MPs call for more sports funding
Feb 04, 2009
PARLIAMENT has called for an increased budget for the sports sector.
By Catherine Bekunda and Milton Olupot
PARLIAMENT has called for an increased budget for the sports sector.
Denis Hamson Obua (NRM) moved the motion on Tuesday for Parliament to recognise the national soccer team, The Cranes. He said the youth in Uganda have the capacity to go to greater heights in the area of sports if supported.
“It is a pity that we can not facilitate our national players. There are no resources for us to scout for talented players from the grassroots,†Obua said.
All MPs agreed to contribute sh0.1m as appreciation for the excellent performance that saw the team lift the CECAFA Challenge Cup last month. They are expected to raise sh33m.
The money will be deducted from their salaries and deposited on FUFA’s account. It will be distributed to players, coaches and the technical personnel.
“We are grateful. This will absolutely motivate the players. It is an absolute bonus for the team,†Bobby Williamson, Cranes coach, said.
The players, who were in the visitor’s gallery throughout the plenary session were later hosted by the speaker Edward Sekandi. Elijah Okupa (FDC) who seconded Obua’s motion shared the same sentiments.
“We need government to support activities of sports as a uniting factor in the country. It is only in Uganda that the football federation funds the national team in its entirety,†he said.
Ben Wacha (Independent) and former Makerere University goalkeeper castigated government for neglecting sports. “The issue is not lack of finances. The matter lies with government. It has let down sports in this country,†he said.
Education and Sports minister Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire however said Government had done a lot to promote sports.
PARLIAMENT has called for an increased budget for the sports sector.
Denis Hamson Obua (NRM) moved the motion on Tuesday for Parliament to recognise the national soccer team, The Cranes. He said the youth in Uganda have the capacity to go to greater heights in the area of sports if supported.
“It is a pity that we can not facilitate our national players. There are no resources for us to scout for talented players from the grassroots,†Obua said.
All MPs agreed to contribute sh0.1m as appreciation for the excellent performance that saw the team lift the CECAFA Challenge Cup last month. They are expected to raise sh33m.
The money will be deducted from their salaries and deposited on FUFA’s account. It will be distributed to players, coaches and the technical personnel.
“We are grateful. This will absolutely motivate the players. It is an absolute bonus for the team,†Bobby Williamson, Cranes coach, said.
The players, who were in the visitor’s gallery throughout the plenary session were later hosted by the speaker Edward Sekandi. Elijah Okupa (FDC) who seconded Obua’s motion shared the same sentiments.
“We need government to support activities of sports as a uniting factor in the country. It is only in Uganda that the football federation funds the national team in its entirety,†he said.
Ben Wacha (Independent) and former Makerere University goalkeeper castigated government for neglecting sports. “The issue is not lack of finances. The matter lies with government. It has let down sports in this country,†he said.
Education and Sports minister Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire however said Government had done a lot to promote sports.