The woes and wars in many of Uganda’s sports associations and federations are well documented.
Whereas many arise from poor leadership etiquettes, a number of problems have emanated from greed, non-transparency and poor accountability of funds to be used.
The Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) is among the 53 registered sports organizations by the National Council of Sports (NCS).
Henceforth, they oblige to the NCS statures, regulations and get the support (financially) per annum.
A number of rally drivers cite mismanagement of the funds sent to FMU from the Government through National Council of Sports.
Last year, the Inspectorate of Government ordered the freezing of all FMU accounts due to governance issues and the federation has suffered the consequences.
Drivers claim that they are entitled to have a share of the Shs3bn that FMU receives from Government, but the body insists all the money is for administrative purposes, yet they have failed to produce the real accountability.
Some of the administrative concerns by FMU include expenses as salaries, legal and professional fees, training expenses, club governance, meals, Pearl of Africa expenses, press fees, FIM subscription, facilitation fees, safety and security, insurance, event license & permits, rent, medical first aid plus ambulance and a number of other operating expenses.
Famed rally driver Nasser Mutebi confirmed during a recent sports show on Nbs sport that FMU has not supported them during various events yet they are the biggest stakeholders in the sport.
The show was also added by former driver and lawyer Geofrey Nsamba, Leone Ssenyange (FMU official) and Hon. Jimmy Akena (FMU president).
We, the drivers and riders, are the biggest stakeholders in motorsport. Without us, there is no motorsport. We thought things would get better with government funding, but it’s disheartening to note that nothing has changed. During the Pearl of Africa Rally last year, FMU promised us fuel from Shell. I can swear to you, we did not get fuel. Instead we were conned out of 200 USD by FMU. With due respect, not even a bottle of mineral water was given to the drivers. It is even rare to get food on race days.
Nasser Mutebi, Rally Driver
Akena acknowledged that the freezing of FMU accounts has severely affected their operations.
There is no money in the accounts. The issue is that our accounts are closed. We can’t receive any money at the moment. In 3 quarters of the year, we have gotten only a quarter of one quarter in funding from the government. We have been fighting against the odds. Now our accounts are blocked including the accounts that have zero shilling of government money.
Jimmy Akena, President FMU
Akena however asserts that his primary task is to make sure the Motorsport body aligns with the new law not fights.
Credit: © Kawowo Sports / John Batanudde
For the record, Counsel Nsamba filed a case in the civil division for prerogative orders of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus and a permanent injunction against the registration trustees of FMU (Jack Wavamunno, Mac Dusaman Kabega and David Bitalo) alongside Dusma Okee, George Kagumu, Davesh Babulal and Iren Aretha Blick before Hon Justice Dr. Douglas Karekona Singiza.
Final orders:
The Acting Judge ruled that:
- A writ of certiorari is issued quashing and setting aside as illegal the executive committee decision to convene an EOGA of the FMU-UG on 3rd January 2024.
- A prohibition against conducting and holding an illegal EOGA of the FMU-UG without the requite authority.
- An order of damages; personally to pay damages for Ug.Shs 10,000,000 for contempt of court orders in MISC. Application no.18 of 2024 and MISC. Application No.67 of 2024.
- Costs of all the consolidated applications.
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