UAF pushes for more govt funding as sponsors pull out

Even with their telling and continued success stories, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) is not safe from the trials and tribulations of their colleagues.

Over the last year, UAF has had its funding slashed – not only by government which usually funds them up to a tune of Shs3b as a priority sport but also by major sponsors like MTN.

Last year, National Council of Sports (NCS) availed just over Shs1.3b while MTN, which also usually offers cash prizes to Uganda’s successful athletes here and on the world stage, pulled out of the Kampala Marathon.

UAF also reported at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently at Mandela Stadium Namboole that they realized just over Shs400,000 from membership fees yet projections are at Shs20m.

Making up the difference

In the end, the federation that had a Shs3.16b budget ended up bringing in Shs2.13b. Their expenses included administration costs (Shs387.77m), development (Shs342.7b), local competitions (Shs387.3m), and international competitions (Shs1.7b) among others.

Fortunately for UAF, World Athletics (Shs349m) and Nike (Shs408m) increased funding and for the former that helped with some of the unbudgeted for expenses like world records (Shs127m), World Cross Country Championship prize money (Shs48.35m).

Government also provided over Shs400m in Olympic Games allowances while Uganda Olympic Committee helped with most of the Shs66m needed for anti-doping tests ahead of the Summer Games in Paris.

Meanwhile the income and budget difference meant there were no funds for the camp in Bukwo (Shs134m). A small team was also taken to the Africa Cross Country Championship in Tunisia and the contingent for the All Africa Games in Ghana was reduced.

It was also, perhaps, a blessing in disguise that Uganda did not qualify for the World Relays saving an expense of over Shs98m.

The “dwindling resource envelope and delayed accountability by members receiving some of the funds (from government and other entities),” were some of the main challenges president Dominich Otuchet addressed himself to, at the meeting.

UAF, which also readmitted Ntungamo and Nakapiripirit to its membership, resolved to capitalize on their 100th year anniversary to court funding both from government and the private sector. Going forward, members will also share costs with the federation in case of courses. Bukwo, Terego, and Kibale were also admitted as new members.

Strategic planning

“I know that you have said you need Shs10b but I will share the request with my principals and we find a way forward. The Shs3b you now call peanuts is not what you were getting before so, please understand that funds will increase gradually,” NCS’s acting assistant general secretary (GS) technical Sarah Chelangat, who represented GS Bernard Patrick Ogwel, said.

“I also implore you to look at the strategic direction that government is taking. We have a new law that will help us structure sports when the regulations come out. For you to be a national federation, you must have 75 percent coverage in the country and that is about 107 districts. You people have 55 and that means there is work to do to attract that extra funding.

“The law has also created about nine policies including some on safeguarding, anti-doping, plus the awards and recognition scheme. These should be of particular interest to UAF and its athletes.

“We are also improving and setting up new facilities. We have a facility that can take care of steeplechase facilities in Teryet. Before it was unheard of! So, I implore you to focus on scouting more talent to make use of such facilities,” Chelangat added.

UAF Estimated Income 2024/25

Government - Shs 3b

Membership - Shs20m

Club fees - Shs3m

World Athletics - Shs400m

Africa Athletics - Shs4m

Nike - Shs293.2m

Others - Shs172.8m

Estimated Expenses

Administration - Shs437m

Development - Shs865m

Local competitions - Shs554m

International comps - Shs2.07b