UTTA set for elective Assembly in January 2025: Will Robert Jjagwe step down or bounce back?

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) is gearing up for its elective assembly scheduled for January 2025, which will usher in a new executive. Current UTTA President Robert Jjagwe’s term officially ends on December 31st, 2024, in accordance with the UTTA 2017 Constitution.

Under Article 13, the term of office for any executive member is four years, and no one can serve more than eight years in the same office. This means Jjagwe is ineligible for re-election as president, having served since 2014.

However, the big question remains: Will Jjagwe step down entirely, or will he continue to play a key role within the association, potentially as Chief Executive Officer under a new president?

UTTA’s constitution sets clear guidelines for governance and leadership transitions, but it has raised questions recently. Article 7(ii) stipulates that the annual general assembly should convene every year in January.

Yet, since 2023, no assembly has been held, which has left stakeholders concerned about the association’s future direction and governance. Some are questioning whether the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability—enshrined in Article 6—are being upheld.

As UTTA prepares for the upcoming elections, stakeholders are paying close attention to the roadmap, which includes naming a returning officer. Article 13.2 (j) requires a neutral party of high moral authority to oversee the elections, approved by the general assembly.

With just two months to go, the executive is yet to present the election roadmap or nominate a returning officer, raising concerns about transparency and preparedness.

One needs to know that Robert Jjagwe has been the longest-serving president of the Uganda Table Tennis Association, having initially taken office in 2014.

His tenure was briefly interrupted in 2016 when Kayondo Douglas was controversially elected, but Jjagwe was reinstated following a court ruling. Since then, he has led the association through two full terms, from 2017 to 2024, making significant contributions to the sport’s development in Uganda.

Jjagwe’s leadership has been marked by his relentless efforts to promote table tennis, increase government funding, and enhance Uganda’s presence in international competitions. However, his tenure has also faced challenges, including criticisms from some quarters about governance and the failure to hold annual general assemblies.

A look at  past presidents who have led the Uganda Table Tennis Association; 1998-1999: Francis Mulinda, 1999-2000: Tom Kiggundu, 2001-2002: Elijah Zizinga, 2003-2004: Deo Mawano, 2004-2006: Tom Kiggundu, 2007-2009: Matsyetsye Emmanuel, 2009: NCS Interim Committee, Andrew Gitta, 2010-2014: Dennis Galabuzi, 2014-2015: Robert Jjagwe, 2016: Kayondo Douglas (controversial election) and 2017-2024: Robert Jjagwe

As the UTTA looks to elect a new president, the big question is: Who will step up to take over the reins? Some stakeholders are predicting a possible shift in leadership dynamics, with speculations about whether a woman might lead the association for the first time. Others believe the next president could be another experienced gentleman who has been involved in table tennis for years.

Stakeholders interviewed by Wallnetnews are divided in their opinions about Jjagwe’s legacy. Some commend his dedication and hard work in raising the profile of table tennis in Uganda, while others criticize his long stay in power and the governance issues that have emerged in recent years.

As we approach the January 2025 elective assembly, all eyes will be on the UTTA executive, especially regarding how they handle the election preparations. Will Jjagwe stay on in a different capacity, or will we see a complete change in leadership? Time will tell, and Uganda’s table tennis community will be watching closely.