President Museveni grateful for IOC’s support, highlights role of sports in Refugee Integration

By Emmanuel Sekago

President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his gratitude for the support that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is providing to Uganda’s local Olympic committee.

During a meeting at State House, President Museveni assured the IOC that the government would assist in addressing land acquisition challenges faced by the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC). He also encouraged the IOC to take advantage of Uganda’s high-altitude training facilities, inviting athletes from sea-level regions to train in the country.

In the presence of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, President Museveni welcomed IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach OLY, along with his delegation, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, His Excellency Filippo Grandi.

The President commended the IOC’s innovative approach in linking sports with refugee support, describing it as a powerful tool that can stimulate children in refugee camps to excel and even provide “escape channels” for them to better their futures.
“I am very happy with this initiative,” Museveni said, noting that the government stands behind the UOC and will support its efforts to further develop sports, including through the creation of sports facilities for both Ugandan athletes and refugees.

President Museveni also reflected on Uganda’s long-standing approach to refugee management, which has earned the country praise as a model in the region. He explained that Uganda’s open-door policy towards refugees is rooted in historical lessons and the shift from identity politics to politics of interest. Uganda’s approach, he said, has led to national pacification and ensured that the country is free from exporting refugees.

The IOC, through its Olympic Refuge Foundation, has been actively involved in supporting refugees globally by providing them with access to sports.

Dr. Thomas Bach praised Uganda for its outstanding hospitality and progressive refugee management, highlighting the critical role that sports can play in fostering social inclusion and promoting harmony.

The meeting between President Museveni, Dr. Bach, and Filippo Grandi underscores the importance of sports in refugee integration.

Uganda’s commitment to hosting and supporting refugees has made it a leader in the region, and the inclusion of sports as a tool for development and social cohesion has drawn international attention.

The partnership between Uganda and the IOC is expected to strengthen this link, providing more opportunities for refugees to engage in sports and enhance their social well-being.

Dr. Bach emphasized the role of sports in improving lives and building community, adding that Uganda’s approach to integrating refugees through sports is an exemplary model. The IOC will continue to collaborate with Uganda to expand sports opportunities for refugees and contribute to their overall development.

This initiative represents a significant step in promoting not only Uganda’s sports infrastructure but also using sports as a means of empowering vulnerable populations like refugees.