Woodball factory still a top priority for UWBF, says Kayongo
During the meeting, he appealed to the National Council of Sports (NCS) to fast-track the matter by following up on an outstanding presidential directive.
Uganda Woodball Federation President Paul Mark Kayongo (C) addresses the assembly as Vice President Lukman Kirya (R) and General Secretary Adam Kato look on during the Annual General Assembly. PHOTO: Johnson Were
The completion of an equipment manufacturing factory and continuous capacity building remain at the top of the Uganda Woodball Federation's (UWBF) agenda.
UWBF President Paul Mark Kayongo emphasized these goals during the annual general assembly held at Jevine Hotel in Rubaga.
During the meeting, he appealed to the National Council of Sports (NCS) to fast-track the matter by following up on an outstanding presidential directive.
"Districts are eager to play woodball, but equipment remains our top challenge because the manufacturing machines donated by the Chinese Embassy are currently lying idle at Ndejje University," Kayongo said.
Uganda Woodball Federation President Paul Mark Kayongo (C), General Secretary Adam Kato (L) and Vice President Lukman Kirya (R) during the national anthem before the beginning of the assembly
"Once fully operational, this factory will be in a position to supply equipment across the African continent, allowing the federation to financially sustain its own operations," he added. "It will also create jobs for many Ugandans, especially since the UWBF holds the International Woodball Federation (IWBF) certified manufacturing franchise for Africa."
Currently, the existing plant at Ndejje University operates below capacity, producing limited equipment that falls short of the international quality standards required for export.
The push for a modern facility dates way back to 2014, when President Yoweri Museveni toured the Ndejje plant. Commending the sport's rapid progress in Uganda, the President pledged that the government would fund a modern, multi-complex woodball facility worth $12.6 million.
The President later solidified this budgetary commitment during high-level meetings with Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and Permanent Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi. However, to date the project has never commenced.
Once constructed in Garuga, the project will house a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex and serve as the official African Woodball Headquarters.
Uganda Woodball Federation General Secretary Adam Kato with two female delegates from the Buganda Region showing the woodball sign at the assembly
He also noted that UWBF will aggressively push for the sport's inclusion in learning institutions to give students a platform to explore their talents.
NCS Senior Sports Officer Sarah Nankya commended the federation for spreading the game nationwide but urged them to urgently address the equipment scarcity raised by regional leaders.
"We were overwhelmed with joy when we found children playing woodball in the West Nile region," Nankya said. "Keep that spirit alive and provide the necessary equipment, because almost all the districts we visited cited a shortage of gear."
The assembly concluded by passing a sh3.9 billion budget to support regional activities, the national league, and international engagements for national teams, including the World Cup and various International Opens.
Additionally, the assembly officially admitted Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Nkozi as the newest member federation.