Uganda Athletics cracks down on unlicensed road races

Uganda Athletics (UA) has tightened its grip on road races and other athletics competitions, warning organisers who stage events without federation approval that they risk hefty fines, suspension, and prosecution.

The move targets organisations and individuals conducting road races and marathons without express authority from UA, the supreme athletics governing body in Uganda.

UA says it has the mandate to approve athletics events in the country in accordance with World Athletics rules and regulations and the National Sports Act, Cap. 151.

Under the new directive, organisers who promote events without a permit may face disciplinary action, including suspension of membership, a fine equivalent to or double the applicable permit fee, and prosecution under Section 60 of the National Sports Act.

Elite athletes, both Ugandan and foreign, who participate in unlicensed competitions may also be disqualified or suspended from competing under UA and World Athletics rules.

The events requiring specific permission include track and field, relays, road races from one mile to marathon distance, race walking, cross country, mountain running, and trail running.

Organisers must apply to UA for permission and pay the prescribed fees. They must also commit to following UA and World Athletics competition rules, using qualified technical officials, and ensuring the event meets the required standards.

For road races, the permit fees range from Shs750,000 for a 5km national or international race to Shs5 million for a full marathon. Regional and district fees range from Shs500,000 for 5km to Shs3.5 million for a marathon.

In addition, mass national and international road races will attract a basic annual fee plus Shs5,000 per runner, with regional and district committees determining whether the charge applies.

Organisers must also have their routes certified by UA, with certification fees ranging from Shs500,000 to Shs1.5 million, depending on the distance.

UA has further placed restrictions on underage participation, stating that athletes below 18 years by December 31 of the competition year cannot compete in distances longer than 5km.

The federation also requires event organisers to prioritise health and safety, work with police and health authorities, comply with local laws, and establish Local Organising Committees.

For events attracting major sponsors, organisers are required to have sponsorship contracts lasting at least three years to promote sustainability in athletics.

UA president Dominic Otucet says the measures are intended to ensure athletics events are properly regulated, professionally organised, and conducted in line with national and international standards.

However, Otucet highlights that there are events that are exempt from federation approval.

"Events organised for employees of an institution, relatives marking an anniversary, and members of schools or education authorities are exempt, provided the school is affiliated to a District Athletics Association," Otucet said.

Apollo Musherure, the regional representative for South Western Uganda, welcomed the initiative, saying districts will also benefit from events organised in their regions.

"The money that will be collected from the event organisers will help in talent development and identification at the district level," Musherure said.

Otucet emphasised that when event organisers apply for a permit, they are assured of technical support if their events are granted approval.

He said this will help ensure that events are organised to the required standards.