Norman Katende
5 October 2008
Kampala — LOCAL sports federations have been urged to seriously prepare athletes for international competitions.
In a review meeting of Uganda's performance at the games in Beijing, Uganda Olympic Committee president Maj. Gen. Francis Nyangweso did not mince his words in his address to the different federation leaders.
The meeting however concurred that Uganda's performance was 'good enough'.
"You are responsible to preparing athletes for international games. Do not surrender that responsibility to other people," Nyangweso said adding: "We might have won no medals but we had athletes in the finals. We also had a bigger number qualifying for the event. They did it and we are proud of them."
He lashed at people who ridiculed the team saying "they do not know the pains these athletes go through. They look for their own coaches, tickets to travel for better training and they feed themselves. And what they gain is abuses. This should stop. Let us face the situation head on.
"Do not expect miracles without investing. There is no use comparing ourselves to Kenya, which has had better facilities since 1959."
He attacked federations for their constant bickering.
"Instead of developing athletes, you bicker and plot against each other. This should stop. You did not utilise the 2008 programme and the money was returned," he said without stating the figures.
"Start now and utilise the 2012 and 2016 solidarity programme."
The reports by both chef de mission Roger Ddungu and general team manager Justine Ligyalingi commended Uganda's performance, arguing that with better preparations, exposure and facilitation, Uganda will be able to perform better.
The meeting, which surprisingly had only ten of the 26 federations represented, had no officials from government and National Council of sports among other stakeholders.
A committee was named to study Uganda's declining performances and advise on the way forward. Simon Mugisha (swimming), Dominic Otuchet (athletics), Byaruhanga Kadodoba (Academy) and Sev Obura (independent) make the committee.
THE team to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India flies out tomorrow. Uganda has entered four disciplines at the games, which attract athletes aged 14-18.
The team
Athletics: M. Kibet, D. Chesang, R. Akula, A. Cherop, D. Huru, J. Chekwel
Table tennis: E. Omongole, D. Ssekyanzi, Z. Khaukha, A. Namaganda
Weightlifting: M. Kaitesi and C. Ssekyaaya
Badminton: P. Nang'endo, D. Ssebunya, H. Ebayo.
Coaches are Gilbert Ofuyuru (badminton), Emmanuel Matsyetsye (table tennis), Tom Senfuma (weightlifting) and Namayo Mawerere (athletics).
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