Table Tennis(UTTA) and Boxing(UBF) Presidents Propose Amendments to Strengthen Uganda's Draft National Sports Regulations 2024

*By John Kusolo*

In response to the National Council of Sports (NCS) letter dated October 31, 2024, and referenced as NCS.3/4, Robert Jjagwe, President of the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA), and Moses Muhangi, President of the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), have presented a series of critical recommendations to the Draft National Sports Regulations 2024. Their input reflects a comprehensive vision to enhance transparency, consistency, and equitable development in Uganda’s sports sector. This article examines the key themes and specific amendments proposed by these leaders to address challenges in the current draft.

General Observations on Key Provisions

1. *Preservation of Core Provisions*

Jjagwe and Muhangi have expressed concerns about the removal of essential provisions from the latest draft of the regulations. They emphasize the importance of designating a single recognized entity, certified by the NCS, to manage each sport. Such authority, they argue, would help streamline governance and reduce conflicts among organizations, allowing each sport’s development to be overseen by one central body. Furthermore, the federation leaders advocate for reinstating the Quarterly Sports Forum, a previous platform that allowed federations to offer the Minister strategic advice on branding and promoting Uganda’s sports.

2. *District-Level Sports Presence*

UTTA and UBF also draw attention to the absence of clear guidelines for establishing sports at the district level. They caution that, without specific criteria, associations may risk inefficient use of limited resources on potentially duplicative activities. To prevent wasteful expenditures, they propose the inclusion of clear, measurable guidelines in the regulations, which would provide standards for verifying sports presence across districts and ensure the efficient allocation of funding.

3. *Funding Framework*

Given that sports associations bear the responsibility for training and qualifying teams, Jjagwe and Muhangi stress the importance of embedding clear funding guidelines within the regulations. These guidelines would ensure fair and transparent distribution of resources, enabling associations to meet their obligations without financial uncertainty. They assert that mandating funding within the regulations would empower associations to focus on strategic goals rather than on securing funds independently.

4 *. Role of School Sports Associations*

The roles of entities like the Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) and the Uganda Primary School Sports Association (UPSSA) also require clarification, according to UTTA and UBF. They suggest that these organizations should fall under the oversight of national sports associations to avoid fragmentation and inconsistencies. By doing so, the government can promote a unified, streamlined approach to sports development that maintains clear standards across all levels.

5. *Collaboration with Educational Institutions*

With educational institutions now required to offer a minimum of 15 sports disciplines, UTTA and UBF see an opportunity to formalize collaboration between schools and national sports associations. They propose that schools be required to coordinate closely with these associations, allowing for better resource use, expanded sports reach across districts, and a stronger, more cohesive national sports landscape.

*Specific Recommendations for Improvement*

1. *Commencement Date*

To ensure alignment among all stakeholders, UTTA and UBF suggest that the regulations should only take effect after receiving formal approval from the Minister. This approach would provide clarity on the commencement date, reflecting the finalized and harmonized version of the regulations.

2. *Application Process for National Sports Status*

The federation leaders call for the inclusion of essential application forms missing from Schedule 2 of the draft. They also recommend clearer criteria for the five-year transition period granted for sports disciplines to achieve association or federation status, as the current provision appears ambiguous.

3. *Public Objection Mechanism*

Jjagwe and Muhangi advise that the regulations specify acceptable grounds for public objections to new sports association registrations. This clarification would prevent unfounded or malicious objections that could disrupt the operations of legitimate associations.

4. *Certificate Renewal and Cancellation*

The UTTA and UBF presidents emphasize the importance of setting definitive timelines and clarifying responsibilities for certificate renewals. This measure would allow associations to operate without interruptions due to administrative delays. They also propose that the regulations specify whether the NCS Secretariat or the NCS Board is responsible for issuing and renewing certificates. Additionally, they recommend a refund policy for cases where renewal applications are denied.

5. *Funding for National Teams and Infrastructure*

UTTA and UBF advocate for guaranteed funding provisions to support national team preparations and essential infrastructure development. Securing financial support for these critical areas would enable associations to maintain international affiliations, identify and develop talent, and conduct local competitions—thereby enhancing Uganda’s competitiveness in sports.

6. *Regulation of Community Sports Clubs and Academies*

The federation leaders recommend that community sports clubs and academies seeking to operate be required to affiliate with registered national sports associations. This requirement would uphold standards across sports disciplines and prevent the emergence of semi-autonomous entities without proper oversight, which could lead to inconsistent practices within Uganda’s sports sector.

7. *Arbitration Clarity*

Clear guidelines on arbitration procedures are essential, according to Jjagwe and Muhangi, who propose that the regulations distinguish between disputes requiring ministerial arbitration and those resolved within association constitutions. This separation would promote consistency in conflict resolution across the sector.

8. *Penalty Enforcement and Fund Distribution*

The UTTA and UBF leaders recommend establishing a dedicated enforcement body, within the Uganda Police Force or as an independent entity funded by the Council, to manage penalties for regulatory violations. Additionally, they propose an equitable formula for distributing sports development funds, using performance, local engagement, and operational costs as metrics. This approach would ensure associations receive funding proportionate to their contributions to national sports development.

The joint recommendations from Robert Jjagwe of UTTA and Moses Muhangi of UBF reflect their commitment to establishing a cohesive, well-funded, and transparent sports governance framework for Uganda. Their proposed amendments seek to refine the Draft National Sports Regulations 2024, aiming to ensure that sports associations receive the support, clarity, and resources needed to fulfill their mandates effectively. By advocating for centralized authority within each sport, secure funding, and clear guidelines on district-level sports presence and school collaboration, they aim to foster a structured, competitive, and equitable sports environment across the nation.

This collective effort not only seeks to improve the regulatory language but also to lay a solid foundation for Uganda’s sports sector. With a well-organized and unified approach, Jjagwe and Muhangi envision a thriving sports landscape in which stakeholders—from schools to community clubs to national federations—collaborate to elevate Uganda’s sports excellence both nationally and internationally. Their insights could help create a lasting framework for the continued growth and success of Uganda’s sports sector.