The NRM has also tried to fulfil some of its promises that include construction of major roads, bridges and some anti-poverty projects that are likely to win them another term. The Pakwach District Woman MP, Ms Jane Avur, said: ‘People have realised the gains which we need to protect like the construction of Ora Bridge that connects people of Pakwach and Madi Okollo, the construction of the Pakwach-Nebbi road and the implementation of the Parish Development Model as a game changer.

The construction of Seed schools across the region is a gain.’ However, in a recent interview with the Daily Monitor, Mr Wadri said he does not believe in any gains from the NRM. He said locals in the region have been hoodwinked to think that by voting for an NRM candidate, development would come their way. NRM has 40 MPs in the 13 districts in West Nile, who have been mobilising support for him. ‘Despite this good representation, look at what the locals get in turn, poor state of roads from Nebbi to Arua, the Nebbi-Zombo-Vurra road, the road from Manibe to Terego-Yumbe. No senior political appointments and poverty just thrives on,’ Mr Wadri said. ‘Those that join the NRM party do so for selfish reasons, he added. Mr Wadri also revealed that the ground has not been levelled for all political parties as police often interfere with their programmes.

Health and fitness experts have called for urgent reforms to curb the rising fatal and other life-threatening incidents in Ugandan gyms and military recruitment exercises. The experts indicated that the incidents highlight critical safety lapses like inadequate health screenings and poor emergency preparedness.

The recent death of 22-year-old Solomon Dono, who collapsed and died during a UPDF recruitment in Apac District on August 15, despite on-site medical aid, joins a troubling pattern that includes businessman Abas Kasagga’s alleged fatal heart attack in a Kampala gym in April. Kasagga was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kibuli Hospital, a nearby facility where he was rushed to. These are not isolated cases. Mustafa Katende’s 2018 gym collapse and the death of Margaret Kabasa during a fitness test in Pallisa in May all highlight the magnitude of the problem.

Many exercise-related incidents are unreported because they are not fatal. ‘As physiotherapists, we usually take exercises as medicine. Just like medicine, you take it according to what is affecting you,’ explains Mr Isaac Kakooza, former president of the Uganda Association of Physiotherapy (UAP), now with Mobile Phyzio Uganda. Mr Kakooza emphasises the importance of understanding one’s health status before starting a fitness routine.

‘There are specific types of exercises which each individual is supposed to do depending on their fitness level,’ he says, adding:’Some people get these kinds of problems (attacks), because sometimes they don’t go into that length of finding out their state of health.’ The physiotherapist paints a scenario where individuals with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or heart problems might unknowingly exacerbate their situation through ill-advised exercise.

‘When someone goes to the gym, the gym first of all is supposed to have a professional who can, for example, take the person’s blood pressure,’ Mr Kakooza asserts. ‘Someone could be having high blood pressure. when you do exercise, your blood pressure also goes up, (meaning the condition can worsen). This means you are not supposed to be doing certain types of exercise,’Mr Kakooza says.

Col David Opeero, the head of the UPDF recruitment team in Apac District, in comments about the death of Dono, says they always do preliminary health checks before the fitness drill and have a robust emergency response system and team, which tried to rescue Dono. ‘During the run, one of the participants collapsed. He was put in the ambulance that was following them, the way we evacuate any other participant who faints in the run,’ he explains.

‘He was brought to the hospital, first aid was administered to him, unfortunately, he didn’t make it, he died.’ Col Opeero further explains that in the recruitment process, ideally there are four stages. ‘The first one is to identify and confirm that we have the right people who are short-listed, then document verification,the third one is the preliminary physical check done by the medical officers, then the fourth one is the short run, and eventually the medical examination,’ he says. Dr Charles Oyoo Akiya, the commissioner for Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at the Ministry of Health, highlights how one can exercise safely.

‘First of all, do a general fitness check by a qualified health worker, know your general health status: heart condition, blood pressure, blood sugar, and so on,’ he says. ‘Secondly, ensure the gym is safe and the equipment is in good mechanical condition. Thirdly, a qualified/ licensed or professional instructor is available to guide you. And forth, first aid services are handy, including emergency referral systems,’ he adds. Mr Kakooza says weightlifting, although essential in muscle strengthening, greatly strains the cardiovascular system (heart and blood pathways), causing a significant concern that should be balanced well with health safety.

Danger signs

‘When you’re lifting something heavy or exerting a lot of force, your body will demand energy. And then when it demands too much energy, of course, it goes hand in hand with demanding more oxygen, and by that, your heart will be required to pump or to overwork so that it can supply that kind of blood. And if it’s overworking beyond its limits, of course, anything can happen to you,’ he explains. Mr Kakooza stresses the significance of recognising one’s limits during exercise. The point of panting, he explains, should allow for continued conversation. Reaching a level where breathlessness prevents speech is a danger sign, indicating an intensity that might be too high. ‘When you’re doing exercises, you can reach a point when you’re panting. That panting has to be at a certain level where you can pant, but while you can still talk.

