By: Kayiira Jackson
After over a year of steering at the helm of nearly dead sport, the Uganda Netball Federation Normalisation Committee under Moses Mwase, officially closed their business.
On Saturday, 27, December 2024, the committee had it’s final work which has climaxed with an induction and commissioning of the elected executive committee of the new netball governing body, Netball Uganda.
The memorable event took place at Nob View Hotel in Ntinda and currently, Jocelyn Ucanda and her executive have the mantle to drive the game of netball that has been silent at local scene since May 2023.
Uganda Olympic Committee President, Dr. Donald Rukare was the chief facilitator and he warned Ucanda to be very vigilant with the committee she is working with because among them, there is opposition.
“I am not scaring you but taking the top leadership is not a walk in a park, the people you’re working with can fight you, they help you to fail, so learn how to deal with them and to make all of them happy.” Dr. Donald Rukare cautioned Ucanda.
Ucanda, a former She Cranes manager and current manager of NIC, Uganda’s most successful netball club, was officially declared president unopposed, along with other Executive members, during an elective AGM held at Copper Chimney in Lugogo on 26th October, 2024.
Her leadership will be complemented by a new Executive team, which includes:
Vice Presidents William Bwambale (Administration) and Richard Muhumuza (Technical Matters), Honorary Secretary Aminah Mande and Honorary Treasurer Yusuf Kamulegeya
The sworn-in executive will steer Netball Uganda for the next four years, with an immediate mandate to reorganize the federation structure, unite the divided fraternity, and seek reconciliation.
Ucanda emphasized the significance of this new era, stating, “It is a new era starting in Netball. We are happy we are here today. Ahead of us, is a hard long journey to move but we are committed to serve”.
Ucanda also asserted that it’s true, government is the main funder but they are ready to use their products and properties; She Cranes, National League, National Rally, Novice championship and merchandise to collect revenue that will see them moving.
Ucanda’s ascension to the presidency comes with high expectations for the revival of Ugandan netball, following a challenging period that saw the National Council of Sports withdraw the Federation’s certificate of recognition due to persistent governance and leadership challenges.
For starters, in Ucanda’s executive, there are three members who fell out with Uganda Netball Federation president, Babirye Kityo Sarah; Richard Muhumuza, Yahaya Ssengabi and Aminah Mande, and the fall out came in the first three months of their leadership.
Netball Uganda Executive:
President: Jocelyn Ucanda
Vice President Administration: William Bwambale
Vice President Technical: Richard Muhumuza
Honorary General Secretary: Aminah Mande
Honorary Treasurer: Hajji Yusuf Kamulegeya
Regional representatives of Netball Uganda executive
West Nile: Brenda Allo
Western: Douglas Kabwegyere
North Eastern: John Bosco Omugem
Kampala: Yahaya Ssengabi
Kitara: Bemba Rajabu Ssentamu
Eastern: Alice Alwenyi
Buganda: Dr Sarah Evelyn Nkonge Muwonge
Northern: Gutu Winnie zuniga
Athletes committee members who swore in: Wasswa George Jackson, Wasswa Disan Mubiru, Remmy Nnyonjo, Nanyonga Racheal, Namukaaya Barbra, Meme Ruth.
