Uganda All Africa Games contingent back home

 

 

The two boxers who won silver medals at the All Africa Games were speaking upon their return from the games before they were hosted to a reception by NCS at Lugogo.

 

"I thank God and our coaches and officials for preparing us well and in time so that we were able to return with medals. Many countries returned with nothing so we are happy with what we achieved and I believe with more fine-tuning, I can win gold in future competitions," Masembe said.

 

Ssemuju who also represented Uganda at the Commonwealth Games said he used a lot of tact to win the Silver because he fought tough opponents.

 

"In my weight, I fought against five boxers but I used a lot of speed and tact that is why I won this medal," Ssemuju said.

 

National Council of Sports Vice Chairman Technical Zubair Galiwango urged federation heads to ensure not only teamwork but be disciplined arguing that they were the source of all success.

 

Representing the Minister of State for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi, Galiwango asked NCS to create a desk for the association heads to ensure the quick flow of communication between them and NCS.

 Uganda athletes arrive at Lugogo from the All Africa Games, September 3, 2019. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

He advised the federation heads to aim for regional and international posts and stop overstaying in federation posts but serve and ensure continuity before challenging them to ensure Uganda is represented by the same number of athletics in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

 

"The minister is very grateful for your participation and achievements for your nation and he says don't give up and let the All Africa Games be the springboard for you for more success," Galiwango said.

 

He congratulated the athletics and their heads for the achievement in Morocco before cautioning the athletes on discipline and ensuring that they always promote teamwork

 

"As government and NCS, we have the will to take sports to a higher level but don't tag money on your success because there could be more for you in future," Galiwango advised the athletes.

 

NCS's David Katende who led Uganda's delegation to Morocco said this was Uganda's biggest delegation to the games and thanked the government for the support. Uganda was represented by 115 athletes in 11 disciplines.

 

He said the delegation was able to meet their objectives of winning medals, to qualify, to improve on athletes ranking and to represent Uganda.

 

Badminton player Daniel Mihigo who spoke on behalf of the athletes urged the government to inject more money in sports for more success while Uganda Olympic Committee General Secretary congratulated the medalists for their efforts and called for more work so that many others can qualify for the Olympics.

 

Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otuchet who gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the federation presidents thanked the government for facilitating the team and thanked the team for keeping their discipline and achieving.

 

"As athletics, what we achieved in Morocco should help us even perform better at the world championships. Let us continue working together and support one another to ensure that our sportsmen are well nurtured, given opportunity, given exposure so that they are able to represent the country well,"

 

The reception was attended by Sports Commissioner Omara Apita, Sports Development Director Gunter Lange, UOC General Secretary Don Rukare, NCS General Secretary Patrick Ogwel, federation heads and other NCS officials who traveled with the team.