But when you reach a level where you pant and you cannot even talk, you’re just trying to catch your breath, that’s not a good intensity level,’ he says. ‘If you’re so fatigued so quickly at a simple exertion during an exercise, it’s good to go for a check-up to see why your body demands so much oxygen and you’re not taking it in the way it is required. Usually, it’s good to first see a cardiologist and see whether there’s any problem,’ he adds. The physiotherapist also advises seeking medical check-ups for persistent fatigue during simple exertion, as it could signal underlying health issues. The absence of mandatory health screenings and professional guidance in many gyms is a worrying trend.

‘When they go to these gyms, they don’t even ask those things, they just all of a sudden jump on something and they just start doing without anyone asking them these, without anyone measuring their blood pressure,’ Mr Kakooza laments. UAP, has long advocated for stricter regulations within the fitness industry. ‘It would be good for each gym to have a physiotherapist supervising it. Just like you see pharmacies are supervised by pharmacists. So gyms are also supposed to be supervised by physiotherapists,’ Mr Kakooza advises. He points to the recent regulation by the National Council of Sports mandating physiotherapists in sports clubs, highlighting their crucial role in guiding training, preventing injuries, and managing emergencies.

Echoing the need for greater oversight, Dr Akiya acknowledges that gyms are largely private entities regulated by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities. Dr Akiya also reminds the public that physical activity doesn’t solely rely on gyms. Simple activities like walking, jogging, dancing, and sports can be equally beneficial and accessible. For gym owners, Dr Akiya’s message is clear: ‘They must employ professional instructors, physiotherapists, first aiders, etc., and ensure a safe environment within their gym facilities.’

As Uganda marks 63 years of independence, legal experts and rights advocates reflect on the nation’s unfinished journey toward freedom, one where human rights remain the truest test of sovereignty.

When Uganda raised its flag on October 9, 1962, jubilation swept across the nation. The Union Jack was lowered, and the anthem of freedom filled the air, a young country declaring its sovereignty and its right to self-determination.

Six decades on, many Ugandans are asking: what has independence truly delivered? Beyond the symbolism of self-rule, what does freedom mean when human rights remain fragile? It’s a question that continues to frame Uganda’s post-independence journey, and one that legal minds still wrestle with today.

‘Independence gave us a flag,’ says Crispin Kaheru, a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. ‘But the right to development is what will ultimately give that flag meaning in people’s daily lives.’

Uganda’s human rights record since independence reads like a book with both inspiring chapters and difficult pages – marked by both achievements and setbacks.

The promise unfulfilled

Kaheru sees independence not as an event of 1962, but as a continuing promise, one that can only be fulfilled when every Ugandan enjoys dignity, equality, and opportunity.

He credits Uganda’s progress in the post-independence era, a strong constitutional framework, the establishment of oversight bodies such as the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission, and greater civic awareness.

However, he candidly acknowledges the inequities that persist.

‘The benefits of development are unevenly distributed. We still have marginalized and rural communities,’ Kaheru notes.

‘Episodes of radical politics and political intolerance continue to undermine the broader human rights environment.’

The paradox is clear: Uganda has the laws and institutions to protect rights, yet the lived reality often betrays equality. Youth unemployment, rural poverty, and environmental degradation remain stubborn challenges. Rights are guaranteed on paper, but not always in practice.

This tension between promise and practice also runs through Uganda’s constitutional evolution.

The constitution and institutional independence

If Uganda’s independence was the birth of a nation, the 1995 Constitution was meant to be its anchor , a modern charter enshrining civil, political, and socio-economic rights.

For Alex Martin Musiime, a constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, it remains one of the most progressive documents on the continent.

‘Our Constitution was the strongest document to protect human rights,’ Musiime says. ‘The challenge only came in when it started being changed for political expedience.’

He applauds Parliament and the courts for progressive decisions – from outlawing the automatic death penalty to defending freedom of expression.

However, he is critical of constitutional amendments that scrapped presidential term limits and the age cap, as well as legislation that has eroded civil liberties.

‘Parliament has, in many ways, legislated backwards,’ he says. ‘The UPDF Amendment Act of 2025 extended military jurisdiction over civilians – a step that militarizes justice and undermines the civilian judiciary.’

Musiime also criticizes the Anti-Homosexuality Act, describing it as ‘a dangerous precedent that turns popular sentiment into persecution.’

Janice Nkajja, an international law student and anti-corruption advocate, argues that the country’s formal independence has not translated into personal or institutional independence.

‘State independence in itself is independent of citizen independence,’ she says. ‘At this point, we need protection from our own state.’

She points to the harassment of anti-corruption activists and the paralysis of oversight bodies like the Human Rights Commission, which, she says, has become ‘a state of limbo.’

For her, independence celebrations mean little when free expression is still criminalized and dissenting voices are silenced.

These contradictions reveal a deeper malaise, the urgent need to realize true separation of powers to ensure institutional efficiency and protection of citizens’ rights.

Achievements and the missing link

Still, amid disillusionment, Uganda’s human rights journey has not been without gains. Education and healthcare access have improved. Civil society, though often constrained, remains vibrant. Courts occasionally assert their independence, as seen in rulings protecting journalists or striking down unconstitutional provisions.

