The just-concluded State of Ugandan Sport Symposium held at Next Media Park on June 17 and 18 delivered a clear message to policymakers and the public alike — Uganda’s rise on the international sports scene must begin from the ground up.
Over two days, the symposium brought together coaches, administrators, and sports stakeholders who unanimously called for urgent, structured investment in grassroots sports.
The focus was on developing young talent, training community-based coaches, and building a national culture of volunteerism to support sport from the village level all the way to the international stage.
Rugby icon Helen Koyokoyo Buteme, known for her work with youth rugby programs, made a passionate case for long-term planning through age-grade development.
“You can’t build national teams without solid foundations,” she said, underscoring the need for government-backed programs that guide talent from childhood to elite levels.
Veteran sports administrator Gibby Kalule echoed the grassroots message, noting that real transformation starts with communities.
“Communities are the heartbeat of sports. If we get it right at the grassroots, the rest will follow,” Kalule said, pointing to coach education and organised volunteer systems as essential building blocks.
As Uganda sets its sights on achieving more consistent results on the international stage, the symposium established a shared belief — early investment in youth, empowered coaches, and vibrant local programs are no longer luxuries. They are the foundation of any sporting success story.
