Four disciplines dropped for Univ. Games

By Johnson Were 

UGANDA'S chances of winning more medals in the 27th Summer University Games due July 6-17 in Kazan Russia were reduced after swimming, table tennis, badminton and lawn tennis were dropped.

This was disclosed by the national university governing body (NUSFU) secretary Patrick Ssebuliba after only 20 athletes were flagged off by the National Council of Sports (NCS) secretary general Jasper Aligawesa at Lugogo on Friday.

“We started training a team of 32 athletes but because of lack of funds we are only taking 20 athletes that their universities accepted to facilitate” Ssebuliba stated.

He narrated that after failing to get the required funding to take the team to Kazan, they (NUSFU) resorted to requesting the universities to contribute for their respective athletes but some responded while others declined saying its government’s obligation.

“We have missed a lot, because these athletes we have dropped had potential to win us medals but had to leave them behind because of lack of funds,” Ssebuliba added.

NCS secretary Jasper Aligawesa urged the athletes to front their country first to win medals.

“We are aware that you are not facilitated well and what we as NCS has contributed is not enough but be patriotic and front your country by winning more gold medals,” Aligawesa stated.

“It’s the end of the year and government doesn’t have money but the little we have contributed is on behalf of the government but don’t lose hope be Africans be Ugandans. Win friends, be disciplined and win medals,” Aligawesa appealed to the athletes.

Ndejje University’s Paul Mark Kayongo is the head of delegation for the team that departs on Saturday for Russia.

The team that includes two chess players, a swimmer, tennis and badminton players has five ladies and fifteen men.

Makerere, Ndejje, Kampala, Uganda Christian University, Kyambogo and Middle State Tennessee University are the only institutions that managed to contribute to their athletes’ welfare.  

The Team: Winnie Nanyondo, Benjamin Njia, Richard Ongom, Daniel Bingi, Herbert Gidagui, Samuel Mwidu, Ali Kato, Shinosuke Wasswa, Emmanuel Tugumisirze, Geofrey Akena, Annet Chebet, Docus Ajok, Johnson Anywar, Steven Komakech, Ivan Wesonga, Allan Makweta, Eric Wanume, Victoria Nakirwadde and Joyce Kabengano.