That was the time Uspa used to set the agenda for sports and created several checks and balances for sports administration and governance. What’s more, several leading brands in the country used to line up to associate with Uspa. Unfortunately, that was then and it is a docile Uspa we have at the moment.
In fact, all is not well in the association following the uncertainty that threatens the existence of the body that brings together sports journalists in the country. Clive Kyazze recently resigned from his position as Uspa general secretary.
Those who are familiar with the association’s affairs say Kyazze has been the face of Uspa. He used to give his all, ensuring that even those of us who are no longer members were aware of all of Uspa activities. Granted, Kyazze’s reasoning for stepping aside was ‘family issues’ but hardly anyone believes it.
Kyazze’s resignation comes a few months after that of former Uspa vice president Grace Lindsay Mbabazi, who relocated to the USA. In general, I have learnt that insiders in Uspa are hardly surprised by the way the body is crumbling.
As of now, the once-popular monthly meetings are no longer held at the Imperial Royal hotel and to make matters worse, the body has failed to organise this year’s annual awards gala due to lack of funds.
Critics point the finger at Moses Al-sayed Lubega, Uspa president, accusing him of being ‘weak.’ Since the Nile Breweries contract expired early this year, Uspa has failed to persuade the company to renew the contract or look elsewhere to save the body’s image.
Last year, a joint sports gala honouring the 2021 and 2022 ‘best sports personalities’ sent a message of difficult times ahead.
BACKGROUND
From 1970 when veteran sports journalist Fred Sekitto Kibirige founded Uspa, all was well and leadership transitions smooth until the late 1980s, when Paul Waibale Snr’s leadership went four years without hosting the annual gala.
After immense pressure, Waibale stepped down and Andrew Patrick Luwandagga took over as Uspa boss. Luwandagga streamlined Uspa and brought in British American Tobacco (BAT) Uganda Ltd as the main sponsor.
BAT’s sponsorship helped Uspa regularly hold its events. Subsequent Uspa bosses such as Wangwe Mulakha, Jim Mugunga and Geoffrey Kulubya, used Luwandagga’s template to steer clear of trouble.
By the 2000s, Uspa had transcended beyond recognising outstanding sports personalities to put sports administrators in check, especially when it comes to accountability. Uspa’s clout further rose under Joseph Kabuleta when he brought on board Kampala socialite Mike Ezra, who financed Uspa activities.
However, Douglas Mazune, who replaced Kabuleta, had a rough time running the cash-strapped body. However, when Mark Namanya took over the Uspa hot seat in 2010, Nile Breweries returned on board until recently, when the contract expired.
ISSUES AT HAND
Lubega won a popular vote in the November, 2022 elections, defeating Leone Ssenyange by 36 to 12 votes. His first challenge was fitting into the big shoes left by the maverick Patrick Kanyomozi, and matters were not helped by his lack of influence in several mainstream sports media outlets.
This has made his work difficult when it came to mobilizing financial support through membership affiliation fees. Truth is that his term is lukewarm. He has failed to use the growing Uspa membership – which is almost hitting 200 – to make everyone pay their annual subscription fees or mobilize them for projects.
THE WAY FORWARD
It’s not too late for Uspa to turn things around. The current executive’s term will end in November, 2024; so, members have a chance to elect the right people on board. Uspa ought to do its business professionally. It is absurd that the 54-year-old body is still conducting business like a briefcase organisation.
The digital transformation of media presents another challenge for Uspa. Majority of its members own online Sports channels, making it difficult for Uspa to call its members to order.
In the interim, Uspa should perhaps enlist the assistance of their patron, the sports state minister, Peter Ogwang as well as the Uganda Media Council to rein in the errant members. If the current situation is not quickly addressed, Uspa’s demise could be imminent!
bzziwa@observer.ug
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