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The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among, has lauded Uganda’s motocross team for their remarkable performance at the 2024 FIM Africa Motocross of Nations Championship held in Marrakech, Morocco.
Uganda’s team, comprising 32 participants across eight categories, secured an impressive second-place finish in Africa during the October event.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, Hon. Jimmy Akena, President of the Federation of Uganda Motorsport, highlighted the challenges faced by the team, including delayed and insufficient funding from the Ministry of Finance.
Akena revealed that only UGX 300 million of the UGX 3.2 billion approved by Parliament for motorsport activities was released, significantly hampering the team’s preparation and operations.
“The delayed release of funds affected Team Uganda’s performance at the championship,” Akena noted, adding that the young athletes endured significant sacrifices, including injuries, to represent the nation.
He urged the Ministry of Finance to meet its funding obligations promptly, emphasizing the need for timely and adequate financial support for Uganda’s sports programs.
Speaker Among congratulated Team Uganda for their stellar performance despite the challenges and announced educational scholarships for standout performers Ramadan Mubiru and Hellena Birungi.
In a symbolic gesture, she allowed the two athletes to sit in the parliamentary chamber, a privilege typically reserved for legislators.
Among also directed the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to provide an explanation for the delayed release of the approved motorsport funds.
“Support for our athletes is not just about sports; it is about national pride. Their achievements inspire the nation, and they deserve our unwavering support,” Speaker Among stated.
State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, expressed admiration for the athletes’ resilience and reiterated the importance of adequate funding to enhance Uganda’s sports and tourism profile.
“This Parliament approved UGX 3.2 billion for motorsport, yet only UGX 300 million was released. Without sufficient funding, our efforts are constrained,” Ogwang said.
State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, clarified that the funds were allocated to the National Council of Sports (NCS) and called for a resolution between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Federation regarding fund utilization.
“I suggest we address this matter outside the Chamber and report back. The issue lies not with the budget or releases but with how the funds were utilized,” Musasizi explained.
Despite financial challenges, the Federation of Uganda Motorsport remains optimistic about the future.
Akena pledged a larger and better-prepared team for the 2025 FIM Africa Motocross of Nations Championship in Kenya and confirmed plans to participate in the Central African Championship in Mombasa, Kenya, in December 2024.
The Federation has also completed key local events, such as the National Rally Championship in Hoima and the Motocross Championship in Mityana, with the Enduro Championship and the Boxing Day Sprint still on the calendar.
Uganda’s motocross team has shown resilience and determination, bringing honor to the nation despite limited resources.
With promises of better funding and institutional support, the future of motorsport in Uganda looks promising, inspiring hope for even greater achievements on the continental and global stages.
Source:Wallmet