By: Kayiira Jackson
Since the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni ordered the suspension of the Uganda Netball Federation elected president, Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah in April 2023 on grounds termed as poor governance and accountability challenges, Netball has been in shambles.
Since then, Netball has been going through not Ups but only downs, the normalization committee put in place a new Federation named, Netball Uganda.
On Saturday, 26, October, 2024, the new Federation got the maiden executive committee that will be steered by Jocelyn Ucanda for the next four years.
This website brought you the five key pillars, Ucanda and her executive wish to stand on to bring back Netball on road.
The National Insurance Corporation Netball Club Manager dubbed the five pillars into “The Five Gifts”
The governance Pillar
Strong governance is the foundation upon which we will build lasting success. My administration will prioritize:
– Professionalizing Netball in Uganda: We will align our operations with national and sports statutes, ensuring that every process is in line with both local and international regulations. This includes adopting best practices in leadership, management, and operations.
– Transparency and Accountability: We will ensure all stakeholders—players, coaches, sponsors, and fans—are fully informed and confident in the integrity of the federation’s decisions. Regular audits with controls in place, public reports, and clear communication will be key.
– Building a Robust Secretariat: A professional and efficient administrative team will be put in place to handle the day-to-day operations of the federation, ensuring swift and effective responses to all matters.
– Establishing Functional Committees: Specialized committees will be formed to support the executive team in areas like finance, technical development, and marketing. This will ensure a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and strategic growth.
– Reviewing Policies: We will revise and advocate for policies that benefit netball in Uganda, while networking with international bodies like East Africa Netball Association (EANA), Africa Netball (AN), World Netball (WN), and the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) to ensure we stay globally competitive.
– Upholding Ethics and Fair Play: At the heart of all these reforms will be a commitment to ethics. Fair and honest competition will be championed, with integrity guiding every decision we make from the Boardroom to the courts of play.
The Partnerships and Collaborations
Our relationships with both local and international partners are essential for the growth of netball. This pillar focuses on:
– Strengthening National Partnerships: By building strong connections with the government, local corporates, and stakeholders, we will ensure that netball continues to receive the support it needs to thrive. Our national partnerships will help us raise awareness and secure sponsorship for the development of our players and teams.
– Expanding International Collaborations: My experience as She Cranes manager has taught me the immense value of international relationships. We will actively work to strengthen ties with organizations like the International Netball Federation (INF), Africa Netball, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These partnerships will help us promote our players internationally and elevate Uganda’s status on the global netball stage.
– Supporting Professional Pathways: Through these collaborations, we will create opportunities for our athletes to secure professional contracts, just as world-class players like Peace Proscovia, Mary Nuba, have done. We will continue to open doors for Ugandan players to reach their full potential.
Resource mobilization
For our sport to grow sustainably, we must mobilize resources effectively. This pillar will focus on:
– Diversifying Revenue Streams: We will no longer rely solely on private funding. Instead, we will develop multiple revenue channels by marketing the popular She Cranes brand and creating merchandise, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales from national events including the National League.
– Government Support: I will lobby for increased funding from the government to support netball activities beyond just the national team. This will allow us to enhance development programs, grassroots initiatives at the district and regional level.
– Corporate Sponsorship: We will actively engage with the corporate sector to secure long-term sponsorship that benefits not only the She Cranes but also regional teams and grassroots competitions.
– Financial Accountability: To safeguard these resources, my administration will introduce stringent financial controls. Transparency in spending and integrity in financial dealings will be paramount to ensure every resource is maximized for the benefit of our athletes.
The Technical and Capacity Development
To foster talent and ensure sustainable growth, we need to invest in our people. This pillar will emphasize:
– Capacity Building for Staff: We will invest in the continuous education and training of umpires, coaches, physiotherapists, and administrators to improve the overall quality of netball management in Uganda.
– Development Programs for Players: We will roll out training programs that identify, nurture, and develop talent from grassroots to elite levels. Our goal is to create a pipeline of top-tier talent for both domestic and international competitions.
– Technical Support and Talent Scouting: My administration will establish a pool of qualified technical staff dedicated to talent scouting across the country. This initiative will revive competitions at district and regional levels, ensuring that talented players from all corners of Uganda have the opportunity to shine.
– Innovation and Advancement: By embracing innovative training methods and technologies, we will create a cutting-edge approach to coaching and player development. We will ensure that every player receives the support and training they need to excel.
Capital a d Infrastructural Development
A strong federation needs a solid infrastructure. We will focus on:
– Building a Dedicated Netball Arena: One of our most ambitious projects will be advocating for the construction of a dedicated netball arena. This facility will serve not only as a training and competition space but also as the headquarters for the Uganda Netball Federation, creating a permanent home for our sport.
– Infrastructural Improvements Nationwide: Beyond the arena, we will work with local governments to improve netball facilities in schools, districts, and communities. The availability of quality infrastructure is key to fostering a culture of excellence.
– Sustainable Growth: All infrastructural projects will prioritize sustainability and innovation. We will incorporate eco-friendly designs and ensure that our projects not only serve the current needs but also future generations of netball players.
What awaits is what She will manage to fulfill her set targets.
