Netball stakeholders express frustration over Uganda U21 Team missing invitation to Accra tournament

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda’s netball stakeholders are up in arms after the Uganda Netball Normalisation Committee turned down an invitation for the Uganda U21 Junior Netball Team to participate in an upcoming competition in Accra, Ghana.

The stakeholders are questioning the committee’s decision and demanding accountability for the funds allocated to Uganda’s netball programs.

The invitation, issued by the Netball Federation of Ghana, was seen by Wallnetnews, Dated June 24th, 2024, and referenced as NFG/023/24/VOL.11, the letter was addressed to the chairman of the Uganda Netball Normalisation Committee.

It invited the Uganda U21 Junior National Netball Team (female) to participate in a competition in Accra from September 22nd to 29th, 2024.

According to the invitation, The Uganda U21 team was expected to arrive in Accra on September 22nd, 2024, with the tournament running from September 24th to 28th.

Technical meetings were scheduled for September 23rd, with teams departing on September 29th, 2024.

Despite the invitation, sources confirmed to Wallnetnews that the Uganda Netball Normalisation Committee declined the opportunity, citing a lack of funds.

This decision has left stakeholders baffled, especially since, according to the National Council of Sports (NCS), the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) was allocated UGX 200 million as part of the third quarter of FY 2023-2024.

The NCS performance highlights indicated that the UNF was among 51 National Sports Federations and Associations supported during this period.

Stakeholders are now raising serious questions about the allocation of these funds. “If Uganda Netball was allocated UGX 200 million, how is it possible that we cannot afford to send our U21 team to an important competition like this in Ghana? What has been done with the funds?” one stakeholder asked in an interview with Wallnetnews.

The netball community is particularly frustrated because youth competitions like the one in Accra are critical for developing young talent and providing exposure to international tournaments.

Missing such an opportunity, they argue, not only undermines the potential of young players but also stifles the growth of netball in Uganda.

“This is a critical competition for the U21 junior team. It provides international exposure and allows the youth to sharpen their skills. It is disappointing to see that the Normalisation Committee is not prioritizing such crucial events for the future of netball in Uganda,” a stakeholder expressed.

Stakeholders further emphasized that the lack of activity from the Normalisation Committee over the past year has raised concerns about how allocated funds are being utilized.

They believe that if funds had been properly allocated and managed, there would have been enough resources to prepare the U21 team for the tournament in Ghana.

As the Uganda U21 Junior Netball Team misses out on the Accra competition, stakeholders are calling for an audit of the funds allocated to the netball normalisation committee.

They argue that transparency is needed to restore confidence in the administration of the sport. “This is not just about missing a tournament. It’s about how the sport is being managed and whether the young athletes are getting the support they need to succeed,” said one netball enthusiast.

The future of Uganda’s netball development, especially for youth and junior teams, now hangs in the balance, with stakeholders urging swift action to address the ongoing issues within the Normalisation Committee.