Funding challenges disrupt Uganda's preparations for Baseball5 World Cup qualifiers

Uganda's preparations for the Eastern African Youth Baseball5 World Cup Qualifiers have been affected by funding challenges, forcing the national teams to rely on weekend training sessions instead of a residential camp.

The country will host the qualifiers from June 25 to 28 at Ham Stadium, with Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan expected to take part. The tournament is part of the qualification pathway to the Baseball5 World Cup, where two African teams will earn slots.

The national team were expected to have entered camp by now, but financial constraints have delayed the process.

Uganda Baseball and Softball Association (UBASA) vice-president for Baseball5 and tournament manager Ibrahim Kabogonza said preparations are ongoing despite the challenges.

"The preparations are going on, however they are very intense because there are many gaps that still need to be filled for both the team and as hosts," Kabogonza said.

He noted that the association is still struggling to raise funds. "We are knocking on different doors looking for support from sponsors and well-wishers, but so far it has been in vain."

UBASA hopes the teams will enter residential camp between June 20 and 25, just days before the competition. For now, training continues through weekend sessions funded by officials and players themselves.

"The weekend training is managed through individual support. We collect money among ourselves to at least start training as we continue looking for help," Kabogonza said.

He also revealed that government support has been limited due to administrative delays, with the National Council of Sports tied up by the new sports law and the financial year not yet opened.

Unlike traditional baseball, Baseball5 is a mixed-gender sport where each team fields four boys and four girls simultaneously, promoting inclusivity.

The provisional squad was trimmed from 25 to 15 players, drawn from various schools including St Peter's Secondary School, Panyadoli Self Help Secondary School, and Ashinaga Japanese Friends to Uganda, among others.

Despite the setbacks, UBASA remains focused on preparation. "The main focus is to prepare the athletes for the game despite the challenges. We never say never until it is never," Kabogonza said.

He added that Uganda has previously missed international competitions due to funding gaps. "We have always managed to qualify for continental competitions, although on five occasions we failed to attend due to funding challenges. We have also missed three World Cups for the same reason."

Despite the difficulties, UBASA is confident the event will go ahead successfully. "Our host venue is secured and service providers are secured. We are now working to secure the remaining resources," he said.

Baseball and softball continue to grow in Uganda, with Baseball5 introduced as a demonstration sport during the USSSA Ball Games II in Tororo last year. The sport will feature again during this year's USSSA Ball Games II in Gulu.

Uganda, currently ranked 30th in the world in baseball, also competed in last year's African qualifiers, where Kenya emerged champions.