International tennis returns to Uganda

KAMPALA.

Uganda will soon host international events after Uganda Lawn Tennis Association (ULTA) has been readmitted back into the International Tennis Federation (ITF) family.

The local body lost the affiliation status to the world body four years ago after accumulating debts worth $26000 (Shs93m) over eight years. Realising they were losing out, ULTA started the ‘Goal #3’ project in January to assist mobilise funds to clear arrears with the world body.

Last week, the tennis fraternity was in a jovial mood as ULTA announced clearance of the debt with ITF to over 75 per cent.

“We are grateful with the progress and here announce the re-admission to ITF and continental body,” ULTA boss Cedric Babu said. “By 2017, we hope to be part of the wider family again.”
Of that, Goal #3 task force led by James Kasumba solicited Shs21m through contributions pledges from members. Also, ULTA got a combined Shs53m boost from Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and National Council of Sports (NCS).

“We are happy that our members are re-admitted to ITF. As UOC, we have supported Duncan Mugabe. Next year, we want to have an ITF technical course,” UOC President William Blick said.
“We also intend to send Cedric to London to negotiate on behalf of the federation for Uganda to benefit fully as an ITF member. Olympics, Commonwealth and Islamic Games also target to have tennis players,” Blick added.

National Council of Sports (NCS) will give ULTA another $6000 (Shs21m) before July 31, 2017 as they move to complete the ITF debt. “We are going to work with UOC and NCS to fit within their budgets. We shall have activities to raise money,” Babu said.

Ever since losing touch with ITF, the plight of the sport had been much evident as ULTA lost rights to host an ITF Future and junior events as well as partaking in the Hopman and Davis Cup tournaments.
But now, ULTA can host these events, according to Babu.

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