With a little over six months, sports in Uganda was halted as a measure to prevent the spread of the novel pandemic COVID-19. The Government imposed a lockdown in the Nation and since then many uplifts have happened. Most businesses in the country have been opened but sports is yet to be.
Sports website football256 have confirmation that in the Sunday address by the President to the nation, an announcement about the resumption will be made.
“Yeah it’s true, it’s good for us. Let’s be patient for the presidential address on Sunday and see. Only games which are under FUFA will be allowed but under strict regulations. No fans will be allowed to these games. Only media and security people will be allowed in.” a trusted source told football256
Volleyball
In March the Uganda Volleyball Federation on their Facebook page (ugandavolleyballfederation) announced the suspension of all volleyball activities due to the CORONA virus. The National Volleyball League (NVL) attracts the biggest number of participating teams in the country with four series. Men Serie – A, B and C and also Women’s Serie and there are altogether 47 teams that played last season. A matchday in the league brings the excitement of a tournament as there are over 20 games played at the select venues Mukono UCU grounds with 8 courts and at Nkumba University grounds with 6 courts. With all these games played on one matchday at one venue, there is no doubt the hunger for action the fans have right now. The new season had not started and news from the federation is that the league will start as soon as sports is allowed in the country.
Basketball
Basketball is another sport that brings together a huge audience and just like volleyball, the National Basketball League (NBL) had not yet started when sports in the country were halted. The league has five tiers NBL Men and Women, Div I Men and Women and Div II Men. A typical match day at MTN Arena or YMCA is always a full house most especially when rival teams are contesting. The league this year will not be played with the ruling body stating that there will not be enough time to complete with the scheduled calendar thus scheduling for 2021.
Football
Football by far is the most-watched sport in Uganda. The sport has gained the nation international recognition. A huge number of big talents play both at home and also abroad. Football just like any other sport has also suffered the backwash of the COVID-19 pandemic. A decision by FUFA to end the league after 25 games played was not well met by the clubs as this affected clubs in relegation zone that had hoped to stay in the top tier if the league was concluded. Dates for the new league were set for October 17th but apparently this seems impossible as time is not the luxury at hand. Teams will have to go into pre-season training and there is a possibility that when sports resumes a new date will have to be discussed by the board. Vipers were crowned champions after the decision was made to stop the league. If games resume, fans will not be allowed to attend with only media, staff, officials and players allowed at venues. Fans will have to stay home and catch the live action on SANYKA TV.
