Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The National Council of Sports (NCS) has officially revoked the Certificate of Recognition previously granted to the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF). This decision has been prompted by ongoing management issues plaguing the netball federation.

Consequently, the UNF is no longer authorized to engage in any activities related to the sport on behalf of the Ugandan government. This includes a significant development where the national netball team, She Cranes, will be unable to participate in international competitions.

Challenges within the UNF have been festering in recent months. The Minister of Sports and Education, Janet Museveni, issued a directive on October 4, 2023, instructing the President of the Uganda Netball Federation, Sarah Babirye Kityo, to refrain from resuming her duties until investigations regarding her conduct are concluded. This directive was conveyed through a letter to the Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, Ambrose Tashobya, who was tasked with ensuring Kityo’s immediate vacation of office.

In addition, the letter stipulated that the Uganda Netball Federation would no longer receive funding until the issues surrounding its leadership and governance were satisfactorily resolved. It also empowered Brig. General Flavia Byekwaso to assume the role of Acting President of the federation during this interim period, following a previous directive dated July 24, until further guidance is provided based on the report from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Uganda Police Force.

This marks the second time the Minister has ordered the Netball Federation President to step aside for investigations. In April 2023, a meeting was convened at State House, Nakasero, attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council of Sports, and UNF. During this meeting, Kityo was directed to take a three-month leave to allow investigations into allegations, including mistreatment of players during the 2021 Pent Series, player harassment, misappropriation of funds, and a failure to account for finances.

After the three-month suspension, Kityo returned to her position but encountered a confrontation on the premises. This led to negotiations between Byekwaso and Kityo. The situation almost escalated to violence until Byekwaso received a message from an unidentified source, allowing Kityo to regain access to her office. This incident reportedly disheartened the Minister.

The Minister subsequently issued a letter directing Babirye Kityo to refrain from UNF premises until reports from the offices of the Attorney General, Auditor General, and the Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate were completed and discussed. A lingering conflict has persisted between Kityo and her Vice President, Byekwaso, since Kityo’s contentious return to the office.

In a recent development, Kityo chaired an Executive meeting that resolved to end Byekwaso’s interim tenure, citing her failure to provide a report on the She Cranes’ World Cup campaign. This decision was made despite the Minister’s prior warnings for Kityo to stay away from the office until investigations against her were concluded, further exacerbating the situation.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Kityo have been unsuccessful, as she has not responded to questions sent to her known contact number. Meanwhile, Brig. General Flavia Byekwaso reiterated at the TLC arena in Kamwokya, where she was presiding over the Independence Netball Cup, that Kityo had been sent on leave in April for investigation, and her status as the acting head of the netball governing body remained unchanged.