Sports can help to promote youth employment

Jun 12, 2017

Sports is an industry that is capable of employing millions

Last week, the President of the Republic of Uganda, through the Minister of Finance, presented estimates in the national budget for the year 2017/18.

Stakeholders of sports had their eyes glued on their TV sets very alert waiting for any mention of sports in the speech. There was nothing.

Just like last financial year, the sports sector was allocated just over sh3bn. Our friends in government learnt nothing from last year because of that allocation, the national soccer team alone consumed sh2bn moreover for just a single tournament, the African Cup of Nations finals in Gabon.

Of course it will take long for our leaders to appreciate the power of sport in nation-building, that sports is an industry that is also capable of employing and paying millions (and not only athletes) in Uganda like is the case in other countries. Lack of an independent ministry for sports does also not help matters.

But if Government cannot invest in sports at the moment there is another window. The private sector can come in handy to support the sector but it will also need support from Government.

Some corporate companies have been there to sponsor teams or competitions but get little or no motivation at all from Government. Tax waivers or holidays would be appropriate for those few companies which give back to society through sports. But to everyone's amazement, such luxuries are enjoyed by ‘investors' who in many instances add very little to the well-being of an ordinary Ugandan.

Nile Breweries (Nile Special), Airtel, City Tyres, Stanbic Bank, to mention but a few, have been in the forefront of sponsoring sports in the country but with very little in returns in form of appreciation from Government. It is feared they could also decide to keep away.
 

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