As the State of Ugandan Sport Symposium kicks off tomorrow June 17th, two of the country’s standout athletes — footballer Ismael Watenga and rugby star Ivan Magomu — have praised recent developments in the sports sector while urging further investment in athlete welfare and grassroots development.
Speaking to NBS Sport, Watenga highlighted how the rise of soccer academies across the country has created new opportunities for young players, noting that such structures were largely absent during his early years.
“Back then, there were no academies to guide us, but I had to find my way — and this made my life difficult in joining a professional football club,” Watenga said.
“Today, I’m happy to see young players benefiting from proper training grounds and organized development systems.”
Watenga, a prominent figure in Ugandan football, credited structured youth programs and improved infrastructure for accelerating the growth of local talent.
Echoing similar sentiments, Ivan Magomu — captain of the Black Pirates rugby club — expressed optimism about the future of Ugandan sport, commending the attention given to grassroots programs and infrastructure.
However, he emphasized that progress must be matched with long-term support for athletes.
“There’s been improvement, yes, but we need to see more effort in improving athlete welfare,” Magomu said.
“Stakeholders must invest more in the well-being of sportsmen and women to ensure lasting success.”
Their remarks come as athletes, administrators, and policymakers converge at Next Media Park for the two-day symposium aimed at evaluating the state of sport in Uganda and setting priorities for the years ahead.
With infrastructure, development systems, and athlete welfare emerging as key talking points, the voices of Watenga and Magomu serve as timely reminders that while the foundation is growing stronger, sustained support remains essential for Ugandan sport to reach its full potential.
