Netball Uganda appoints Dr. Manoj Joshi as Director of International Partnerships

Netball Uganda has formalised a partnership with Dr. Manoj Joshi MBE DL, District Governor for Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire) and Chairman of Governors at Bradford Academy.

Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Ucanda and Dr. Joshi signed the partnership on Sunday at Kabira Country Club, witnessed by senior Netball Uganda executives and Sarah Nankya from the National Council of Sports.

Dr. Joshi will serve as Director of International Partnerships and Sponsorships for Netball Uganda in a volunteer, non-executive capacity from April 1, 2025, to May 30, 2027.

Netball Uganda president Jocelyn Ucanda (left) and Dr. Manoj Joshi MBE DL sign the agreement at Kabira Country Club, September 14, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

His main responsibilities include promoting the Netball Uganda brand in the UK and identifying potential international partners to help secure sponsorships and support the growth of netball in Uganda.

Netball Uganda president Jocelyn Ucanda stated that his appointment aims to secure partnerships that will raise Netball Uganda’s international profile and strengthen the federation’s brand, including the She Cranes, who recently represented the country at the Netball World Cup.

“We anticipate the expansion of netball, as the sport has not experienced significant activity on a national scale; however, through this partnership, we shall be equipped to develop the sport from the grassroots level to the international arena,” Ucanda remarked.

“He is poised to connect our athletes with international universities where they may pursue their studies while concurrently advancing their professional careers.

“Occasionally, we receive government funding in a delayed manner, and in the interim, various activities demand our attention; therefore, he shall be able to procure resources that could facilitate the advancement of the sport, enabling our athletes to also reap the benefits of their talents and careers beyond the realm of sports,” Ucanda articulated.

“Consequently, we shall witness an increase in the number of ambassadors representing Uganda on the international stage, particularly in regard to athletes transitioning to professional levels and securing substantial employment following their access to educational institutions at both the college and university levels in the United Kingdom,”

Manoj, a Ugandan-born refugee who fled the infamous Idi-Amin crisis emphasized that the partnership will necessitate effective frameworks that are inclusive and available to everyone, with grassroots involvement being a crucial element, as their goal is to ensure that individuals across Uganda, regardless of their background, can access resources that will help them realise their potential.

“This objective can only be achieved through strong governance, sound structures, and a transparent pathway for development and success at all levels, allowing individuals to see how they can advance. Additionally, education must be integrated into this process. Sports represent a temporary phase; one can only progress so far, particularly regarding physical demands, making education an essential foundation,” he stated.

He said investment will be key because financial stability is crucial for development and progression and that they have to plan ahead to ensure success in the different areas.

Sarah Nankya who represented the National Council of Sports at the function said Manoj was associating with an entity that is in good books with the NCS and one that has achieved a lot in the sport.

She said the federation has fulfilled most of the requirements as per the new sports law and that they will soon receive their certificate.

The high commissioner to the UK Nimisha Madhvani connected Netball Uganda to Manoj during the She Cranes participation in the Vitality Netball Championship in the UK in February.

The function was attended by several executive members including the vice president administration William Bwambale, vice president-technical Richard Muhumuza, treasurer Yusuf Kamulegeya and regional representatives Sarah Nkonge Muwonge, Alice Aweny and athletes’ representatives.