By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has urged the government to enhance its investment in sports as a means to support and develop the country’s youth.
This appeal was made by Dan Isimbwa, the party’s national youth leader, at the UPC headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday. The call comes ahead of International Youth Celebration Day, set for Monday, August 12, 2024, in Soroti Core PTC, Asurer Sub County, Soroti District.
Isimbwa underscored the transformative impact of sports, noting its role in uniting communities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering discipline and teamwork.
“Sports have the potential to shape the future of our youth, yet we continue to neglect this vital sector,” he lamented, highlighting the current deficiencies in facilities, equipment, and training programs that hinder young athletes’ development.
He congratulated Joshua Cheptegei for his recent gold medal win, emphasizing the pride it brings to Uganda. However, Isimbwa stressed that such achievements should spur greater investment in sports to support and nurture emerging talents. “We have talented youths, but without adequate support, their dreams remain unfulfilled,” he said.
Isimbwa called on the government to allocate more funds for sports development, construct modern facilities, and create programs designed to identify and cultivate talent. “Investing in sports is investing in our youth, and ultimately, our nation’s future,” he asserted.
In a separate statement, Faizo Muzeyi, the head of media and communications for UPC, condemned the recent arrests of demonstrators during anti-corruption protests. Muzeyi highlighted the peaceful nature of the protests and criticized the government’s response, which he described as heavy-handed and a violation of human rights.
He demanded the immediate release of the detained protesters and called on the government to respect democratic rights and engage in constructive dialogue. “The UPC stands in solidarity with the arrested demonstrators and will continue to advocate for their rights,” Muzeyi concluded, emphasizing the need for a respectful and lawful approach to dissent.
