The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataha Museveni has lauded outgoing State Sports Minister Hamson Obua for his advocacy for increased government funding to the sports sub-sector, in conjunction with her office.

She was speaking at a function at State House Nakasero at which Obua handed over office to the new sports minister Peter Ogwang on Wednesday.

During his tenure, Obua attracted funding from the government and the private sector and as he leaves the docket, the sports budget has been increased from sh17b to sh47b, through his strong advocacy effort with the Parliament of Uganda.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Sports Ketty Lamaro hands over a plaque to outgoing State Sports Minister Hamson Obua at State House Nakasero

Mrs. Museveni said Obua leaves a legacy of advocating for among other things, the development of sports facilities, especially the tracking of works at the High-Altitude Center in Teryet and the Akii-Bua Memorial Stadium in Lira. She also praised him for playing a key oversight role in promoting the construction works at the Mandela National Stadium and Nakivubo.

“Additionally, we will remember him for his conflict resolution skills and abilities which enabled the amicable harmonization of relationships between the numerous sports federations,” the minister said.

“Obua’s passion, receptivity, excellent work ethic, and enthusiasm for promoting sports in Uganda are unmatched. Indeed, he always put his ‘best foot forward in supporting Uganda’s teams at various regional and international sports arenas.

“His zeal for sports contributed to the spirit of great sportsmanship that contributed to the many medals attained by Uganda during his tenure, including the recent Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the Oregon World Athletics Championships.

The First Lady also thanked Obua for his excellent service to the nation and the sports fraternity in particular and his contribution to all Uganda’s sports achievements during his tenure.

State Sports Minister Peter Ogwang makes his maiden speech after receiving office at State House Nakasero. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

She also assured the incoming minister Ogwang of the ministry’s waivered cooperation and support to enable him acclimatize and settle in his new role.

“I know and also admire the passion he has for the service of our country. I do not doubt that he will build on Obua’s networks and take the sub-sector to another level.

“I also thank the ministry’s support and management team for the great support and cooperation, we the political leaders continue to enjoy while serving alongside you. We acknowledge all your hard work that makes our service possible,” Kataha stated.

She concluded by encouraging the ministers ‘to serve as unto the Lord as in St. Paul in Colossians; 3:23-24 which states: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the lord, not human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving,”.

Before he officially handed over, Obua thanked the president for recruiting him and later appointing him to the sports ministry from where he has been elevated to serve as government chief whip. He also thanked the First Lady for mentoring, grooming, nurturing, shaping, advising, and transforming him into a better person.

 “I have been lucky to be groomed, nurtured, and mentored by a mother,” Obua said before he thanked UOC, NCS, and federations and paid tribute to the athletes for making a great contribution. He also thanked the staff under the office of the first lady for being team players.

“We have embarked on the journey of cracking the whip on undisciplined sports leaders including athletes. We need discipline, stability, transparency and accountability, and proper planning,” Obua emphasized.

He asked Ogwang to institute checks and balances because some of the monies are going directly to federations that might misuse it, yet more money is coming to the sector.

On his part, Ogwang expressed his gratitude to the president for the appointment to the various dockets including his new posting.

“I WANT to thank the president for the promotion but I want to thank Obua for supporting and uplifting the sports subsector and his efforts have not been in vain as witnessed by the medals that our athletes have won several times and especially the recent ones from the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships in Oregon,”

He noted that the sports sector has the potential to curb unemployment and provide a livelihood to the youth and boost the country’s image as well as generate revenue from sports tourism.

“Increased participation has come with increased demand for sports facilities and this is going to be an area of priority for you and me because without the right kind of facilities the sector will not grow to realise the full potential,” Ogwang stated.

I want to pledge to consolidate our gains in the sector and I commit I will not let you down. I commit work to working hand in hand with you. For the bad elements I commit to clean them up because we have no room for failures and stubborn people,” Ogwang assured the First Lady.

The function was attended by among others the Bishop of Lango Diocese Alfred Olwa, staff from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mandela National Stadium Board, and NCS.