Opinion: Uganda’s absence from Netball World Youth Cup 2025 qualifiers does not signal death of the sport

By Emmanuel Sekago

OPINION

The recent news of Uganda’s absence from the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 qualifiers in Africa, that will throw off this weekend, Sunday, March 17th to 23rd 2024 at University of Pretoria, South Africa, has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the sporting community.

For a nation with a rich history and passion for netball, this development may appear alarming at first glance. However, to declare the death of the sport based on this singular event would be premature and misguided.

Netball, like any other sport, experiences ebbs and flows in its competitive landscape. While Uganda’s absence from the qualifiers raises concerns about the state of netball in the country, it does not signify the demise of the sport as a whole. Instead, it presents an opportunity for reflection, introspection, and strategic recalibration within Uganda’s netball ecosystem.

It’s crucial to recognize that sports, including netball, are subject to a myriad of factors that influence participation, performance, and development. These factors range from administrative challenges and funding constraints to societal dynamics and global trends in sports participation.

Uganda’s miss-out from the Netball World Youth Cup qualifiers could be attributed to a variety of reasons, including:

Administrative Challenges: Issues such as mismanagement, logistical hurdles, and inadequate planning may have hampered Uganda’s preparation and participation in the qualifiers.

Resource Allocation: Limited resources and funding constraints within Uganda’s sporting infrastructure may have impacted the development and nurturing of young netball talent, affecting the country’s competitiveness on the international stage.

Systemic Barriers: Societal factors, gender inequalities, and structural barriers could have hindered access to netball opportunities for aspiring athletes, further exacerbating Uganda’s challenges in youth netball development.

While these challenges are significant, they do not spell the end of netball in Uganda or on the global stage. Instead, they underscore the need for concerted efforts to address underlying issues, strengthen institutional capacities, and foster a conducive environment for netball growth and excellence.

It’s essential to view Uganda’s miss-out as a wake-up call rather than a death knell for the sport. This setback presents an opportunity for stakeholders within Uganda’s netball community to come together, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategic interventions to revitalize the sport.

Moreover, netball’s global appeal and enduring popularity among millions of players and fans worldwide attest to its resilience and significance as a sport.

Across continents, netball continues to thrive as a source of empowerment, camaraderie, and competitive spirit, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences.

In conclusion, while Uganda’s absence from the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 qualifiers is undoubtedly disappointing, it does not signify the death of the sport.

Instead, it underscores the need for proactive measures, investment, and commitment to ensure the continued growth and success of netball, both in Uganda and beyond. With determination, collaboration, and strategic vision, netball can rise above its current challenges and continue to inspire generations of athletes for years to come.