A Legacy Forged in Vision and Determination
Seventeen years represents a significant milestone in the development of any sporting discipline, and for the Uganda Woodball Federation (UWbF), this journey stands as a testament to visionary leadership, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to growth. What began in 2006 through the pioneering efforts of Paul Mark Kayongo from Ndejje University and Peninnah Kabenge from Makerere University has evolved into one of Uganda’s most structurally organized sports federations .
Unlike the more flashy sporting arenas of football or athletics, woodball has cultivated a quiet revolution across Uganda’s sporting landscape—building a robust foundation that prioritizes inclusivity, regional representation, and systematic development. This measured approach has created a sustainable ecosystem that many other federations would do well to emulate.
New Leadership for Continued Growth
The recent elective assembly held at Rivonia Suites in Nakawa marked a pivotal transition in the federation’s leadership structure. The assembly saw the ushering in of a fresh executive committee that will steer the organization through the 2025-2029 tenure while maintaining the steady hand that has guided woodball’s remarkable journey .
The Uganda Woodball Federation Executive Committee (2025-2029)
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Paul Mark Kayongo |
| 1st Vice President | Lukman Kirya |
| 2nd Vice President | Enid Joy Nyedwona |
| General Secretary | Juma Adam Kato |
| Assistant General Secretary | Gloria Koli |
| Treasurer | Mathias Kalema |
| Technical Director | Fredrick Busuulwa |
| Public Relations Officer | Johnson Were |
| Male Club Representative | Ramathan Nagoso |
| Female Club Representative | Sylvia Kembabazi |
The return of Paul Mark Kayongo as president (unopposed) speaks volumes about the confidence the woodball community has in his leadership. His consistent vision since the federation’s inception has been instrumental in shaping the sport’s trajectory in Uganda .
The federation also bid farewell to veteran contributors including Collin Ssemanda, the long-serving general secretary, and Vincent Kisenyi, the former first vice president and head of development. Their contributions to laying the sport’s foundational framework cannot be overstated.
Structural Growth and Nationwide Expansion
One of the most impressive aspects of UWbF’s journey has been its systematic expansion across Uganda’s diverse regions. Unlike many sports that remain concentrated in urban centers, woodball has established a genuine nationwide presence that reflects the federation’s commitment to regional inclusivity.
Institutional Reach After 17 Years:
✅ 70 primary schools actively participating
✅ 100 secondary schools with woodball programs
✅ 50 corporate institutions engaged
✅ 50 technical and medical schools involved
✅ 15 universities with competitive teams
This extensive network of participation across educational institutions, corporate organizations, and community groups represents a web of engagement that many sports can only aspire to achieve. The early integration of woodball into school programs has been particularly instrumental in creating a strong grassroots foundation for sustained growth .
A Solid Foundation for Future Growth
As the Uganda Woodball Federation celebrates 17 years of steady progress, it stands as a model of what can be achieved through strategic planning, dedicated leadership, and a genuine commitment to grassroots development. The sport may not always dominate headlines, but its quiet revolution across Uganda’s sporting landscape has created a sustainable ecosystem that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.