Uganda Chess Federation holds emergency meeting to address NCS registration

The Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) leadership convened an emergency Special General Meeting (SGM) to resolve outstanding issues in its application for registration with the National Council of Sports (NCS).

Following the enactment of the new Sports Act, all sports federations and associations are required to register with NCS.

Although UCF had submitted its application earlier, the federation received a non-compliance notice on January 7, highlighting several areas that needed rectification before full registration could be granted.

The meeting, chaired by UCF president Andrew Bakiza alongside members of the executive, brought together delegates from across the country.

Delegates listening to proceedings during UCF special General Meeting

Bakiza outlined key concerns raised by NCS, including the operationalisation of the federation secretariat, nationwide coverage of the sport, and the approval of the UCF constitution.

During the session, delegates nominated individuals to fill vacant executive positions, approved proposed constitutional amendments, and sanctioned changes to UCF bank signatories to reflect the current leadership. They were also asked to ratify constitutional amendments that had not been passed by the outgoing executive.

In addition, UCF presented its five-year strategic plan, unveiled the federation calendar, and appointed an external auditor, one of the mandatory requirements set by NCS.

UCF is among the 45 sports federations and associations that submitted registration applications to NCS. The council has granted these bodies an additional five months to address gaps and comply fully with registration requirements.

NCS General Secretary Dr Bernard Ogwel cautioned that federations failing to meet the compliance deadline will not receive government funding in the current financial year.