However, these moments of light often flicker against a backdrop of impunity. Arbitrary arrests, land evictions, and the use of security laws to stifle protests remain common. The very institutions meant to safeguard citizens are too often the sources of abuse.

For Musiime, true independence requires not just better laws but stronger enforcement. ‘Judges, police, and rights bodies must act as protectors, not partners, of the powerful,’ he says.

Concurring with Musiime, Ivan Katureebe, a lawyer at the Federation of Uganda Employers, emphasizes the need for intentional implementation and enforcement.

‘Uganda has no shortage of good laws,’ Katureebe says. ‘What we lack is the consistent will and capacity to enforce them. Human rights protection will only be real when enforcement stops depending on who is involved.’

He also argues that human rights discourse in Uganda is incomplete without public education.

‘There is need for sensitisation of the public, not just about their rights but also their obligations,’ he adds. ‘Respect for rights is mutual. Citizens, employers, and the State must each play their part if human dignity is to be truly upheld.’

Uganda’s independence story is still being written. And for Kaheru, its next chapter must translate freedom into shared prosperity.

‘Human rights without development are decorative. Development without human rights is dangerous. The right to development is the bridge between the two,’ says Kaheru.

For the first time in over a decade, the Masaza Cup final will return to the heart of Kampala. Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, newly refurbished and recommissioned by President Yoweri Museveni on April 25, 2024, has officially been confirmed as the host venue for the 2025 Masaza Cup final. Kyaggwe, Buweekula, Bugerere and Ssingo will play in this year’s final showdown at Nakivubo after reaching the semifinals over the weekend.

This announcement came after a comprehensive inspection tour on Monday by Buganda Kingdom’s Minister for Sports, Youth and Arts, Robert Sserwanga, who expressed his delight at the stadium’s readiness.

‘Seeing Nakivubo bounce back as a top-tier facility is exciting for everyone who loves the game. It holds a lot of history for the Masaza Cup, and we are thrilled to bring the final back here where so many great memories were made,” Sserwanga said.

The iconic stadium last hosted the Masaza Cup final in 2013, a match in which Mawokota edged Ssingo 1-0 thanks to a late winner by future Uganda Cranes star Farouk Miya. Since then, the final has rotated among Wankulukuku, Namboole and St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

Tickets Go Digital

Sserwanga also confirmed that online ticket sales will begun on October 8. Early bird tickets are priced at Shs25,000 for ordinary seating and Shs40,000 for VIP. From October 20, ordinary tickets will rise to Shs30,000, VIP to Shs50,000, while VVIP tickets- which grant access to the lavish executive boxes equipped with personal TV screens – will be available at Shs150,000.

‘We urge fans to embrace the convenience of online ticketing early Nakivubo’s revamped structure means reduced seating capacity compared to the past. With a cap at 35,000, tickets will be limited, so don’t wait till the last minute,’ Sserwanga added.

In contrast, Namboole Stadium, the most frequent host of the final over the past decade, currently accommodates 38,000 fans. Past finals at Namboole have consistently seen crowds surpassing normal capacity.

The return of the final to Nakivubo is not just symbolic, but a significant nod to the stadium’s rich heritage. Built as a memorial to Ugandan soldiers and positioned at the very centre of Kampala, Nakivubo now offers a modern football experience with enhanced seating, security and hospitality options – particularly in its VVIP section, considered the most glamorous in Uganda.

The 2025 Masaza Cup final is expected to draw nationwide attention, not only because of the venue change but also due to the strength of its corporate backing. The tournament is sponsored by Airtel, Pilsner King, Plascon, Nirvana, Centenary Bank, as well as Uganda Aids Commission and UNAIDS, who continue to support the kingdom’s efforts in promoting youth development and health awareness through sport.

Masaza Cup 2025

Semifinals – Oct. 11, 2025

Kyaggwe vs Buweekula

Ssingo vs Bugerere

Masaza Cup final host venues

2025: Nakivubo

2024: Namboole

2023: Wankulukuku

2022: Wankulukuku

2021: Kitende

2020: Kitende

2019: Namboole

2017: Namboole

2016: Namboole

2015: Namboole

2014: Wankulukuku

2013: Nakivubo

2012: Nakivubo

Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya has pledged full institutional support to newly elected Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) president George Wagoogo as the university prepares to bid to host the 2027 AUUS Games.

Wagoogo, a senior sports tutor and associate professor at Kyambogo University, was recently elected as the fifth AUUS president, marking a major milestone in his long service to university sports. He previously served on the AUUS Executive Committee for four years.

On Monday, the Kyambogo University community held a special ceremony to officially receive Wagoogo. The event was attended by top administrators, including Bridget Mugume, the Dean of Students, who pledged close collaboration with AUUS to promote sports and healthy lifestyles in universities.

‘The Dean of Students’ Office looks forward to working closely with AUUS to promote sports development and a healthy lifestyle. We are in this together, and I believe in our collective strength, knowledge and skills for service to our country,’ Mugume said.

In his acceptance remarks, Wagoogo expressed gratitude to Kyambogo University for the support throughout his election and pledged to leverage the institution’s strategic location, facilities and expertise to advance university sports nationally.

