Cross Country facing cash crisis

By James Bakama

World University X-country (March 23)

Items yet to be cleared

• Team Uganda 

• Doping control 

• Security 

• Opening and closing ceremonies 

• Timing and officiation

ALL is not well in the local organizing committee for the World University Cross-country.

With just two weeks left to the event, the committee is still financially constrained, raising doubts whether Uganda will successfully stage the world meet.

Organisers spent the entire day yesterday in crisis meetings in an effort to salvage the event.

“We urgently need $150,000  (sh376m) out of a total budget of sh480m. But our main sponsor, government, is yet to release any money,” revealed the head of the event’s secretariat Patrick Ssebuliba.

Ssebuliba noted that for the event to be successful, funds should be released in time.

“But as things stand now, I must say all is not well.”

Organisers say Team Uganda alone needs $50,000 (sh125m).

But Education and Sports State Minister Charles Bakkabulindi is to the contrary optimistic.

“The necessary paperwork was completed. I even wrote to the President. I am trying my best. I am optimistic that the money should be released soon.”

But despite the uncertainties, there was a bright side to the preparations yesterday with medical service providers AAR coming on board.

Amongst other services, they have also offered a fully equipped ambulance.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s final team of 11 runners (six men and five women), will be chosen from a squad of 20 in two races on Wednesday at the Kololo ceremonial grounds.

A total of 31 countries have confirmed participation in the world meet that will be staged at the Entebbe Golf Course.

The countries are Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Oman, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Mali, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, India, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR. Congo and Swaziland.