Uganda reviews anti-doping regulations

The statutory instrument review committee has handled the draft National Sports Anti-Doping Regulations 2025 during a consultative meeting at the National Council of Sports (NCS) offices in Lugogo.

The session brought together NCS officials, the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO), and representatives from sports federations and associations to deliberate on the regulations before they are published in the Uganda Gazette.

The regulations, which fall under Section 53(2) of the National Sports Act, Cap 151, are intended to align Uganda’s sports governance with international anti-doping standards.

In his opening remarks, NCS General Secretary Patrick Ogwel commended the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), led by Dr. Donald Rukare, for its role in promoting anti-doping values. “UOC has been instrumental in protecting anti-doping values in Uganda, and we thank you,” Ogwel said.

Dr. Rukare, who also serves as Commonwealth Games president, emphasized that Uganda remains compliant with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements, though currently classified under Category B. He urged stakeholders to maintain strict compliance.

Rukare recalled that before October 2024, Uganda had been declared non-compliant by WADA due to omissions in the National Sports Act. Swift amendments to Cap 151 reversed the situation, restoring compliance and enabling Uganda to host international events.

“As of now, Uganda is compliant and can host international events, and our athletes can compete globally under the national flag,” Rukare said, while urging stakeholders to strengthen the draft regulations.

He stressed the urgency of the matter, noting Uganda’s participation in major competitions this year, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (August), the World Youth Olympics in Senegal (November), and several world championships.

He identified athletics, boxing, football, weightlifting, cycling, rugby, and basketball as high-risk sports due to their global exposure, alongside regional competitions and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“If we get these regulations wrong, we shall not host AFCON, and those world-class sports facilities will be rendered useless,” he warned, calling for independence in law and operations.

Rukare also cautioned the media against sensational reporting on anti-doping matters, saying it could damage Uganda’s sporting image.

From the Ministry of Justice, review committee member Lazak Tibaruka outlined Uganda’s proposals, particularly on administrative regulations governing NADO’s composition and operations.

He highlighted key provisions from the 24 articles of the World Anti-Doping Code, including rules on violations, burden and standard of proof, WADA’s annually published prohibited list, testing and investigations, sample analysis, results management, the right to a fair hearing, disqualification of results, sanctions against individuals and sporting bodies, and the authority of national anti-doping organizations.

Sports federations welcomed the move to domesticate WADA regulations into national law. Representatives from a wide range of disciplines including cycling, weightlifting, boxing, cricket, rugby, badminton, fencing, motorsport, lacrosse, hockey, gymnastics, judo, and the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), attended the meeting.

Task force chairperson Brighton Barugahare noted that the anti-doping consultations mark the third of ten statutory instruments