‘I am deeply honoured to stand before you today, humbled by the trust placed in me as AUUS president. Kyambogo University will play a pivotal role in hosting most of the Association’s activities. Together, we shall nurture talent, lobby for more sports infrastructure, and enhance opportunities for our student-athletes at all levels,’ Wagoogo said.

Wagoogo also led a moment of silence in honour of members of the Muni University delegation who perished in a road accident while returning from the AUUS elections.

Institutional backing

Prof. Katunguka, himself a former sportsman, congratulated Wagoogo and assured him of the university’s full backing as he assumes leadership of the umbrella body for university sports.

‘Your role is to promote sports in all universities in the country, not only Kyambogo. But when you come from here, I think the big things will start here,’ Prof. Katunguka said.

‘Sports is not cheap. You will need to mobilise resources, buy equipment and engage partners. But I can assure you of our support and that of the government, which has shown commitment to improving sports at all levels.’

Prof. Katunguka shared personal reflections on how sports shaped his life during his days at Makerere University, noting that active involvement in games such as basketball, table tennis and lawn tennis kept him disciplined and healthy. He encouraged Wagoogo to instill a similar spirit among students and staff to build a vibrant sports culture.

‘Whenever I get time, I still exercise. Sports keeps you alert, fit and disciplined. We hope you can get that spirit of sports into our students. We are lucky that Kyambogo has a department of sports – use it to expand your empire,’ he said.

Eyes on 2027 AUUS Games

The Vice Chancellor’s assurance comes at a crucial time as Kyambogo University prepares to bid for the rights to host the AUUS Games in 2027. The Games bring together thousands of student-athletes from universities across Uganda to compete in multiple disciplines.

Wagoogo’s leadership tenure will run for the next four years, during which he is expected to spearhead resource mobilisation, infrastructure development and discipline reforms across university sports in the country.

When Denis Onyango was once again named in Uganda Cranes’ 26-man squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria, headlines wrote themselves. A legend was back.

The shock was not just that he had returned – four years after hanging up his gloves internationally – but that he had not started in either of the matches against Mozambique and Somalia at Namboole last month.

In his place, Jamal Salim – who had also been exiled from Cranes’ duty for a while under unclear circumstances – reclaimed the No.1 shirt and delivered two assured performances.

Two clean sheets against Somalia and Mozambique. Composure, command, and crucial saves. So where does that leave Onyango – the iconic, commanding figure who once carried Uganda to the 2017 Afcon after a 39-year absence?

Experience vs. form

It’s a conundrum with no easy answer. Onyango, now 40 and serving as a backup goalkeeper at Mamelodi Sundowns, returned to the national setup reportedly at the behest of coach Paul Put, who valued his leadership, big-game experience, and presence in camp.

Put has since defended the decision to bench Onyango, stating that the veteran remains ‘important off the pitch’.

But many fans and pundits view this as almost sacrilegious. For a man who captained Uganda through some of its most defining football moments, being consigned to the bench feels like an anticlimax – or worse, a misstep.

The silence from Onyango himself only deepens the mystery. He hasn’t spoken publicly about the decision, nor much about his return. Not even after he wasn’t reinstated as captain, a role now held by Khalid Aucho.

Has Onyango accepted a mentor’s role quietly? Or is he biding his time for a fair shot? Yet, Salim’s return complicates the plot. His performances haven’t just been solid – they’ve arguably been career-resurrecting.

His club form at Richards Bay (South Africa) and his display in Kampala justify his selection.

Rookies closed out

And then there’s Nafian Alionzi, who once rivaled Ismail Watenga and got valuable minutes when both Onyango and Jamal were unavailable. Now, he’s slipped to third choice – a harsh reality for a keeper who seemed on the cusp of being Uganda’s long-term No.1.

This raises a strategic question: Is summoning Onyango now slowing the transition process? While his mentorship is invaluable, does his presence block the path for rising talent – especially with Afcon 2025 around the corner and heavyweights Tunisia, Nigeria, and Tanzania looming?

Some insiders even suggest Onyango played a role in convincing Jamal to return, proving the healthy rapport the two share. For Put, this might be the ideal balance: keep a trusted lieutenant in camp, have a trusted starter in goal, and groom depth.

But the million-dollar questions remain: How long will Onyango stay without playing?, did he need to come back – or is this a farewell tour in disguise?, will we ever see him in Cranes’ colours on the pitch again?

Today, Uganda celebrates its 63rd year of Independence since it became a sovereign state in 1962.

In a two part series, We join the celebrations with some of the sporting successes of post-Independence Uganda and also share some of the challenges in no particular order.

Field success

1- Olympic success

From 1972 to the latest Olympics in Paris, Uganda has had its fair share of sporting glory at the grandest of stages.

John Akii-Bua won Uganda’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles, setting a world record (47.82) then in 1972. No one could have thought the next one would come 40 years later.

But in 2012, Stephen Kiprotich ended Uganda’s Olympic gold drought by winning the men’s marathon at the London Olympics.

Peruth Chemutai then became the first female Ugandan athlete to win Olympic gold in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Joshua Cheptegei won the men’s 5,000m gold in Tokyo too and then got his long awaited 10,000m gold at Paris 2024 – having achieved silver in the same race in Tokyo.

The other Olympic silver medalists include boxers Eridadi Mukwanga (Mexico 1968), Leo Rwabogo (Munich 1972), John Mugabi (Moscow 1980), and Chemutai (Paris 2024) while Rwabogo (Mexico 1968), Davis Kamoga (1996 Atlanta), and Jacob Kiplimo (Paris 2024) have brought home Olympic bronze.

2- Multiple world records

Cheptegei holds the world records (WRs) in both the 5,000m (12:35.36) and 10,000m (26.11.00) distances made in Monaco and Valencia respectively. Cheptegei also once held the 10km road record at 26.38 in 2019.

His compatriot Jacob Kiplimo holds the WR in the half marathon at 56.42 having broken it in February in Barcelona.

3- Athletics world champions

In 2005, Dorcus Inzikuru re-wrote history by winning Uganda her first World Athletics Championships gold while competing in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase in Helsinki in a championship record 9:18.24. Earlier at Athens 1997, Davis Kamoga got Uganda her first athletics Worlds medal when he bagged 400m silver (44.37).

In Osaka 2007, Moses Kipsiro bagged 5,000m bronze (13:46.75) thereby starting a period of long distance glory.

In 2013, Kiprotich showed mettle by complimenting his Olympic gold a year earlier with the Moscow marathon gold (2:09:51). Solomon Mutai saved the 2015 Worlds with bronze in the marathon (2:13:29) and Cheptegei the 2017 ones with silver in the men’s 10,000m.

At Doha 2019, Halimah Nakaayi won the women’s 800m gold while Cheptegei brought home the 10,000m gold. Cheptegei defended his title in Eugene 2022 as Jacob Kiplimo got bronze while Oscar Chelimo also got 5,000m bronze

Cheptegei completed a 10,000m three-peat in Budapest 2023 while Victor Kiplangat got the Pearl of Africa back to the summit of the marathon.

4- Denis Onyango

Most athletes in this country have achieved their success in national colours. But Denis Onyango has been a true export in the sense that he left for Ethiopia in 2004 then went to South Africa in 2006 and has never looked back. He has won 12 league titles in South Africa, a Caf Champions League and Super Cup. He was also named the best player based on the continent in 2016 – making the Caf Team of the Year in 2016 and 2018.

5- Commonwealth success

Uganda has won 58 medals in the Commonwealth Games from mainly athletics and about boxing – 19 of these medals are gold while 16 are silver, and 23 are bronze.

Uganda has also enjoyed lots of medal success at various editions of some multi-discipline games like the Islamic Solidarity Games, Youth Olympics, Youth Commonwealth Games, and African Games among others.

6- Boxing hall of fame

Names like Ayub Kalule, John ‘The Beast Mugabi, Cornelius Boza Edwards, Rwabogo, John Munduga, Kassim Ouma, among others, can all genuinely claim to have been Uganda’s most significant sportsmen of their times. The list of their achievements could populate these pages.

7- School sports

Since elite sport is a reserve of a few, a university and secondary school sport has been a major avenue for athletes to compete at regional, continental, and international stages. For example in swimming, only two athletes can get a wild card to the Olympics but competing at the World School Games, where Uganda has been participating since 2021, is a much easier option.

Uganda has won the last five titles of the multi-discipline Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association (Feasssa) Games. Ndejje University has also won the East Africa University Games title in eight out of 13 editions.

8- Africa Cup of Nations – football

The national men’s football team finished as runners-up in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) but did not return to the continental stage until 2017. They were also at the 2019 edition and will return this year. The women have been to two editions in 2000 and 2022.

9- Football youth teams

Football continues to be one of the most popular sports in the country and the youth teams like the boys’ U-17 became the first of Fufa’s 10 national teams to qualify for the World Cup due next month in Qatar after beating Gambia 2-1 in a playoff qualifier. They have also been to two Africa Cup of Nations.

The U-20s have been to two Afcons; 2021 and 2023.

10- She Cranes keep serving

Uganda first went to the netball World Cup in 1979 and have been constants at the quadrennial tournament since returning in 2015. They have also been to the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games plus the 2022 and 2024 Fast5 Series, the 2024 and 2025 Nations Cups. They have been to six African Cups winning three in 2014, 2017, and 2018 while finishing second in 2021, then third in 2013 and 2019.

11- Rugby’s statement wins

The men’s 15s national team probably have the most recognized achievement of winning the Africa Cup in 2007 but the 7s national team has also won the continental title four times in 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2024. They also qualified for the World Cup Sevens in both 2018 (USA) and 2022 (South Africa) and won gold at the 2024 All-Africa Games in Ghana.

Meanwhile in 2009, the women’s 7s national team became the first Ugandan team to play at a Rugby World Cup. They also won gold at the 2024 All-Africa Games and qualified for the African repechage tournament in an attempt to secure a spot at the 2024 Olympics.

12- Para sport

Men’s 1500m T45-46 runner David Emong won Uganda silver and bronze at the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics respectively.

