National Council of Sports (NCS) has clarified that it was not part of preparations to take Team Uganda for the ongoing third Africa Youth Games in Algeria.

On Wednesday this week a group of parents stormed NCS offices in Lugogo demanding explanations for failure of their children to travel for the Games in Algiers.

But NCS Chairperson of Technical Committee Hajji Zubair Galiwango said that Council did not commit itself to provide air tickets to have the hockey team travel for the Games.

“To the contrary National Council of Sports made it very clear that it will not be in position to provide Uganda Hockey Association with air tickets and this position was has been known by both the president and General Secretary of Uganda Hockey Association,” Hajji Galiwango explained a press release this morning.

He said that NCS through the right procedures received a request to contribute facilitation for the Games from Uganda Olympic Committee and extended to them about USD. 22,400 to cater for all federations and associations.

In a letter to NCS, Uganda Olympic Committee that is mandated to organize team Uganda for the Games indicated that Uganda Hockey Association just like Uganda Handball and Rugby federations had committee to find their own tickets for the Games.

Hajji Galiwango who was flanked at the press conference by Assistant General Secretary technical Mr. David Katende and legal officer Ms Shadiah Nakamanya dismissed accusations raised by Uganda Hockey Association officials that NCS was fighting their authority.

“We have not intentions to fight any national association or federation because NCS needs these federations and associations. We are here to do the right things. Despite we have nothing to do with the Games in Algeria. It is UOC,” Hajji Galiwango explained further.

A total of 30 sports disciplines feature on the programme for the Games taking place in Algiers upto July 28.

Team Uganda which has contingent of 50 athletes/officials is participating in Athletics, Badminton, Weightlifting, Handball, Rowing and Swimming.

Team Uganda seeks to improve on the Gold won and two Bronze Medals they won at the second edition of the Games in Gaborone, Botswana in 2014.

Find the Press Release om the matter below: