Museveni offers sh264m, challenges All Africa Games team

Aug 30, 2011

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday boosted Uganda’s All Africa Games team with a sh264m offer then lit up the Maputo bound sportsmen with a round of karate.

By James Bakama

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday boosted Uganda’s All Africa Games team with a sh264m offer then lit up the Maputo bound sportsmen with a round of karate.

Museveni’s donation followed a plea from education and sports state minister Charles Bakkabulindi to cover a $94,376 (sh264m) budget deficit for the Mozambique trip. “I will raise the sh264m,” promised the president amidst cheers from the sportsmen, Bakkabulindi, UOC head Rogers Ddungu and Samsung Electronics officials at a national flag hand-over ceremony at State House in Nakasero.

The president, who was in happy mood, further livened up as he prepared to photo with the tae-kwon-do team.

“You also do tae kwon do. I am a karate expert, “Museveni joked with bantamweight Judith Awujo whom he encouraged to send a kick that he blocked as everyone cheered.

The sportsmen, who waited for close to four hours for the president, were also treated to a lecture from Museveni on the benefits of sports.

Ddungu used the opportunity to invite the president to the London 2012 Olympics.

Museveni later handed the flag to overall team captain Florence Amono. “I am so grateful. We promise the president medals,” said the netballer, who is a Prisons Principal Officer.

The tenth All Africa games begin in Maputo on Thursday. Eight boxers, their manager Sam Walusimbi and coach Kent Musa left on Sunday for the games.

Uganda’s second batch comprising of the national U-23 team-the Kobs and sailing, swimming, table tennis, netball and badminton teams will depart on Thursday. Athletics, Paralympics, tennis, beach volleyball, cycling and tae-kwon-do will travel last.

Bakkabulindi explained that the money will cater for 65 airtickets, allowances, administrative expenses like insurance, emergencies and contingency.

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