National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel has warned that sports federations and associations that fail to comply with the National Sports Act by 7 June 2026 risk losing recognition and operating illegally.
Speaking during NCS’s ongoing compliance exercise, Ogwel said there would be no further extension for organisations yet to align with the National Sports Act, Cap. 151, and the National Sports Regulations, 2025.
“If Boxing Federation fail to meet the deadline, they will collapse and remain a sport discipline but not registered and recognized by National Council of Sports,” Ogwel said while referring to the situation facing Uganda Boxing Federation and other federations under scrutiny.
“And therefore, government will refer to them as promoters of boxing.”
The warning comes as more than 40 federations and associations remain at risk of rejection or revocation of their Certificates of Recognition.
NCS introduced a five-month remedial compliance window after a December 2025 board resolution to help organisations address governance gaps.
However, only Uganda Rugby Union, Kabaddi Federation of Uganda and Uganda Athletics Federation have submitted the required documentation so far.
Between February and March, NCS conducted nationwide inspections to assess governance systems, elections, constitutional alignment and financial accountability among affected organisations.
Ogwel said the Council would closely examine every federation before granting recognition.
“We shall look at the compliance areas in the law and regulations that you have addressed,” he said.
“And if you have complied with all, then you will be issued licences and become a fully recognized national sports organization. That is where most of them may fall.”
He also warned officials whose organisations fail the process that their authority would automatically expire.
“There’s going to be consequences for imposters and federation members who may fail,” Ogwel said.
“At that point, your authority will also expire.”
Several organisations are already facing serious scrutiny. Uganda Fencing Association reportedly failed to respond to NCS engagement attempts, while the Uganda Paralympic Committee remains in limbo pending legal amendments.
Six organisations, including the Uganda Ultimate Frisbee Association and Uganda Body Building and Fitness Association, failed to submit applications by the deadline and now face revocation.
The Uganda Dragon Boat Federation and Uganda Canoe Kayak Federation are also under investigation after allegedly submitting forged audited accounts.
Ogwel said the new law would finally help government stop unrecognized bodies from using the “Uganda” identity illegally.
“In the past, many people were just using the name Uganda in sports and mobilizing resources,” he said.
“Now, this law will have far-reaching consequences.”
Objections involving eight organisations, including the Uganda Table Tennis Association and Uganda Boxing Federation, are still under review, with their compliance periods ending between July and August.
Despite calls for more time, Ogwel insisted federations had been given enough opportunity to reorganize since the law came into effect in September 2023.
“If a sports organization comes now asking for more time, I don’t think it would be demonstrating seriousness,” he said.
NCS maintains that organisations that fail to comply by 7 June will face automatic rejection and possible revocation as government pushes for better governance, accountability and transparency in sport.
