As Uganda readies to host major continental tournaments including the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the national conversation around the future of sport in the country takes centre stage today at the State of Ugandan Sport symposium at the Next Media Park.
Media personalities Vivian Ayesiga, popularly known as Viana Indi, and Brian Ssemanda, widely recognised as Macona, have shared their insights ahead of the two-day event which begins this Tuesday, June 17.
Although both now ply their trade in entertainment broadcasting; Viana on NBS TV’s After 5 and The Next Brunch on Next Radio and Pulse Radio, while Macona commands the stage on Sanyuka TV’s Crossfire and Uncut, they both carry a sporting past that continues to influence their outlook on Uganda’s sporting development.
“I was a sports girl in high school,” Viana Indi shared, recalling her active involvement in netball, volleyball, sprinting, hurdles, chess, and even the board game snakes and ladders.
“Netball was my favourite. I was very passionate and competitive.”
Macona also reflected on his formative years, during which football played a central role in his education.
“I grew up playing football and studied on a football bursary right from Primary Four through to Senior Six. That’s how important sport was to my education and growth,” he emphasized.
But beyond nostalgia, the duo pointed to serious gaps that continue to hinder the growth of sport in Uganda.
“Football players should be paid what they deserve,” Macona, who is known for his intrepid nature while on television, asserted.
“And most of the pitches where they train or compete are in terrible condition. Take Wambogo in Kawempe, for example. It is just murram. Players are bound to get bruised and injured.”
He also called for improvements in the health sector, especially for injured athletes. “The healthcare system isn’t well equipped for sports injuries. Some players are sidelined for far too long because of lack of proper treatment.”
Viana echoed Macona’s sentiments, stressing the need for government intervention and the development of infrastructure.
“We need more sports centres and should encourage children to pursue their talents,” the VybQueen said. “Many of us gave up on sport because there wasn’t enough government support.”
Looking ahead to Uganda’s role as a host nation, she expressed optimism that CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 could serve as turning points for local sport.
“Hosting big tournaments will inspire a new generation of athletes. We need to embrace these opportunities,” she stated.
She further suggested Uganda should take a leaf from Rwanda, which sponsors top European teams like Arsenal, Champions League champions PSG, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid.
“Uganda is beautiful and has a lot to offer. We can use sport to market our country too,” Viana asserted.
The symposium will run from Tuesday to Wednesday, hosted at the Next Conference Centre.
Day One will feature a high-level panel moderated by senior sports journalist Mark Ssali, with FUFA President Moses Magogo, African Boxing Union General Secretary Maureen Mulangira, Jonard Group Chairman Jonard Asiimwe, and sports administrator Aggrey Ashaba forming the discussion team.
They are expected to evaluate Uganda’s preparedness for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027. The proceedings kick off at 2:00 PM and will be broadcast live on NBS Sport.
