Uganda Netball Federation’s acting President Brigadier General Flavia Byekwaso has allayed fears hovering over Uganda’s participation in July’s netball World cup in South Africa.
Byekwaso, who replaced suspended Sarah Babirye Kityo, said that Government has committed to support the She Cranes financially ahead of their South African trip.
Byekwaso made the remarks during the visit of World Netball’s Regional Development Manager for Africa Joan Smith at the Federation’s office in Kampala.
“Government is working to improve the game,” Byekwaso told the Press on Sunday.
“Government wants Uganda Netball Federation to be number one in Africa and at least fourth in the world.”
“To that end government has released 968m/- purposely for the Netball World cup that Uganda partakes for the third consecutive time looking to maintain its top eight finish like has been the case at the past two episodes (8th in 2015 and 7th in 2019).”
Government has also promised to enable a ‘sprung floor’ which has been the main hindrance to hosting of Netball tournaments of international stature.
Joan Smith, during her three-days stay, met State Minister for Sports Hamson Obua, National Council of Sports and Uganda Olympic Committee officials.
“I am happy to hear that government is committed to supporting the Netball Federation especially to prepare and compete ably at the netball World cup,” Joan Smith said.
Smith said that she is optimistic that the She Cranes will improve its current global ranking from eighth at the World Cup that starts after the much anticipated World Netball Elective Congress in South Africa.
Uganda, at the 16-team tournament that starts on 28th July till 6th August, are in Group D alongside Singapore (28th July), reigning champions New Zealand (29th July) and Singapore (30th July).
