Uganda Parliament Approves Amendments to National Sports Bill, Introduces Archery
The National Sports Bill undergoes revisions, adding archery and removing kickboxing, while other amendments aim to improve sports administration.
KAMPALA, Uganda - In a significant development for Uganda's sports landscape, Parliament has reevaluated and approved amendments to the National Sports Bill, writes Winston Mwale.
The revised bill includes notable changes such as the introduction of archery as a recognized sport and the removal of kickboxing from the list of recognized sports, citing its lack of recognition by the council.
Originally tabled for First Reading on November 10, 2022, the National Sports Bill was passed by the House on March 2, 2023. However, the bill was returned by the President with several key amendments.
The Private Member's Bill, initiated by Hon. Moses Magogo of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, received consideration during the plenary session.
Hon. John Twesigye, the committee chairperson for Education and Sports, presented the committee's report on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, outlining the amendments proposed by the President.
Acknowledging the President's recommendation to introduce archery as an Olympic sport, Hon. Twesigye stated, "The committee recommends that archery sports discipline be added as proposed by the President since it is recognized by the National Council of Sports."
Furthermore, the House adopted the President's proposal to amend Section 32 (2) regarding the composition of the board of the National Council of Sports.
The amendments stipulate that the council shall have a Governing Board consisting of seven members, including representatives from the Ministry responsible for Sports, two representatives from two Traditional Regions of Uganda, representatives from national sports associations or federations, athletes, the private sector, and an individual with experience in sports administration.
Additionally, the amendments specify that the appointed board members must possess knowledge and experience in sports administration.
However, the House declined the recommendation to delete clause 75, which addresses the ownership of public sports facilities.
The clause states that the land and facilities will vest in the Council.
The committee chairperson, Hon. Twesigye, explained that their concern was the potential legal disputes that would arise if the clause was removed, as the sports facilities are already under the control of the National Council of Sports.
Following discussions and legal advice from the Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the House decided to retain the clause in order to safeguard the land and property of the sports facilities.
The committee's report, which outlined the approved amendments, was unanimously adopted by the House.
The revisions to the National Sports Bill reflect Uganda's commitment to enhancing sports development and administration in the country, while also embracing new disciplines such as archery.