UNPC president urges para athletes to embrace sports as a lifelong career

Uganda National Paralympic Committee (UNPC) president, Mpindi Bumaali, has encouraged para athletes to view sports not just as a pastime, but as a viable and transformative career path.

Speaking on day three of the ongoing National Disability Sports Gala in Masaka City, Bumaali emphasized that with dedication and discipline, sports can offer sustainable income and life-changing opportunities.

“Sports is now a full-time job. We’ve seen many athletes earn a decent living through international competitions. You too can achieve that if you remain focused and committed,” he said.

Bumaali reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent from across Uganda to strengthen national teams at all levels, despite ongoing financial challenges.

“There are many persons with disabilities who never get the chance to showcase their potential. Events like these help us identify them, but our biggest challenge remains limited funding, which sometimes prevents us from reaching everyone,” he added.

Day three of the Gala saw Makerere University Business School (MUBS) dominate in showdown, javelin, and archery, while Kyambogo University impressed in men’s shot put and goalball.

Amputee athlete Ayuubu Kiruyi from Kyambogo delivered the best throw in the men’s shot put (university category). In the primary category for the physically impaired (F46 class), Isingiro’s Joash Ainebyona set a new record with an 8.20m throw, followed by Foste Irampaye with 4.72m.

In the javelin event, MUBS’s Charity Chebet edged out Brenda Nabwire in a close contest, winning gold with a 20m lead. Kyambogo triumphed over MUBS in goalball with a 5–2 win, while Makerere University defeated Gulu University 2–0 to advance to the next round.

The 2025 National Disability Sports Gala will wrap up tomorrow with the awarding of trophies across various categories and the crowning of the overall champions.