Funding gap threatens Uganda's growing para-sport sector

Para-sport in Uganda is growing, but funding is still a serious challenge as the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC) works to support athletes in different disciplines.

UPC Sports Development Manager Irene Nabisenke said government support through the National Council of Sports is important, but it is not enough to meet the needs of all the sports under the committee.

The UPC oversees 24 sports, and athletes need specialised equipment, training, classification, competition and travel to international events.

"Government through the National Council of Sports supports us in implementing our planned activities and mandate, but when you look at the number of sports we manage, the support we receive is a drop in the ocean," Nabisenke said.

She said para-sport comes with extra costs because athletes need specialised equipment and services, while international participation is even more expensive.

The funding strain is already evident in preparations for the National Disability Sports Gala in Soroti, running from Sunday to October 4, which will bring together athletes, coaches, classifiers and officials from across the country.

At least 19 sports are expected to take part in the Gala, increasing the need for competition equipment, facilities, officiating, transport, welfare, medals, trophies and other requirements.

Nabisenke said the committee is therefore looking beyond government funding to development partners, companies and individuals.

For the 2026 Gala, Unilever Uganda has provided gift hampers, while Crown Beverages is supporting the event with water.

She said this kind of support matters because the government alone cannot cover every need for an event involving athletes from many disciplines.

"Contributions do not always have to be cash donations. Partners can support us with drinking water, sports equipment, medals, trophies, branded materials, T-shirts, transport, gift hampers or other items that can benefit the athletes and support the delivery of the event," Nabisenke said.

While the Soroti Gala will offer a chance to identify new athletes, Nabisenke said it should not be seen only as a search for athletes who will immediately represent Uganda at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

With less than two years to the Games, the UPC is focusing more on athletes already on the development and high-performance pathway.

She said athletes need consistent training, classification, recognised competitions and qualification standards to reach the Paralympic level.

New talent identified at the Gala will therefore become part of a longer-term development programme, though exceptional athletes could move quickly if they get the right support.

The committee also wants to use these programmes to build a broader and more sustainable pool of athletes beyond a single Paralympic cycle.