Weightlifting: Namusoke shines
There was a lot to learn as Uganda Weightlifting Federation (UWF) hosted a big international competition last season.
By Silvano Kibuuka
There was a lot to learn as Uganda Weightlifting Federation (UWF) hosted a big international competition last season.
The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) Championship held in Kampala, provided an opportunity for domestic officials including UWF executive members and coaches to learn new organisational skills.
Uganda’s athletes also had the chance to learn from elite competitors who represented other countries at the third edition.
The competition went on smoothly prompting the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to name Uganda as hosts of the inaugural
Africa Club and Senior Championship.
UWF resolved to have the competition in Entebbe.
But the event was later called off following the outbreak of the Ebola scourge in some parts of the continent.
Competitors from Saudi Arabia were the top performers with Ugandans in second position while Turkey finished third in the Kampala event.
Charles Ssekyaya (62kg category) won one gold medal while Becky Namusoke and Prosy Nyanga got three gold each.
ISSF, an organisation responsible for the direction and control of the Islamic Solidarity Games, had it’s officials actively involved in ensuring that the competition was a success.
Ugandan athletes participated in other events on the international stage.
At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Ssekyaya, Namusoke and Khaled Batuusa came up against tough competitors and made an early exit.
Ssekyaya competed at the World Championships in Kazakhstan but finished 19th in his category.
On the domestic front, UWF held three competitions — the Kasubi Bonanza, National Open and the National Championship.
Activities of the sport were mainly held in Kampala, Jinja, Wakiso and Luwero.
There was hope that the sport would spread to other parts of the country but this was not possible.
The sport has also not taken root in schools and higher institutions of learning.
UWF president Salim Musoke believes they will make progress this season despite the limited funding.
The official said items like equipment are so expensive.
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