2017 World X-country: UAF, partners appeal for early government support

KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi (2nd Left), Sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi and UAF President Dominic Otuchet share a light moment during the first 2017 World Cross-Country breakfast Meeting at Serena Kampala Hotel yesterday. COURTESY PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • A Shs8b budget was set with Shs6.4b to come from government and KCCA. “As KCCA, we have done some improvements to beautify the city,” Musisi said, referring to refurbished roads like the Acacia Avenue stretch to Fairway Hotel. “But this is not only an event for Kampala, it is for Uganda.” “We were supposed to table this event’s plan in Cabinet meeting this week but I have spoken to the Prime Minister and it will happen next week,” Bakkabulindi said.

The sports talk of town is the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations draw that has Uganda pitted alongside Ghana, Mali and seven-time record winners Egypt.
It is inevitable the bigger part of the population is not fully aware that the East African nation will host the 41st IAAF World Cross-country Championships (WCC) at Kololo Independence Grounds next year.
March 26, 2017 is now 137 days away but the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of WCC is not resting.
“All committees are finalising on preparations and we have one final LOC Meeting that will set off all the remaining activities next week,” LOC head Charles Bakkabulindi, also State Minister for Sports, told the gathering at the first of many WCC breakfast meetings at Serena Hotel yesterday. There were few empty seats at Nile Hall but Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), KCCA, Fly Emirates, Uganda Tourism Board among other partners graced the occasion.
Here, KCCA, who do govern the host city, led the casual cry for early government support for the event that is set to attract 800 athletes from 200 nations.
“We appeal to government to release funds in advance so as to have a successful event,” KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi rallied.
A Shs8b budget was set with Shs6.4b to come from government and KCCA. “As KCCA, we have done some improvements to beautify the city,” Musisi said, referring to refurbished roads like the Acacia Avenue stretch to Fairway Hotel. “But this is not only an event for Kampala, it is for Uganda.” “We were supposed to table this event’s plan in Cabinet meeting this week but I have spoken to the Prime Minister and it will happen next week,” Bakkabulindi said. IAAF offers Shs1b in kind while a required Shs630m is expected from national sponsors. LOC and UAF unveiled the available partnerships to business and corporate firms.
They include a potential sponsor for bibs, a public institution for marketing, media promotions, refreshments, souvenirs and cash contributions.
“We invite whoever can to take up these positions as per the IAAF event guidelines,” UAF President Dominic Otuchet said.
According to UAF General Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru, invites to nearly IAAF 200 members countries have been sent out and works on Kololo course intensify after the Kampala Marathon on November 20.
A test event will be conducted at the National Cross-Country in Kololo on January 14. Team Uganda will be selected on Sunday with the side set to begin camp in December.