Parliament, under the leadership of Speaker Anita Among, has commended the Federation of Motorsport Uganda (FMU) for their outstanding achievements during the Motocross of African Nations in Morocco.
Uganda secured several accolades, including a historic win by Hellena Birungi, who was crowned the Junior Ladies Champion for Africa. The Pearl of Africa also finished second in the junior category.
Hon. Jimmy Akena, MP for Lira Division East and FMU President, informed Parliament of the federation’s achievements and highlighted the significance of their victories on the continental stage.
“The trophies we’ve brought home are a testament to Uganda’s immense talent and potential in motorsport,” Akena said.
Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua acknowledged the government’s commitment to supporting sports development, noting that the increasing number of trophies being won internationally is evidence of this dedication.
“Sports financing remains a priority, and any existing challenges will be comprehensively addressed to ensure continuity of success,” Obua assured.
However, concerns over funding were raised by the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, who revealed that despite Parliament approving a UGX 3 billion budget for motorsport activities, only UGX 300 million had been disbursed by the Ministry of Finance. This shortfall, he said, hampers the progress of sporting activities.
Minister of State for Planning, Hon. Henry Musasizi, countered that the challenge lies not only in disbursement but also in the utilisation of funds.
He pledged to mediate between stakeholders to ensure that the funding issues are resolved effectively.
Speaker Among called for a collective effort to prioritize sports funding, emphasizing the potential of sports to uplift the nation’s image globally. She praised the FMU for their resilience and dedication, urging continued support for their endeavors.
