Launching the 3rd Edition of the World University Netball Championship on Tuesday 1st August 2017, the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi said: “I salute the people who won the bid. This is a national issue. Hosting the Netball Championships presents a lot of opportunities to Uganda and Makerere University. It reminds me of the benefits when Uganda hosted CHOGM.”

Hon. Bakkabulindi unveiled the Championship Logo, website and social media platforms, reiterating the readiness of the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Education and Sports to support and market the 3rd Edition of the World University Netball Championship scheduled to take place from 15th to 21st September 2018. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants across the globe.

Hon. Bakkabulindi said he will work with the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, who by virtue of her position is the Patron of the Netball Championships, the Association of Uganda University Sports, and Uganda Netball Federation to ensure that the Uganda University Netball Team emerges the Winner.

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) organizes World University Championships and coordinates activities of over 150 national University sports federations, and holds world university championships in the most popular university sports every even year. The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) in conjunction with Makerere University won the bid to host the 3rd Edition of the World University Netball Championship 2018.

Ms Penninah Kabenge, Head-Secretariat, Local Organising Committee revealed that Netball is a rapidly emerging sport in Uganda. Uganda successfully participated at the Netball World Cup finishing in the top 8 and the African Championships currently ranked Number 9 in the world. Thus hosting the World University Netball Championships will enhance the Government of Uganda’s efforts towards promotion of education and sports.

“Sports is one of the tools that steer development. University sports in particular focuses at a group of youth who are tomorrow's leaders. It should therefore be able to create visible impact on the host and participants. We are motivated by our past performance and record in organizing World University Championships,” Ms. Kabenge remarked.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who is also the President of the Local Organising Committee highlighted that event presents to Makerere University an opportunity to work with Government and stakeholders to refurbish her sports facilities. Prof. Nawangwe disclosed that Makerere University lacked an indoor stadium, and as we prepare to host the Championships, called upon the Government of Uganda, Makerere University community, alumni, the sports fraternity, and other stakeholders to join the fundraising drive aimed at constructing a 3,000 seater multi-purpose indoor stadium at Makerere University.

Re-affirming the readiness of Makerere University to host the Netball Championships, the Chairperson of the Advisory Panel and Resource Mobilization Committee, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa pointed out that their target is to raise UGX.10billion towards the construction of the multi-purpose indoor stadium and organizing the Championship.

“The University is willing to contribute. I call upon individuals, institutions and the Government to give us support. As a team, we shall contribute generously and also reach out to the private sector,” Hon.Tayebwa who is also member of the University Governing Council remarked.

On behalf of the Uganda Netball Federation, Ms Jocelyne Ucanda re-echoed that it is a great achievement for Uganda to host the World University Netball Championship 2018. “The netball story in Uganda is of progression. Let us remember that sports bring young people together. It is our responsibility to provide a secure learning environment for students to value their lives. I promise you due support from the Uganda Netball Federation,” she said.

Article: MAK Public Relations Office