There are lots of lingering questions in the current Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) administrative docket despite a successful assembly held at Baguma Restaurant, along Lumumba Avenue in Kampala on Friday, 10th January 2025.
It was a tense and pensive moment throughout the well-guarded convention that was graced by some delegates from UTTA affiliated clubs, Uganda Olympic Committee boss Dr. Donald Rukare, National Council of Sports (NCS) representative James Kasumba, former UTTA president Thomas Kiggundu (now ITTF member), Table Tennis enthusiasts, sports association leaders and the media.
The other sports federation leaders present included Hajji Salim Musoke (weight lifting and wrestling), Moses Muhangi (Boxing) and Harriet Aya (Gymnastics).
For starters, this was the first assembly for Uganda Table Tennis Association since 2022 and one many had anticipated to be elective following the lapse of Robert Jagwe’s four-year tenure at the helm.
Jagwe, a charismatic leader who has been in power since August 2014 convinced the delegates for another grace period of six months before he officially hands over the instruments of power.
“I thank the delegates who have come to witness this Annual General Meeting and my friends, the special guests. I request to extend the period until June 30th 2025 to organize free and fair elections as we align with the new Sports Act and National Council of Sports regulations” Jagwe spoke in his opening remarks.
Between now and June 2025, he promised to execute amendments to the UTTA constitution, design a clear road map to the elective assembly with an electoral commission committee in place.
During the assembly, the activity report for the past year was reviewed, with projections into the new Ug.Shs 1.500,000,000 budget for the 2025 season as well as the upcoming local and international competitions.
There were divided opinions regarding the alleged financial indiscipline of the General Secretary Ronald Andira.
Whereas some delegates called for lenience and reconciliation, others called for Andira’s neck.
By close of business, a period of one month was granted to the general secretary to present balanced books of account totaling to Ug.Shs 2,000,000.
In the activity report booklet, it was evident that the UTTA house is not in order at the moment given Ug.Shs 18,000,000 deficit reflected in the accounts, the three-thirds of unpaid up member clubs and the absence of most clubs’ delegates from the assembly.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the eminent take over from Jagwe as president, a number of persons openly expressed interest in the seat.
Former UTTA president Emmanuel Matsyetsye, ex-Uganda Table Tennis national team player Cyrus Muwanga (now director of Grand Maria School), John Isaac Bageya (Director of Table Tennis Kids of Uganda) are some of the persons who have openly expressed interest in the seat.
“After learning from this assembly that Robert Jjagwe will not return as president, I hereby express my candidature. I have played the sport and would wish to passionately work and paid back for the sport, to see it grow and blossom” Muwanga noted.
“I want to return as leader of UTTA since my term was antagonized. There is a lot of unfinished business for this sport that really want to further develop” Matsyetsye remarked.
“I have the ability to lure sponsors to the sport of Table Tennis, the say way I have done for my club in Iganga.” Bageya disclosed.
Uganda is privileged to have two world junior champions; Joseph Sebatindira (U-11 and U-13) as well as Patience Anyango (U-11).
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