With just weeks to go before the State of Ugandan Sports Symposium set for June 17–18 at the Next Media Park, debate over the structure and future of sports governance in Uganda is intensifying.
Katikamu North Member of Parliament, Hon. Denis Sekabira, has sparked fresh conversation by calling for a complete overhaul of the current system. He argues that housing sports under the Ministry of Education has stifled its growth and visibility, and is now pushing for the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Sports.
“Sports has been overshadowed by educational priorities. We need a dedicated and independent sports ministry that understands and champions sports only,” Sekabira said.
He claims that the existing arrangement sidelines sports development, leaving the industry underfunded and underutilized. According to him, establishing an autonomous ministry would streamline decision-making, increase visibility, and unlock the sector’s full potential.
Sekabira is also advocating for strategic changes to embrace night sports, citing Uganda’s growing night economy and shifting public preferences.
“If we embrace night sports, we not only widen participation but also create jobs and expand revenue streams in the sports economy,” he added.
He has urged the government to invest in modern infrastructure to support sporting activities after dark, noting that many Ugandans prefer watching games at night due to their work schedules.
However, the proposal has drawn pushback from the State Minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, who maintains that the real issue lies not in governance structure but in financial limitations.
“The problem affecting the growth of sports in Uganda is not the merged ministries but limited funds,” Ogwang stated.
“We need more funding and private investors to boost the sports sector in the current framework. We have no problem with the two ministries being together, our work moves smoothly.”
The symposium is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the sports sector to assess the state of sports in Uganda and explore pathways to improvement.
