The long-awaited State of Ugandan Sport symposium has officially opened today at Next Media Park, drawing key figures from across Uganda’s sports landscape for two days of high-level discussions on the future of sport in the country.
Organised by NBS Sport, the symposium, themed “Bridging the Gap,” features two sessions, one in the morning starting at 10 am, and an afternoon panel discussion starting at 2 pm.
The symposium marks a landmark moment in the national sporting calendar, bringing together athletes, administrators, policymakers, and sponsors in what is being billed as a first-of-its-kind dialogue platform for Uganda’s sports sector.
Running from Tuesday to Wednesday, the event is designed to take stock of the current state of Ugandan sport and chart a collective path toward sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and international competitiveness.
The opening day’s spotlight is on Uganda’s preparedness to host two major continental football events: the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This pivotal conversation will unfold during a live televised panel discussion at 2 pm, hosted at the Next Conference Centre and broadcast live on NBS Sport and NBS TV.
Moderating the panel is veteran journalist and current Head of Corporate Affairs at the National Council of Sports, Mark Ssali, whose decades of experience in sports media and administration make him a fitting guide for the crucial conversation ahead.
He is joined by a distinguished lineup of panelists including FUFA President Moses Magogo, and former KCCA FC Chairman and current Chairperson of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Aggrey Ashaba.
Others include Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, philanthropist and football investor, whose financial support to clubs like Kitara FC and Kampala Queens has underlined the role of private sector investment in sport.
This afternoon’s session will examine infrastructure readiness, financing gaps, talent development, and compliance with CAF standards, all essential as Uganda gears up to co-host the continent’s premier football competitions.
NBS Sport has expressed its intention to make the symposium an annual fixture, providing a dedicated space for meaningful sports dialogue and policy-shaping conversations.
The symposium resumes on Wednesday with further sessions exploring the sponsorship landscape in Ugandan sport and how to build a sustainable sports ecosystem for the future.
