President Museveni finally assents to National Sports Bill

The President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has finally assented to the National Sports Bill 2023.

First tabled on November 10, 2022, and passed by Parliament on March 2, 2023, the Bill was returned by the President with key amendments suggested.

The law seeks to see sport in Uganda transition from an amateur to a professional setting.

The President had noted that Section 32 (2) on the composition of the board should be amended.

He added that the board should consist of the chairperson and six other members; a representative from the ministry responsible for sports, two representatives from any two traditional regions of Uganda.

The other was a representative of the National Sports Association, a representative of the athletes, a representative of the private sector and a person with experience in sports administration.

The President had further emphasised that a member of the board referred to in subsection (2) shall be a person with knowledge and experience in sports administration.

President Museveni also proposed that the minister appoint the board members considering the interest of the sports sector, its shareholders, Persons with Disabilities and gender balance.

Museveni said that kickboxing, provided for under the schedule, is no longer a recognised sport by the council and, therefore, should be deleted, and archery which is recognised, added.

The Bill was presented by Hon. Moses Magogo, the Budiope East Member of Parliament and also FUFA President.

It seeks to promote the World Anti-Doping Code along with associated international standards and investigate matters of doping in sports by summoning any person and examining any document or evidence.

The Bill also provides punitive action for individuals who commit the offence of illegal participation in sports activities.

With the Bill passed into law, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in moving the sports sector to the next level.