NCS to announce recognition status of sports federations by July

More than 20 sports federations and associations across Uganda are awaiting a crucial verdict from the National Council of Sports (NCS), with their official recognition status expected to be announced by July.

The registration exercise, which closed on June 8, 2026, attracted more than 20 national sports organisations seeking approval under the provisions of the National Sports Act and the National Sports Regulations 2025.

According to NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, all applications received will undergo a comprehensive assessment by the council's technical team before the NCS Board makes a final decision.

“According to the report I have, I think they are less than 30, which is not bad. Therefore, the technical team will review and issue a report. The report must go to the relevant committee of the board of the National Council of Sports, which is technical,” Ogwel explained.

He noted that once the technical committee completes its evaluation, the findings will be forwarded to the full NCS Board, which will make the final determination on whether each applicant is approved or disapproved.

“Once technical review is done, we will be able to submit it to the full board for decision of approval or disapproval and thereafter we will be able to communicate and issue analysis to the successful national associations and federations,” he added.

The review process is expected to be guided strictly by the National Sports Act and the National Sports Regulations 2025, which set out the standards and requirements for recognition of sports governing bodies in Uganda.

Federations and associations that fail to meet the required standards will not be permanently locked out of the system. Instead, they will retain promoter status and be given an opportunity to address the gaps identified before reapplying for recognition.

Ogwel emphasized that transparency and fairness will be at the heart of the process, noting that organizations dissatisfied with the board's decision will have a legal avenue for appeal.

“The law also made provision. If we deny them, they can appeal to the minister. There is provision in the law for an appeal on the decision of the board. When the time comes to announce the successful federations, the information will be public,” he said.

One of the key requirements in the registration process is national coverage. Sports bodies seeking federation status must demonstrate operations in at least 75 percent of the country, while those seeking association status are required to show 50 percent coverage.

“The law gives choices to the respective national sports organizations. If you want to be a federation, you must meet the 75 percent threshold. For associations, the requirement is 50 percent. It is their choice,” Ogwel noted.

The July 1 announcement is expected to shape the future governance of sports in Uganda, determining which organizations will be officially recognized to oversee and develop their respective disciplines.