Mozambique’s Julio Ambali Mendes elected AUSC Chairperson, succeeding Uganda’s Patrick Ogwel

By Emmanuel Sekago

Mozambique’s Dr Julio Ambali Mendes has been elected the new Chairperson of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), succeeding Uganda’s Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, who has completed a four-year tenure at the helm of the continental sports body.

Mendes was elected on October 20, 2026, during the AUSC Advisory Board meeting held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala from October 19–20, where sports leaders from across Africa gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening sports development and coordination on the continent.

Ogwel, who also serves as the General Secretary of Uganda’s National Council of Sports (NCS), handed over leadership after serving two consecutive terms beginning in 2022.

Reflecting on his tenure, Ogwel expressed satisfaction with the milestones achieved during his leadership, while welcoming the opportunity for Uganda to host the advisory board meeting and confirmation that the country would host the African Games in 2031.

“I have served my two years — which are two years each — and I am proud of the milestones. It is good that we have hosted the advisory board in Uganda but also receive the confirmation of Uganda hosting the African Games in 2031,” Ogwel said.

The outgoing chairperson was commended for his contribution to the council over the past four years, during which the board oversaw several initiatives aimed at strengthening sports governance, accountability and development across Africa.

Under Ogwel’s leadership, the AUSC developed its five-year strategic plan for 2024–2028, establishing a framework to guide the growth and development of sport across the continent.

The council also introduced digital monitoring and evaluation systems to improve accountability, reporting, performance tracking and evidence-based decision-making.

Other priorities advanced during his tenure included safeguarding in sport, sports integrity, anti-doping, sport for development, gender equality, disability inclusion, capacity building and governance of the African Games.

Ogwel urged the incoming leadership to build on these achievements by providing strategic direction to the secretariat and strengthening cooperation among member states.

“The incoming board should also continue providing strong support and strategic guidance to the secretariat. I remain confident that, through continued collaboration and commitment, the AUSC will further strengthen its contribution to the achievement of Agenda 2063 and the development of sport across Africa,” he noted.

He further called on the new board to champion the interests of member states and maintain a strong focus on the African Games, which remain the continent’s flagship multi-sport event.

“I encourage the incoming board to continue providing strong support and strategic guidance to the secretariat, continue championing the interests of member states and to maintain a strong focus on the African Games, which remain the flagship multi-sport event of our continent and a powerful symbol of African unity, excellence, and solidarity, ensuring the sustainability, credibility, ownership and long-term success of the African Games,” Ogwel added.

In his acceptance address, Mendes pledged to work closely with regional sports leaders to improve coordination of programmes and address challenges affecting the growth of sport across Africa.

“My fellow chairpersons and I will continue to lead the process of coordinating programmes for the continent. We are happy, but we have many challenges. We shall continue working hard because we need more sports, and we need all people to engage together to continue practising sports in Africa,” Mendes said.

The new chairperson takes over at a time when African sports administrators are seeking stronger collaboration, improved athlete development pathways and expanded opportunities for African countries to compete successfully on the international stage.

The newly elected regional chairpersons have also pledged to work collectively to advance the council’s mission, building on the achievements of the outgoing leadership.

The African Union Sports Council Advisory Board plays an advisory role to the council of ministers on strategies for the development and promotion of sport across Africa.

Its work includes supporting technical and financial committees and contributing to the governance and organisation of the African Games.

The change in leadership is expected to provide an opportunity for the council to consolidate existing programmes, strengthen cooperation among member states and promote wider participation in sport.

For Uganda, Ogwel’s departure from the continental leadership comes alongside the country’s preparations to host the African Games in 2031, a development expected to place further attention on sports infrastructure, governance and long-term athlete development.

As Mendes assumes office, the challenge will be to translate the council’s strategic priorities into practical programmes that expand access to sport, strengthen integrity and create more opportunities for athletes across the continent.