Woodball, is steadily gaining traction in Uganda. In a recent address covered under the headline “WOODBALL IS GROWING”, the Uganda Woodball Federation (UWbF) leadership highlighted the sport’s ongoing progress and outlined future plans for continued development. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from the coverage:

1. Official Recognition and Growing Support

Uganda Woodball Federation president Paul Mark Kayongo emphasized that woodball is recognized by the National Council of Sports, underlining its legitimacy and the increasing attention it has received from both local and international bodies. This recognition has paved the way for more organized events, structured competitions, and potential sponsorships.

2. Expanding Reach and Participation

The Federation is actively working to introduce woodball to more regions, schools, and institutions. By organizing local tournaments and workshops, UWbF aims to:

• Promote grassroots development through youth programs and school competitions.
• Foster corporate engagement with circuits that involve companies and organizations.
• Engage universities through inter-university championships, encouraging the next generation of players.

3. Equipment Production and Accessibility

A standout achievement for Uganda is the local production of woodball equipment, made possible by machinery donated to the Federation. This not only ensures a steady supply of mallets, balls, and fairway gates but also makes the sport more accessible by reducing costs for participants and institutions.

4. Upcoming Tournaments and Future Plans

During the address, President Kayongo and other Federation officials touched on:

• Annual Woodball Championships that continue to grow in scale and competition level.
• Potential international fixtures, including African and global championships, aimed at putting Ugandan players on the world stage.
• Strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors and government entities to secure financial backing and enhance player development programs.

5. Challenges and Calls for Support

Despite its progress, woodball in Uganda still faces challenges such as:

• Funding constraints for traveling teams and organizing large-scale tournaments.
• Limited awareness outside major cities, requiring more outreach programs.
• Facility upgrades to maintain international standards of play.

President Kayongo reiterated the need for continued collaboration among government bodies, private sponsors, and the broader sports community to address these challenges and further boost the sport’s profile.