Outside the Ludo fraternity, a few Ugandans are aware of the achievements this sport has shipped into the country for years.
Many refer to this sport discipline as a low end one suited for failures or gamblers in the ghettos and small trading centers.
Well, the sport many underlook has a serious face and Uganda is Africa’s number one nation in the world rankings.
Around this time last year, Uganda Doves, the national team won the Africa Ludo Cup of Nations in South Africa and team captain Matovu Huzaifa was crowned as the best player.
This was akin to an indicator that more success was knocking on the 2022 door and indeed the fruits are evident.
2022 calendar year kicked off the National Super League with 12 teams in March and concluded with Nansana Galaxy as the champion and Arthur Mutebi claimed the MVP gong.
Next on the menu was in July with the Individual Ludo Championship which was won by Daniel Wanyama and Kurusum Nakamya.
The male champion rode home on a brand-new motorcycle from Lugogo, the venue of the event.
The icing on the 2022 cake was the November World Ludo Championship in Nepal and Dubai.
Uganda Doves defeated Pakistan 4-0 in the finals to bring the trophy to the Pearl of Africa.
The event had 12 countries in action from all the six continents with each having two participants. South Africa was the second country from Africa.
On a low note, Nansana Galaxy and Ntinda United failed to participate in the Africa Ludo Clubs Championship, 2022 in November especially defending champion Nansana Galaxy due to financial hardships.
Still on a sad note, the national team also failed to honour the Africa Ludo Nations in November, 2022 in South Africa due to failure for government through NCS to support.
This led to a fine of 3500USD to be paid by February 2023 or else Uganda will to be banned from taking part in the Africa Ludo Cup of Nations going forward according to the Federation president Hussein Kalule.
In conclusion, the federation wants to spread the game targeting schools and institutions of higher learning, to honour both continental and world championships.
Also on top of their agenda, they want to host the Africa Ludo Federation General Delegates Conference and conduct capacity building and competence development activities for referees and instructors.
Photo Credit: Uganda Ludo Federation
