Uganda has established a structured process for declaring sports disciplines as national sports under the National Sports Law, 2023.
The procedure, outlined in the newly gazetted National Sports Regulations, 2025, provides a clear pathway for sports seeking official recognition.
Under the Law, individuals or entities wishing to have a sports discipline recognized as a national sport must apply to the National Council of Sports (NCS) using the prescribed form and paying the required fee.
The application must be submitted by a citizen or a legal resident of Uganda.
The NCS will evaluate applications based on several criteria, including the nature and popularity of the sport, its potential socio-economic impact, its recognition by an international governing body (where applicable), the availability of facilities, and the applicant’s plan to promote the sport in Uganda.
The Council also reserves the right to consider additional factors when making its determination.
If a sport meets the required standards, it is granted national recognition.
However, the Council may revoke this status if circumstances arise that render the sport ineligible.
Government says that this process aims to ensure that only viable, well-structured, and impactful sports gain national status, supporting the government’s broader goal of developing Uganda’s sports sector in a sustainable and organized manner.