Though more pronounced now, records show Uganda has sent para athletes to the Paralympics since 1972 with representation in powerlifting, athletics, swimming, and table tennis over the years.

Para swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe is also currently pushing through the heights with some para swimming medals from World Series events and Islamic Solidarity Games.

13- Special Olympics

Uganda has reportedly won medals at various Special Summer Olympics World Games – most recently nine medals at Abu Dhabi 2019, five in Berlin 2023. Uganda also won one gold medal at the 2013 Seoul Winter Games for Unified Hockey and an additional gold medal in swimming at the 2007 Shanghai Games among others.

14- Cricket’s solo push

The men’s senior national cricket team finally hit top heights by qualifying for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in USA and West Indies. But before that, Uganda had enjoyed international success through the U-19 side that had made the World Cup in 2004, 2006, and 2022.

15- Ssebatindira – pick of prodigies

The table tennis prodigy has won various continental and world U-13 and U-11 titles since hitting the scene in 2023.

16- Continental acclaim

Recently the Ugandan rally crew of Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba won the African Rally Championship – 26 years since Charles Muhangi (RIP) and Stephen Byaruhanga won it in 1999.

Even continental success has not been easy for Uganda to come across in various disciplines but swimmers like Kirabo Namutebi, Gloria Muzito, Rebecca Ssengonzi have won continental medals.

Simba (1972) and SC Villa (1991) also have continental silver in football (Caf Champions League) as does Kampala Hockey Club (2023) from the Africa Cup for Club Champions.

17- Increased participation

With 51 recognized sports in the country, there is definitely a wider scope of sports activity in the country. Sport at both competitive and recreational – like masters and corporate programmes, fun and good-cause runs, plus alumi leagues – level has grown by leaps and bounds.

18- Chan 2024

This football mad country had a glimpse of what it takes to host a major tournament when the African Nations Championship (Chan) came home in a joint affair with neighbours Kenya and Tanzania as a mock examination ahead of the widely anticipated hosting of Afcon 2027.

Fans thronged the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in numbers despite being tested with modern ticketing systems and stadium restrictions. In the end, the Cranes also broke their group stage jinx by making the quarterfinals for the first time since the now biennial tournament started in 2009.

19- Other sports hosting major events

Badminton probably leads the group of other federations that host major events here as the Uganda International and its para badminton equivalent are annual events. Cricket, hockey, rugby, rowing, volleyball, basketball and netball are among the sports that have seen major continental or international competitions come to Uganda.

20- Officials at major events

Much as we celebrate the athletes that have taken Uganda to the world stage, it is important to recognize the officials like Ali Tomusange (football World Cup 2002) that have raised Uganda’s flag at major games.

Infrastructure development

21- Hoima City Stadium

The $129m multi-sport project that has been constructed by Turkish firm Summa, is just about to be handed over to the government ahead of Afcon 2027.

These Afcon stadium projects that include refurbishing Mandela Stadium, Namboole and the construction of Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira come with a number of training facilities.

Universities like Gulu, Makerere, and Kyambogo are big beneficiaries with training facilities. Namboole was equally given a fresh look ahead of Chan and other sports like rugby and athletics enjoyed the fruits of the facelift but it is only a matter of time before it is locked up again for further development.

22- Private grounds

St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende comes to mind when one speaks of privately owned football facilities in the country. Hamz Stadium Nakivubo is a product of a Public Private Partnership and has recently become of use to national teams and clubs.

However, many other sports like swimming are growing solely on the availability of accessible private training and competition facilities.

Administration

23- Capacity building initiatives

The Uganda Olympic Committee has led capacity building initiatives to train over 4,000 individuals in sports management. The UOC has also partnered with Makerere University Business School (Mubs) to offer courses that will be relevant to the entire sports eco-system – including coaches, fans, nutritionists, athletes, and administrators among others.

Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) is also big on technical courses for coaches and match officials while some federations like Fufa have also made courses readily available for their coaches.

24- New law

The 1964 National Council of Sports (NCS) Act was repealed for a fresh 2023 National Sports Act. Various aspects of the latter are still under test but there is no doubt that it is an improvement of the old law as it clearly stipulates how federations and associations can be formed and registered. It stipulates the clear mandate of NCS, recognizes UOC and school sports, and offers remedies for offences in sport.

25- Solved UOC-NCS wrangles

One of the major problems of Ugandan sport in the past was the constant wars between NCS and UOC. The former barely recognized the latter and also accused it of shielding briefcase associations.

The current relationship between the two bodies can be described as harmonious.

26- Semblance of organization among federations

In the recent past, the in-house wrangles among federations have significantly lessened. For some federations, some strong men have successfully entrenched themselves into long-term possession of office while most have had quiet and peaceful change of leadership. But even more importantly, most federations have more activities going on for their athletes both on the local and international scene.

27- Ugandan on international bodies

William Blick, an IOC member, and Donald Rukare, who is currently president of Commonwealth Sport, probably lead this list of Ugandans that have managed to scale the heights to global leadership. But there are a number of others serving their sports at international level

Funding

28- Ring-fenced funding from government

The sports budget has grown from hundreds of millions to over Shs47b over the past decade – maybe hundreds of billions if you want to include the specific funds for construction of stadiums.

