Netball Uganda regains NCS Certificate of Recognition after governance reforms
Netball Uganda, formerly operating as the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF), had its certificate revoked by NCS in 2023 following persistent leadership wrangles, governance failures, and concerns over financial accountability.
National Council of Sports General Secretary Patrick Ogwel (left) addresses a press conference at Copper Chimney, Lugogo, on July 20, 2026. He is flanked by NCS Senior Legal Officer Diana Kwesiga and Licensing Officer Leslie Laker Okot during a briefing on the registration of sports associations. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga
Netball Uganda has officially regained its National Council of Sports (NCS) Certificate of Recognition, marking a major milestone in the federation's efforts to restore stability and credibility after years of governance challenges.
The certification follows the completion of the NCS registration and compliance exercise for all National Sports Organizations (NSOs), which began in 2025 to align federations with the National Sports Act.
Netball Uganda, formerly operating as the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF), had its certificate revoked by NCS in 2023 following persistent leadership wrangles, governance failures, and concerns over financial accountability.
The revocation prompted intervention from World Netball, leading to sweeping governance reforms, including the rebranding of the federation to Netball Uganda.
"Previously, it has been hard to convince sponsors because we did not have a certificate. Now with the certificate, it is upon us to look for sponsors, and I know we shall have many on board. I call upon all sponsors to join Netball because we are a winning brand," Ucanda said.
The recognition restores confidence in the federation and opens the door for increased partnerships as Uganda continues to establish itself among Africa's leading netball nations, with the She Cranes consistently delivering strong performances on the continental and global stage.
Netball Uganda is among 11 national sports federations that have fully complied with the requirements of the National Sports Act. The others are the Pool Association of Uganda, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Uganda Dance Sport Federation, Badminton Uganda, Uganda Athletics, Uganda Chess Federation, Uganda Table Tennis Association, Uganda Tennis Association, Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), and the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA).
"The operational, financial, and governance activities of these National Sports Organizations shall remain under the continuous supervision and monitoring of the NCS to ensure sustained compliance with statutory standards and improved governance," Ogwel said.
Meanwhile, several federations, including the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of Uganda, Uganda Woodball Federation, Uganda Squash Rackets Association, Uganda Golf Union, Kabaddi Federation of Uganda, Uganda Aquatics, and Uganda Rugby, were found to be substantially compliant but still require verification.
Ogwel said the NCS Board has granted the affected federations a final one-month remedial period to address the outstanding issues, warning that failure to comply will result in the immediate revocation of their Certificates of Recognition.
Out of the 51 NSOs previously recognized under the repealed legal framework, 45 submitted applications for registration, while six failed to apply within the prescribed deadline.