Cash-strapped Uganda could pull out of Uni. Games
Jun 18, 2014
UGANDA could pull out of the Seventh All Africa University Games due to financial constraints. Africa’s biggest university sports event will run from July 11 to 18 in the Kenyan capital Nairobi
By James Bakama
UGANDA could pull out of the Seventh All Africa University Games due to financial constraints.
Africa’s biggest university sports event will run from July 11 to 18 in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Uganda, which has featured at all previous editions, planned to have a contingent of 247.
“We have failed to raise $243,190 (sh625m). Universities are constrained and can’t foot those bills,” revealed National University Sports Federation Secretary Patrick Ssebuliba.
Ssebuliba said appeals to government have been fruitless. “This is a national team representing Uganda’s 25 universities. It must be funded by government but we haven’t been helped.”
Ssebuliba said NUSFU had on its part embarked on its obligation of preparing a team. “It is unfortunate that we could pull out.”
Uganda was in the last edition in Namibia in 2012 salvaged by Makerere University. “This time only five athletes from three universities have sponsorship,” explained Ssebuliba.
Uganda hosted the fifth edition in 2008 at Namboole where President Museveni was chief guest.
NUSFU says it’s ironic that Uganda could send a team to Namibia yet it can’t be represented in neighbouring Kenya.
“I appeal to government to facilitate this team as the games would cement East African Community and African Union spirit,” appealed Ssebuliba.
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