Uganda Athletics (UA) has stepped up efforts to regulate unlicensed athletics competitions, with federation president Dominic Otuchet warning organisers and athletes against conducting or participating in events without official approval.
Addressing the media at the federation’s offices in Kampala on Tuesday afternoon, Otuchet said several organisations and individuals have been organising road races and other athletics events without clearance from the country’s governing body.
“We cannot continue to have athletics events organised outside the structures of Uganda Athletics.
Every competition must be properly sanctioned, regulated and conducted in accordance with the rules,” Otuchet said.
UA says it has the mandate to authorise athletics competitions in Uganda in line with World Athletics rules and the National Sports Act, Cap. 151.
Otuchet warned that organisers who disregard the regulations could face disciplinary action, fines equivalent to or double the applicable permit fee, and prosecution under Section 60 of the National Sports Act.
“We are not targeting organisers; we are putting order in the sport.
Those who want to organise races must follow the established procedures and obtain the necessary permits,” he said.
Elite athletes, both Ugandan and foreign, who participate in unauthorised competitions could also face disqualification or suspension under UA and World Athletics rules.
The regulations cover track and field, relays, road races, race walking, cross country, mountain running and trail running.
However, permit exemptions apply to events organised for employees of an institution, relatives marking an anniversary, and school members where the school is affiliated to a District Athletics Association.
“We want athletics events to be safe, credible and professionally managed, while protecting athletes, organisers and the integrity of the sport,” Otuchet added.
SANCTION FEES
National/International
Track & field — UGX 2.5m
Relays — UGX 1.5m
Cross country — UGX 2m
Mountain running — UGX 2m
Trail running — UGX 2m
Regional/District
Track & field — UGX 1m
Relays — UGX 1m
Cross country — UGX 750,000
Mountain running — UGX 750,000
Trail running — UGX 1m
Road Races — National/International
5km — UGX 750,000
10–20km — UGX 1.5m
21–40km — UGX 3m
Marathon — UGX 5m
Road Races — Regional/District
5km — UGX 500,000
10–20km — UGX 750,000
21–40km — UGX 2m
Marathon — UGX 3.5m
