Uganda’s woodball team withdraws from World Cup amid financial struggles
A statement signed by Uganda Woodball Federation President Paul Mark Kayongo on Saturday, a day before the trip, noted that the team had withdrawn due to logistical challenges.
Woodball president Paul Mark K Kayongo addressing the players. PHOTO: Johnson Were
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
The woodball fraternity was shocked by the news that the national team had withdrawn from the World Cup, which starts on Monday, October 14, in China.
The team, which finished second in the previous edition and was among the favorites this time, withdrew from the global event due to a failure to secure UGX 450 million.
A statement signed by Uganda Woodball Federation President Paul Mark Kayongo on Saturday, a day before the trip, noted that the team had withdrawn due to logistical challenges.
“I regret to inform you that Uganda will not participate in the 9th Woodball World Cup scheduled for October 14-21, 2024, due to logistical challenges,” the letter stated.
“We thank all our partners, gallant athletes, coaches, and team managers, as well as the media, for their unwavering support. Together, we remain spirited to grow the woodball sport,” the letter added.
The woodball federation had camped the team in Bunjako for 20 days, preparing them for the World Cup, and the men and women were in high spirits to deliver on the global stage.
The chief funder of the national teams, the National Council of Sports, did not raise the necessary funds, claiming that all the money went to the AFCON 2027 project.