Kaboggoza targets grassroots growth as Baseball5 schools programme tips off

The founder of Afro Unity Sports Federation, Ibrahim Kaboggoza, has intensified efforts to grow Baseball5 in Uganda through a new schools programme in partnership with the Olympafrica Youth Centre in Busia.

Kaboggoza, who started the initiative in 2022 before it was formally registered on 14 September 2023, also serves as head coach of the Uganda national baseball team. He says schools are key to developing talent.

“Schools are the best hub of youth development. They stay connected for long at school, which makes it easy to form teams and have enough playing time,” he said.

He explained that his personal journey in sports inspired him to create the federation, with a broader mission beyond competition.

“My experience forced me to create the Afro Unity Sports Federation because it is not only about playing games, but also changing lives, focusing on mental health, gender inclusion, and helping needy athletes.”

He added that Baseball5 was selected because of its simplicity and inclusiveness.

“I chose Baseball5 because it is gender inclusive, easy to adopt, does not need much equipment, requires a small space, and it is fun at all levels,” he added.

The federation has already carried out training programmes in several parts of the country, including Butabika, Luzira, Kisubi University, Luweero, Mpiji, Mbale, Kitante, and Lira, as part of its grassroots expansion.

The latest programme will see 20 schools in Busia district take part in a four-day activity combining training and competition at the Francis Were Nyangweso Olympafrica Youth Centre.

According to organisers, training sessions will run from Wednesday to Thursday, followed by a local tournament on Friday and Saturday. Each school is expected to present five boys and five girls aged between 13 and 16 years.

“Our plan is to introduce Baseball5 to at least 20 schools per district, where teams will be created for future competitions, and we train both coaches and players,” Kaboggoza said.

The programme is being conducted with support from baseball and softball federation coaches and was coordinated with district sports officials in Busia.

Kaboggoza noted that such initiatives will also help prepare Uganda for upcoming international competitions, including the Olympafrica Youth Games in Dakar, where Baseball5 will feature.

“We have many upcoming tournaments, and this programme will help us prepare talent early and give players exposure,” he explained.

Despite the progress, Kaboggoza highlighted funding challenges as a major obstacle.

“The main challenge is facilitation because we depend on self-funding, which slows us down. But we call upon donors and well-wishers to support this initiative.”

He added that the schools programme will also act as a scouting platform for the national team and future club competitions.

“Our plan is to use these schools as a scouting hub for the national team and clubs, and we want players to progress from school competitions to international level,” he noted.

Kaboggoza further revealed plans to establish clubs from schools, communities, and universities to strengthen the sport’s structure across the country.

“We plan to create clubs from schools, communities, and universities, and the game is open to everyone who meets the requirements,” he said.

The initiative, he added, will not only grow Baseball5 but also improve Uganda’s presence on the international stage.

“We hope to boost the national team and Uganda at large to produce quality athletes who can compete on the world stage.”

Participating schools

Primary schools

Mayombe Primary School, Elim Primary School, Ruwwad Education Centre, Abubakari Primary School, Madibira Primary School, Integrated Primary School, Bright Angels Primary School, Busia Modern Primary School, Dabani Primary School, Buhoya Primary School.

Secondary schools

Jerusalem High School, Bilal High School, Swidiqi Secondary School, Busia Mixed Secondary School, Buhobe Senior Secondary School, Busia Senior Secondary School, Namaubi Secondary School, Buwumba Seed School, Busia Forward Secondary School, Busia Border Seeds.