AUUS president Wagogo calls for inclusion of gymnastics in university sports

Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) president George Wagogo has challenged the Uganda Gymnastics Federation to introduce gymnastics into university sports, arguing that the move would accelerate the discipline's growth and improve talent identification across the country.

Wagogo, who also serves as the Uganda Olympic Committee's head of capacity building and is a senior sports tutor at Kyambogo University, made the remarks while officiating at the conclusion of a four-day Aerobic Gymnastics coaching course held at Kibuli Primary Teachers' College over the weekend.

He believes universities can become an important platform for developing elite athletes capable of competing on the international stage.

"I would like to see gymnastics become part of university sports. It is one of the fastest-growing disciplines and, if we plan strategically, Uganda can produce gymnasts capable of qualifying for the 2030 Olympic Games," Wagogo said.

He also urged physical education teachers to prioritise grassroots development, saying the future of the sport depends on nurturing children from an early age.

"I challenge all the physical education teachers here to do more for our children during co-curricular activities because they are the foundation of Uganda's future in sport," he added.

The training course brought together 30 coaches from across the country and was the first in Uganda dedicated exclusively to Aerobic Gymnastics. It was conducted by international gymnastics instructor Ana Margarida Macanita under the Olympic Solidarity programme.

Uganda Gymnastics Federation president Harriet Ayaa praised the Uganda Olympic Committee for securing the funding that enabled the federation to host a world-class instructor.

"Previous coaching courses covered several disciplines at once, but this is the first time we have had specialised training in Aerobic Gymnastics. It will help us develop competitions specifically for this discipline," Ayaa said.

She also advocated for the introduction of a gymnastics curriculum in schools, noting that aerobics and gymnastics can significantly improve children's health and physical development.

To ensure nationwide impact, two coaches from each region participated in the course and are expected to pass on the knowledge to district-level coaches.

Lead instructor Ana Margarida encouraged Uganda to embrace Aerobic Gymnastics because it is one of the most affordable gymnastics disciplines.

"Aerobic Gymnastics only requires a mat and music to get started, unlike other disciplines that demand expensive equipment," she explained.