Parliament ring-fenced subventions to the federations with Fufa getting the lion’s share of Shs17b. Parliament’s decision means at least each of the recognized federations as per the act gets a share to run their activities – mostly national team engagements.

29- Corporate interest

There is no available data to try and estimate the overall value of sponsorships in Ugandan sport but there is no doubt that it keeps growing especially in football with telecom giants MTN sponsoring the national team and StarTimes making a 10 year deal for most of the Uganda Premier League’s commercial rights. There is basketball – where BetPawa introduced locker-room bonuses for the league among other incentives and cricket which has an undisclosed deal with LycaMobile.

30- Reward and recognition scheme

President Yoweri Museveni has been running a reward scheme for athletes that win medals at the continental and international stage (World Championships and Olympics). The scheme is now part of the new law but is yet to be guided by a statutory instrument designed by the Minister of Sports.

Administration

31. Ramifications of outdated law

The new law was never going to address all issues of the 59 years before it in one go. Many federations, for example, struggle to adapt and implement facets of the new legal regime that seeks to professionalize sports.

32. Lack of corporate governance

Most federations struggle to have a national character. In fact most sports are played within central Uganda and struggle to spread further.

This is mainly because most are set up without professional or fully dedicated staff like chief executive officers or accountants and therefore struggle to professionalize their operations as the elected officials are just volunteers.

33. Broken trust

Years of wrangling have weakened federations. These have lost human resources in terms of players, officials, and fans seeking greener pastures or clean sport. Despite the general growing value of funding, sponsors also struggle to come into sports, especially at club level.

34. Administrative conflicts

With more fans, players, and other stakeholders involved in all sports, there is definitely never going to be consensus about each and everything, so some federations still suffer with administrative issues.

35. Arbitration struggles

Overall, it is hard to resolve arising issues in Ugandan sport because of weak dispute resolution systems. Some disputes, especially in football, have ended up in Courts of Law, which struggle to dispose them off quickly.

Elsewhere, like in swimming, failure to resolve disputes has resulted in broken clubs. In volleyball, we have seen clubs boycott competition because of disputes with other clubs or the federation.

36. Capacity building gaps

While a lot has been done over the past decade by UOC to educate administrators, many federations still struggle to improve the technical capacities of their coaches, referees, and athletes.

Funding

37. Government funding far from enough

Decades of low funding still take their toll on Ugandan sports. Generations of players from all sports wasted away for lack of opportunities.

Federations and their members struggle to compete at top competitions. In fact fundraising to add onto what government offers is the order of the day.

38. Unclear funding criteria

Even with a growing and ring fenced budget, there is no clear mechanism on how allocation of funds is arrived at. In fact, apart from lobbying in relevant political offices, no one knows what a federation has to do to receive more funding.

39. Lack of accountability

More money, more problems! Concerns about accountability have replaced the previous administrative wars between NCS and federations.

The famous war between NCS and netball is well documented but the former insist all federations have accountability concerns.

Parliament once advised that, under the old legal regime, NCS had no basis to ask for accountability from federations and should have opted to give funds based on MoUs.

Federations, in the past, found it hard to declare the funds given by their sponsors and international federations. But the new law now demands that.

40. Inability to generate income for those involved

Ugandan sport struggles to make money, especially at club level, where the majority of the human resource (players, coaches, referees) is involved.

Most competitions are organised by federations so even the meagre funds from gate collections go to federations.

There is barely merchandise to sell and commercial rights are hard to exploit to ensure sport generates income for the people serving it.

41. Negligible economic impact

Even with major tournaments like Chan coming to Uganda, the natives can barely say they felt the financial impact of the tournament.

The visiting countries were locked up in high end hotels. They barely came with fans either.

But that is the general story of Ugandan sport. It barely pays those involved, so the ripple effect on the economy is barely felt.

42. Insufficient rewards scheme

President Museveni’s rewarding scheme seems a personal gesture rather than a national policy. It therefore competes with other priorities he might have for his donations and there have been complaints of neglect for some sports and delays in reception of awards for others.

The ladies’ national basketball team Gazelles reached the quarterfinals of the Afrobasket but barely received any recognition akin to what the Chan team got for a similar feat.

43. Lack of financial literacy

World over, even the finest of athletes can blow away millions of dollars. In Uganda it is the norm for athletes, who have had opportunities to earn from their sweat, to turn up as beggars the next day.

44. Unsustainable funding through individuals

God bless whoever dips a coin into Ugandan sport. But every year, we get more examples of how this goodwill cannot be sustainable.

45. The ‘indiscipline’ debate

Usually, players expect national teams to offer them allowances for their efforts. Unfortunately, some federations which are heavily reliant on NCS funds still struggle to do this and label players that demand for allowances as indiscipline. In fact, some are banned for bringing bad publicity to sport.

But in this day and era, an allowance to an athlete toiling for their nation should be a bare minimum.

