Uganda Olympic Committee celebrates milestone in sports governance training
At a ceremony held on February 12, 2026, at the UOC headquarters in Lugogo, a total of 687 individuals received certifications.
Officials and the students cutting he graduation cake. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) has taken a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s sports sector, following the graduation of hundreds of participants from International Olympic Committee (IOC) certified sports administration programs.
At a ceremony held on February 12, 2026, at the UOC headquarters in Lugogo, a total of 687 individuals received certifications.
Among them, 622 earned certificates in the foundational Sports Administration Course (SAC), while 65 completed the more rigorous Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC). The SAC is a three-day introductory program, whereas the ASMC spans eight months.
Graduates of the IOC's sports administration courses. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
The graduates included active athletes, former competitors transitioning into administrative roles, and sports enthusiasts seeking to enhance their understanding of sports management. The event marked the 10th graduation of sports practitioners under this IOC-supported initiative.
George Wagogo, Director of Education at UOC, expressed satisfaction with the program’s growing influence.
“Having started this initiative many years ago, it is rewarding to see it now making a tangible impact, not only on individuals but also on the administration of various sports bodies. With this cohort, the total number of graduates since inception has reached nearly 4,000. It is encouraging to witness the growing recognition of the value these programs offer,” he said.
Wagogo also highlighted the opportunities presented by Uganda’s new National Sports Act, noting that trained administrators are now better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the sector. “This graduation is just the beginning. Participants can pursue further opportunities, including international courses, master’s programs, and global coaching certifications, to deepen their expertise in sports administration,” he added.
UOC President Donald Rukare, who also serves as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, applauded the graduates for their commitment to professional development. “When we began, only a handful of people showed interest.
Graduates of the IOC's sports administration courses, pose with lecturers and UOC officials after the ceremony at Lugogo. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Today, the numbers reflect a growing awareness that capacity building is essential to raising governance standards and improving the operations of our federations and clubs,” Rukare noted.
He encouraged interested individuals to visit the UOC offices for guidance on enrollment and eligibility. Rukare further revealed that Uganda has recorded the highest participation in the IOC-funded sports education program across Africa. “We have become the benchmark for this initiative on the continent. Many other countries are still in the early stages of implementation,” he said.
Among the notable graduates were sports enthusiast Edward Kiwanuka, national badminton captain Amos Muyanja, powerlifting representative Judith Alberto, and motorsport figures Jackson Sempebwa and Monica Jacob. They expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would drive positive change within their respective disciplines.
The SAC courses were conducted in Kampala, Mityana, Jinja, and Soroti, with additional participants attending from refugee settlements in Kamwenge and Kikuube districts. Angella Nankinga, a physiotherapist, was recognized as the best overall student in the ASMC.
According to Wagogo, the next intake for both courses is scheduled for March 2026.