By Kabuye Ronald
The Uganda Bodybuilding and Fitness Association is once again facing financial hardship, threatening the participation of a seven-member national team in the prestigious World Bodybuilding Championship set for June 13–15, 2025, in Salou, Spain.
The team, comprising five bodybuilders and two officials, may miss out on the global competition due to lack of funding from the National Council of Sports (NCS).
Despite receiving visas and preparing extensively for the international event, the athletes remain uncertain about their travel plans. While the government had initially shown support, no official financial backing had been confirmed by press time.
In an exclusive interview, one of the athletes voiced frustration, saying:
“The government is supposed to support national teams, but athletes are suffering. Training alone is very expensive, and now we’re left stranded.”
The bodybuilders Safaru Tamale, Lubega Godfrey, Simon Mbazira, Dan Mwesigwa, and Hilly Isaac are ready to represent Uganda on the world stage. Coach Kisakye Denis Trinity and manager Kafuko Brian are part of the delegation.
Four athletes are set to compete in the men’s bodybuilding category, while Hilly Isaac will participate in the men’s physique division.
Uganda has a proud history in the sport, with previous champions such as Ivan Byekwaso and Mubarak Kizito earning top honors at the World Championships. However, this year’s team may be denied the chance to build on that legacy unless the NCS steps in urgently to provide financial support.
