Uganda Lacrosse Association ends Two-Year governance stalemate, adopts reforms at AGM

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) has taken a significant step toward restoring stability and credibility within the sport after holding its first Annual General Assembly (AGM) in nearly two years.

The AGM, held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), brought together delegates and stakeholders to address pressing governance concerns, comply with the country’s new sports legislation, and lay the groundwork for Uganda’s return to international competition.

The meeting was the first major gathering since the current Executive Committee assumed office in 2024 and comes at a critical time as national sports federations and associations race to align with the requirements of the National Sports Act and the National Sports Regulations.

Delegates unanimously approved a series of governance reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, improving transparency, and aligning the association’s constitution with the country’s new legal framework. The reforms are expected to play a crucial role in helping ULA regain institutional stability and secure recognition under the new sports governance regime.

The urgency of the reforms follows a turbulent period for the association, which previously faced sanctions and a suspension from World Lacrosse due to governance challenges. The suspension was only recently lifted following intervention by the Executive Committee, paving the way for Uganda’s return to international participation.

However, the AGM was not without controversy.

Members expressed strong dissatisfaction over the absence of ULA President Mr. Twesiime Liberty, who failed to attend the meeting despite growing concerns regarding governance and accountability within the association.

Delegates particularly questioned the lack of clarity surrounding financial management and ongoing administrative challenges that have affected the growth of the sport.

“Members were bitter that the President did not show up to answer to the issues raised,” one delegate remarked during the proceedings. “We cannot rebuild trust without accountability at the top.”

In response to the concerns, the Assembly resolved to establish a disciplinary committee tasked with investigating the issues raised against the President and recommending appropriate action.

The move was widely viewed as a decisive step toward restoring confidence among members and ensuring that all leaders within the association are held accountable to the sport and its stakeholders.

Beyond governance matters, delegates also turned their attention to the future of Ugandan lacrosse on the international stage.

The AGM confirmed that preparations for the upcoming Africa Sixes Championship in Johannesburg, South Africa, will commence immediately. The tournament holds added significance as it forms part of the qualification pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28).

The championship will provide Uganda with its first major competitive opportunity since being reinstated by World Lacrosse and offers a chance for the country to re-establish itself within continental competition.

With registration and compliance under the National Sports Act now an immediate priority, ULA leaders expressed optimism that the reforms adopted during the AGM will mark the beginning of a new era for the sport.

As the disciplinary process unfolds and governance reforms are implemented, many stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the resolutions passed at Saturday’s AGM translate into meaningful change.

For Ugandan lacrosse, the meeting may well be remembered as a turning point, one that could determine whether the association successfully rebuilds trust, restores credibility, and positions the sport for future growth both locally and internationally.