By An Executive Editor

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua on Wednesday officially handed over the State Minister of Sports docket to Hon. Peter Ogwang.

The handover took place at State House Nakasero presided over by the First Lady Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports.

Janet, in her distinctive gratefulness and fragrant smiles, spent the better part of the occasion to deservedly praise Obua for uplifting the sports subsector, now characterized with steady gold medals, record breakings and accolades at the regional and international levels.

Adding: “I express our sincere gratitude to you Hon Obua and your team for the excellent service to our nation and the sports fraternity in particular. We also thank you for your contribution to all Uganda’s sports achievements.”

Hon. Obua is evidently remembered for the increased funding in the sports sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic, budget cuts, advocacy for sports facilities including the High Altitude centre in Teryet, Aki Bua Memorial Centre – Lira, Buhinga and an oversight role in the construction works of Mandela National Stadium and Nakivubo, conflict resolution skills and abilities, excellent work ethic and enthusiasm, zeal for sports that contributed to many medals for Uganda at international stage, among others.

Obua in his speech applauded the First Lady for welcoming, nurturing and giving him all the support during his tenure as the State Minister of Sports.

“I am humbled beyond my limits. Mama, you have written a new chapter in my life. It has been a great, great, great honour to work with you. You nurtured, shaped, groomed and transformed me. I am leaving the ministry much more improved and gained a PHD- Patience, Hope and Dignity,” said Obua.

Adding: “I came during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, budget cuts and budget suppressions but we managed to achieve a lot as a family and the grace of God.”

Sports subsector encompassing National Council of Sports, Physical Education and Sports Department, Districts, Cities, Municipalities and Mandela National Stadium received increased funding from Government with the National Council of Sports becoming an independent budget vote.

Obua and his team finalized the review and drafting of the Sports Policy and Sports Bill respectively that are expected be introduced in Parliament soon after clearance from Cabinet.

The performances of team Uganda has improved at regional, Continental and international levels deriving from the recent Olympics, World Athletics Championship and Commonwealth Games. Several Ugandan National sports teams qualified for different world championships between January to July 2022 in athletics, netball, rugby, swimming, kabaddi and lacrosse. Ugandan athletes have broken several World records.