By James Bakama

March 9

UOC Elections

Kati Kati Restaurant

WILLIAM Blick will have no worries about a surprise challenger at Uganda Olympic Committee’s elections next week.

Blick together with the committee’s other top executive members on Saturday completed the nomination process for next Sunday’s elections unopposed.

Ambrose Tashobya (first vice president), Dennis Galabuzi (second vice president) Donald Rukare (secretary), Dunstan Nsubuga (assistant secretary), and Godfrey Nuwagaba (treasurer) like Blick have no challengers.

Closure of the two week nomination process however came a day after a surprise announcement by committee’s secretary Peninnah Kabenge that she would not seek re-election.

“Due to the heavy work schedule and the need to pursue personal professional growth, I wish to announce that I will not seek re-election in the coming executive committee 2013-2017,” read Kabenge’s press release.

There had earlier been reports that Kabenge, a Principal Sports and Games Tutor at Makerere, would contest for presidency. 

Former badminton president Dr. James Sekajugo was also reported to have interest in the top UOC job.

Joseph Nyanzi, the secretary of the national canoeing body, picked nomination forms saying he was doing so on Sekajugo’s behalf. But the move was followed by a petition by six clubs complaining that the veteran administrator was not part of their canoeing fraternity.

The case was further complicated by a scenario of the canoeing body having four delegates instead of the prescribed two. “We have given the canoeing body six days to sort itself out and come up with the right delegates,” explained Blick.

Blick was visibly relieved after closure of nominations at 5pm by returning officer Kenneth Kitariko.

“I am happy. The fact that my team has come unopposed is proof that the federations have confidence in us. It shows that federations appreciate what have delivered over the past eight months,” said Blick.

On whether Kabenge’s withdrawal would be a blow, Blick said they were headed for better times. “Don (Rukare) is a better administrator. That’s why executive board endorsed him.”

Blick said he will in the new term focus on bringing to life eight partnerships he has made with eight countries. He also wants a conflict free sports fraternity.

The only electoral business on March 9 at Kati Kati Restaurant, Lugogo by-pass, will be election of two committee members.

Six people returned forms of which Sheila Agonzibwa Richardson (handball) and Sharifah Sanyu  (hockey)  gained straight entry to the executive because the UOC constitution says at least two committee members must be female.

That leaves the battle for the other two positions to Sadiq Nasiwu (volleyball), Gabriel Oloka (shooting), Moses Mwase (swimming) and Salim Ssenkungu (weightlifting).