Ogwang faces hard test as he prepares to appoint new NCS Board

By Emmanuel Sekago

The National Council of Sports (NCS) board two year contract period expired and in one weeks time, the state minister for sports and Ngariam county member of parliament Hon Peter Ogwang is on test to appoint a new board.

In a pivotal move that could shape the future trajectory of sports governance in the nation, Minister of Sports, Mr. Ogwang finds himself at the forefront of a significant decision-making juncture as he prepares to appoint a new National Sports Council (NCS) board.

With the sports landscape eagerly awaiting the outcome, Ogwang’s appointment comes at a time marked by both anticipation and scrutiny.

Having assumed the ministerial role amid expectations of reform and revitalization within the sporting sector, Ogwang’s selection of the NCS board carries weighty implications for the country’s athletic endeavors. With widespread calls for increased transparency, accountability, and inclusivity echoing throughout the sporting community, the composition of the new board stands as a litmus test for Ogwang’s commitment to effecting meaningful change.

Looking at  the amendment of Section 32 (2) on the composition of the board where the board should consist of the chairperson and six other members that is a representative from the ministry responsible for sports, two representatives from any two traditional regions of Uganda, 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.

In the new amendments  the Minister for Sports is  responsible for appointing the NCS board members and ensuring that the board represents interests from sports federations, government, private sectors, People With Disabilities(PWDS) and gender.

The selection process for the new NCS board promises to be multifaceted, incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise from across the sporting spectrum. Representatives from national sports associations or national sports federations, totaling 50 sports heads, are tasked with casting their votes to nominate a representative.

This democratic process ensures that the voices of various sporting bodies are heard and considered in the appointment of the NCS board.

Additionally, a representative of athletes holds a pivotal role in the selection process. National team captains from 50 sports bodies convene to vote for their chosen representative, ensuring that the interests and concerns of athletes are represented at the highest levels of sports governance.

The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping the future of sports administration in Uganda. A representative nominated by the private sector brings valuable insights and resources to the table, fostering partnerships and initiatives that drive sustainable growth and development within the sporting ecosystem.

Lastly, individuals with extensive experience in sports administration are called upon to nominate candidates for consideration.

Given Uganda’s rich pool of talent in sports administration, this nomination process underscores the importance of tapping into the wealth of expertise and knowledge within the sporting community, where an individual  needs to show his or her achievements during her or his time in sports.

As Minister Ogwang navigates the intricacies of the selection process, the nation looks to him to uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the appointment of the new NCS board.

The decisions made in the coming days hold the potential to redefine the trajectory of sports governance in Uganda, shaping the landscape for generations to come.

Ambrose Tashobya who has been chairman of National Council of Sports (NCS) board for the  two years with other appointed members including, Stephen Kiprotich, Cecilia Anyakoit, Zubair Galiwango, Andrew Owiny, Oyulu Juliet, William Galiwango, Evelyn Piyola, Agatha Namirembe, Susan Anek and Derrick Namisi by then State Minister Sports now Government Chief Whip and Ajuri county member of parliament, Rt Hon Dennis Hamson Obua on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, Under this  new “THE NATIONAL SPORTS ACT, 2023” .

The President Yoweri Museveni  assented to  on August 17th 2023, Its normal ideal for those who have served already to give others a chance to serve too and to bring in fresh ideas in sports.

The outgoing NCS board, amidst its tenure, faced its fair share of challenges and controversies, ranging from allegations of mismanagement to concerns regarding resource allocation and athlete welfare.

As such, the upcoming appointment presents an opportunity to chart a new course—one defined by integrity, vision, and responsiveness to the evolving needs of athletes and stakeholders alike.

The selection process itself is poised to be a meticulous undertaking, with Ogwang tasked with assembling a board characterized by a diverse array of expertise, experience, and perspectives. As the sporting landscape continues to evolve in tandem with broader societal shifts, the need for a forward-thinking, adaptable leadership structure has never been more pronounced.

In the wake of the ongoing global pandemic, which has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the sporting calendar and its associated economic implications, the incoming NCS board will be tasked with navigating unprecedented challenges while concurrently fostering an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and resilience within the realm of sports.

Furthermore, the appointment of the new NCS board serves as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to prioritizing sports development as a cornerstone of national identity and unity. As such, the stakes are undeniably high, with the decisions made in the coming days poised to reverberate throughout the sporting landscape for years to come.

Amidst the anticipation and expectations surrounding the appointment of the new NCS board, stakeholders across the sporting spectrum remain hopeful that the process will yield a leadership structure characterized by vision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the interests of athletes and the broader sporting community. As the nation awaits the unveiling of this pivotal decision, the stage is set for Minister Ogwang to leave an indelible mark on the future of sports governance in Uganda.