Media personality and comedian Bareija Collins, popularly known as Collins Emeka, has urged the Ugandan government to step up its support for the sports sector ahead of the State of Ugandan Sport Symposium scheduled for June 17–18.
Speaking just days before the event, Emeka acknowledged the progress made in recent years but stressed that more needs to be done to elevate local sport to its full potential.
“The government can do better. Yes, they have done some commendable work, but they can do better,” Emeka said.
“At times it feels like they have prioritized other sectors at the expense of the sports sector, which has the potential of bringing in a lot of revenue.”
Emeka also commended sports journalists for their role in growing the local scene, with a special mention of NBS Sport.
“I commend all journalists in Ugandan sport because they have done a lot to promote local sport. I also thank NBS Sport for championing Ugandan sport,” he added.
He emphasized the need for better welfare for athletes, linking strong performance on the pitch to how players are treated off it.
“If a player is treated very well and is paid very well, they will have the motivation to go out and fight for it all — and in turn, bring back a lot to the country.”
However, Emeka pointed to corruption as a major hurdle stalling progress within the sector.
“Corruption is too much and it’s putting the sport backwards. The government needs to work on that.”
He also applauded FUFA President Moses Magogo’s efforts in developing grassroots football, particularly talent identification systems aimed at strengthening the foundation of the sport.
“I like the work that Magogo is doing with football, especially the grassroots talent ID system,” he noted.
Emeka concluded by stressing the need for aggressive promotion of local sport, comparing Uganda’s approach with countries that have built thriving sports cultures around visibility and public engagement.
“There is need to push and promote the sport more aggressively. Countries with big leagues are big on promotion. We need to make Ugandans love local sport more and more and more.”
The State of Ugandan Sport Symposium will bring together key voices from the industry to discuss challenges, opportunities, and the way forward for Ugandan sport.
Emeka’s remarks add to the growing chorus of calls for change and renewed commitment from policymakers.