Facilities

46. Dilapidated facilities

Many of the public grounds in Uganda can do with a facelift. In recent years, government has embarked on construction of new stadiums and refurbishment of others but a lot more can be done.

Some federations like Fufa have set standards that have improved the privately owned ones.

47. Wiped out public sports land

Over a year ago, NCS met district sports officers and asked them to re-establish lands meant for sports in their districts. These details have not yet been made public but it is common knowledge that many spaces meant for sports in the past have been filled with buildings.

48. Limited access to good facilities

Almost every sport has been forced to make do with the bare minimum of space that can host its activities. Sport, especially, at lower league levels is still played on red-dirt pitches or concrete courts.

The expensive ones like swimming, archery, can barely be spread to areas beyond the central region.

49. Lack of equipment

Most sports have struggled because of the lack of specialised equipment. Athletes can do with wooden hockey sticks, mallets, concrete diving blocks, and so many others for training but world standards have since left that point. Stories of our athletes getting into a rowing boat, or wearing running shoes, or seeing archery arrows, or bicycles for the first time in an international competition have dominated our reviews of performance for a long time.

50. Tough tax regime

URA continues to deny taxation of sports equipment and awards but one has to write to the Commissioner General of URA for an exemption on equipment.

While rowing sought this, their boats donated by the world body were accumulating storage expenses for years in a customs bond. Eventually, an athlete in Kathleen Noble and her family, worked hard with relevant bodies to secure them.

Field of play

51. Grassroots

The grassroots programmes and youth structures have suffered because of the lack of trained human resource at lower levels, lack of facilities, funding.

52. Talent drain

Uganda is not losing a lot of sports talent to other countries but mainly to other sectors within and outside the economy as individuals seek paying pastures.

53. Lack of trained personnel

Pick any sport and you will be hard-placed to find 5-10 names of individuals that have hit maximum continental or world standards in the areas of coaching and refereeing. It is a travesty that we expect world class results from under-trained athletes.

A Ugandan athlete also has their sporting aspect of their life competing with other aspects like education, family, finance, traffic jam, lack of facilities – which all eat into training time.

54. Athlete welfare

Ugandans are believed to have talent. The challenge is that talent is probably everywhere and sporting excellence comes down to how an athlete is taken care of on a day to day basis. Their behaviours, environment in and out of competition, what they eat, how and when they sleep.

However, in Uganda, we still believe that confiscating an athlete’s phone or stopping them from taking soda while they are in camp will enhance performance. What they do prior or after camping is none of our business.

55. Safeguarding concerns

Issues of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour from coaches, managers are widespread – sometimes as a prerequisite for playing time or a national team call up – but barely reported for fear of repercussion. Safeguarding programmes have recently become part boardroom conversations and athlete training by the UOC, for example, but a policy is far from being established.

56. Undocumented success

In the 2024/25 Fufa Women Super League season, Resty Kobusobozi scored 17 goals for Masindi-based sides Lady Doves. None of them were visually recorded.

Imagine that is a competition that was moved to 10am with a plan to have its matches on television. Now imagine what is happening to all other sports with no plan of televising or recording games! Okay, make the scope bigger and think of what has been missed across 50 disciplines for the last 63 years!

57. Match fixing

Football is probably the only sport in Uganda with the capacity to have a good number of referees that are not affiliated to clubs in any way before taking on the whistle. But they are always reporting and resolving cases of match fixing.

A few years ago, Sport-S boycotted a volleyball league final citing match fixing from the umpires. In many other sports, these accusations are common.

58. Performance far from elite

Uganda has produced some world champions – mainly in athletics and boxing. Lately, in youth table tennis.

But there are so many more “explanations” – a number of them valid – on why other sports cannot, rather than solutions.

Other sticking concerns

59. Inclusion far from achievable

Sports in Uganda is still mainly a preserve for the able-bodied.

Para sport and special needs sports still get by but on their own. The new law seeks to bring all sports and their disability codes under a unifying umbrella but there is little effort on ground to show this.

60. Climate is still a big player

Delays or games being washed out at YMCA, Lugogo Cricket Oval is not an alien thing. Add soaked and muddy pitches in the lower divisions of various sports. Or players failing to make it for games and you have a good picture of how climate can be a big concern in Ugandan sport.

61. Mental health concerns

This is easy to overlook in an African society where one is expected to play hard at life. But in any area where one is performing for masses and can be affected by results and ridicule from rivals, mental health is a concern.

62. Life after sports

Some initiatives like the Legends Marathon have come to help athletes find better things to do after their sports careers. But it will take years of advocacy and practical solutions to undo the effects of the past 60+ years where athletes were left to find the next step of life on their own.

63. Society mindset

Everything arguably starts and falls with our mindset as a society. The repealed law spent 59 years describing sport as amateur and recreational. That stuck in the minds of parents while the rest of the world built sport into nearly a trillion dollar industry.

We are left with players that treat league competitions as a relaxation avenue.

Female participation is low because they are discouraged from “being like boys” and attrition is high at teen age.

As we celebrate 63 years of Independence, the growth of sport in Uganda is unmistakable but there are sticking issues that we need to resolve to become a sporting giant.