Battle for Leadership at Uganda Netball Federation Unfolds | Sbk Sports Mail

The journey unfolds against a backdrop of accountability, governance issues, and the determination to steer UNF back to its glory days. #SbkSportsMail

Brian Sentuuya🇺🇬 January 26, 2024 (Last updated: January 26, 2024) 2 minutes read

In a captivating turn of events, we bring you the latest in the unfolding drama at the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) , where three formidable figures—Hon. Margret Nantongo, NIC Manager Jocelyn Ucanda, and former Vice President Brig. General Flavia Byekwaso—are in a spirited race to replace the embattled former president, Hon. Sarah Babirye Kityo.

The seeds of this showdown were sown during the elective general assembly at the Lugogo indoor stadium in 2021, where Kityo secured the presidency with 184 votes, leaving Ucanda and Nampijja in her wake. However, Kityo’s tenure faced swift challenges, marked by accusations of governance lapses, fund accountability issues, and overall mismanagement.

Troubles escalated when the National Council of Sports (NCS) accused UNF of mishandling funds allocated for the She Cranes’ 2021 Pent Series in Namibia. Despite Kityo’s fervent denial, a series of meetings chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, led to a three-month suspension for Kityo.

However, despite the minister’s directives, Kityo defied and resumed her duties, leading to strict measures. This included the temporary appointment of Brig. General Flavia Byekwaso, who previously served as vice president overseeing administrative affairs, to assume the interim presidency during Kityo’s suspension.

Meanwhile, in a strategic move, World Netball Federation took charge, naming a Normalisation Committee to resolve the governance crisis as the National Council of Sports withdrew recognition from Uganda Netball Federation.

As the Normalisation Committee oversees netball affairs, the stakes are high, with Nantongo, Ucanda, and Byekwaso racing against time and each other to shape the future of Uganda’s netball landscape. The journey unfolds against a backdrop of accountability, governance issues, and the determination to steer UNF back to its glory days.