The State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang has advised Team Uganda that is going to compete at this year’s edition of the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China to represent the nation with pride.

Ogwang made the call as he bid farewell to the team at Makerere University on Thursday.

“As a student-athlete, it is now about your talent and the opportunity that has availed itself and we expect you to compete seriously,” Ogwang said.

Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang poses for a photo with university student athletes and sports tutors after a preparation meeting ahead of the FISU Games

“I want to assure you that the moment of truth has come for you to carry that flag high.”

He also cautioned them to behave well during the competition.

“I want to wish you the best on your road to the competition but above all, mind about personal health because if you go out there and start looking for a relationship, just know sex and sports don't mix,” he said.

“It is also a responsibility for the coaches to scrutinise the manners of these athletes because instead of being embarrassed, we would rather have 10 athletes that are morally upright than 30 who are not straight.” 

Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang chats with Sharif Olipa as PES Commissioner Rev Can Duncans Mugumya and AUUS President Peninah Kabenge look on

Ogwang also advised the university sports stakeholders to challenge their athletes and introduce them to some Chinese culture in the meantime.

“My challenge is going to be on food. As the association, I would beg that if the budget allows, let these athletes take Chinese food before the tournament arrives because they will reach there and they start looking for posho and beans and they will not see them,” he said.

“And once you reach there, read on the menu carefully to avoid embarrassment because food matters in terms of performance.”

A total of 35 students from nine universities will represent Uganda in this year’s edition of the FISU World University Games that starts July 28 to August 8.