The Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday at Baguma Restaurant in Kampala.
The meeting served as a platform to review the association’s progress, address ongoing challenges, and outline plans for the future as the current executive board’s term nears its conclusion in June.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
A significant topic of discussion during the AGM was the alleged financial misappropriation by UTTA’s General Secretary, Ronald Andira. According to a report presented by the Executive Board, Andira is liable for UGX 12,559,634, which remains unaccounted for.
As a result of these allegations, the board announced Andira’s immediate suspension. He has been granted a 30-day window to respond to the claims and provide a full refund of the misappropriated funds. Failing to comply within this timeframe could result in further disciplinary action, including permanent removal from office.
Robert Jaggwe, the UTTA president, emphasized the importance of financial accountability in sports governance, stating:
“It’s unfortunate to deal with these issues, but as an organization, we must ensure transparency and integrity. Every coin matters when you’re trying to grow a sport like table tennis in Uganda.”
Calls for Better Funding
While addressing financial mismanagement, members highlighted the need for increased funding to sustain and grow the sport. They stressed that table tennis has immense potential in Uganda but struggles to reach its full capacity due to limited resources. The association called upon government bodies, private sponsors, and stakeholders to invest in the sport and help foster talent across all regions of the country.
Celebrating Sporting Success
Despite the challenges, the meeting also served as an opportunity to celebrate UTTA’s recent successes. The standout achievement of 2024 was the incredible performance of young players Joseph Ssebaindira and Patience Anyango, who were crowned World Champions in the U11 category. Their triumph on the global stage has brought pride to Uganda and highlighted the country’s ability to nurture top-tier talent.
Jaggwe noted:
“What Ssebaindira and Anyango achieved is a testament to what Ugandan table tennis can do. Their success should inspire us all to work harder to support young players and take the sport to greater heights.”
Upcoming Leadership Transition
With the current executive board’s tenure ending in June, the AGM also discussed preparations for the upcoming elections. Several candidates have already expressed interest in running for leadership positions, with pledges to prioritize financial transparency, grassroots development, and talent identification programs.
Cyrus Muwanga, a potential candidate, stated:
“We need leadership that focuses on accountability and elevating the sport nationally and internationally. My goal is to see table tennis become a household name in Uganda.”
The Road Ahead
As UTTA looks toward a new chapter, the association remains committed to resolving its internal challenges while building on its recent successes. With a focus on transparency, increased funding, and talent development, there is optimism that table tennis in Uganda will continue to grow and thrive.
However, the issue of financial mismanagement looms large, and all eyes will be on Andira’s response within the stipulated 30-day period. The resolution of this matter will set the tone for the association’s journey forward, as it seeks to balance accountability with ambition.
The AGM concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, as UTTA vowed to address its challenges head-on while celebrating its achievements and planning for a brighter future in the sport.
