National Sports Federations Miss Out on First Quarter Funding, Uganda Withdraws from Woodball World Cup 2024
- FEATUREDSPORTS
- October 15, 2024
- No Comment
By Emmanuel Sekago
Ugandan sports are feeling the pinch as the first quarter of funding for the Financial Year 2024 has not been disbursed to national sports federations and associations.
The funding shortfall has had immediate impacts, with the Uganda Woodball Federation (UWF) withdrawing the national team from the 9th Woodball World Cup.
The competition, which was scheduled to take place in China from October 14th to 21st, 2024, will now proceed without Uganda’s participation.
In a letter dated October 11th, 2024, signed by UWF President Paul Mark Kayongo cited logistical challenges as the primary reason for the withdrawal. The letter, addressed to the woodball community and stakeholders, states:
“I regret to inform you that Uganda will not field a team at the 9th edition of the Woodball World Cup in China, scheduled from October 14-21, 2024, due to logistical challenges. We thank all our Partners, Gallant Athletes, Coaches, and Team Managers as well as the Media for their unwavering support. Together we remain spirited to grow the woodball sport to greater heights.Thank you very much. Woodball, Woodball, My Sport!”
This announcement comes as a disappointment, particularly because the national team had been undergoing rigorous training in anticipation of the competition.
Uganda was expected to be a strong contender, and the team’s withdrawal highlights the broader challenges facing sports in the country.
With the delay in funding, other national sports federations are also likely to face disruptions in their planned activities and events.
The situation underscores the importance of timely financial support for sports development and international representation, as athletes and officials work to raise Uganda’s profile on the global stage.
The UWF and its stakeholders remain hopeful that future funding will be restored, allowing them to continue their mission of promoting woodball and supporting Uganda’s athletes.
