President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for a countrywide public health and nutrition campaign as a foundation for sustained sports development, urging Uganda’s sports sector to work with the Ministry of Health to educate communities.
“Why can’t the sports fraternity partner with the Ministry of Health through the districts and go on radio every two weeks to talk about good nutrition, public health, and discipline?” the President proposed while addressing guests at a luncheon held at State House, Entebbe, in honour of Uganda’s national sports teams.
“Families need to learn how to feed their children well. Matooke with salt is not enough. We must teach people about body-building foods, proteins, and avoiding sickness from alcohol and promiscuity,” he added.
The luncheon celebrated the recent international achievements of Uganda’s youth in football, basketball, and rugby. The Uganda U17 Men’s National Football Team (The Cubs) was recognised for making history as the first Ugandan football team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Also honoured were the Senior Women’s National Basketball Team (The Gazelles), who secured a spot at the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 tournament, and the Lady Cranes 15s, who earned promotion to Africa’s elite rugby division.
President Museveni applauded the teams, linking their rise to Uganda’s progress in peace, education, and infrastructure. “I am very happy to be here to celebrate these three groups with Maama. Congratulations, and may the Almighty God bless you,” he said.
He observed that with more investment in nutrition, discipline, and infrastructure, Uganda’s sports potential could be fully unlocked. “When we brought peace and expanded the school system, especially Universal Primary Education, you began to see talent emerge. And yet, we have not even addressed areas like nutrition or built enough stadiums. But with just peace and education, we are already here. Imagine when we add nutrition, infrastructure, and sports-specific programs.”
The President listed key stadium projects such as Namboole, Hoima, Akii Bua, and Nakivubo, and called for the rehabilitation of older venues like Kakyeka in Mbarara and Maluku in Mbale. “I request the technical team to look for cheaper ways of repairing those stadiums. Once we have peace, a school system, stadiums, and early-stage nutrition sensitization we shall go far,” he noted.
He also reflected on his own sporting youth: “It’s now 60 years since I was a sportsman. In 1966, I played football and cricket. At that time, women were not active in sports like basketball or rugby. Now they are, and Ugandan women are doing well. They are tall, strong, and they eat millet. I saw them play in Australia. They didn’t win, but they showed great potential.”
Citing regional natural advantages, the President noted, “The mountains of Kapchorwa produce athletes with strong lungs and muscles. In the lowlands of Lango and Teso, you find strong middle-distance runners. The talent is there, we just need to organize it.”
He also reminded attendees of the importance of frugality and discipline. “In the army, we didn’t have enough money, but our soldiers were determined. In the same way, let’s not be extravagant. Let’s use the little we have to build a strong foundation for our sports sector.”
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, praised the athletes and thanked the President for consistently honouring young Ugandans who uplift the national flag. “Your Excellency, I want to start by thanking you for always making the time to celebrate our young people who continue to raise our flag globally,” she said.
She emphasized that Uganda’s sports progress is rooted in peace and political stability. “We know that this would not be possible without a peaceful and stable country. Thank you for the sacrifice you pay to ensure a stable and enabling environment for our young population to thrive.”
Highlighting Uganda’s new standing in regional rugby, she proudly declared, “Uganda is now ranked number 3 in Africa Rugby.”
Janet Museveni encouraged athletes to maintain moral integrity. “To our young sports men and women, it is my prayer that you will continually embrace discipline and the fear of the Lord in your lives. Discipline is the key to enduring success and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
She continued, “Bring discipline to your private world; it is private victories that eventually produce sustained public victories. It is the small things you do when nobody is seeing that produce the big things that everybody wants to see.”
Cautioning against destructive habits, she added, “The values of sexual purity, staying away from substance abuse and all forms of indiscipline, ensure that you maintain what you have started.”
Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, described the event as a powerful signal of the government’s commitment to sports. “When the President opens the doors of the highest office to the sports fraternity, it sends a very clear message that their efforts, victories, and sacrifices matter to Uganda,” she said.
She added that the recognition went beyond formality. “It is a celebration of national pride, national identity, and a moment to honour the men and women who carry Uganda’s flag with dignity on regional and global stages.”
Hon. Kaducu also lauded Maama Janet for her leadership. “She has not only championed academic excellence but laid a firm foundation for sports development as a pillar of national transformation.”
The event was attended by leaders from various sports federations, including FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, along with team managers, coaches, and athletes — all gathered to mark a pivotal moment for Uganda’s sports future.
