Newly sworn-in Bukoto East Member of Parliament, Babirye Kityo Sarah, has declared her return to Parliament as a mission-driven comeback, positioning herself as a fearless advocate for Uganda’s sports industry.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony held at her home in Maya, Mpigi District on Wednesday, Babirye underscored her intention to confront longstanding injustices in sports while pushing for accountability, improved governance, and stronger institutional support for athletes and federations.
“I support sports, no doubt in that and I am back to represent my team at Parliament and not only play for the parliament but also to make sure that I plan for sports,” Babirye said.
The former Uganda Netball Federation president, who led the body from 2021 to 2023, emphasized that her leadership experience and personal encounters with systemic challenges have shaped her resolve to speak out where others have remained silent.
“During my tenure in netball, I reached out to a number of MPs but they were fearing to talk about the injustices in the industry, so me who doesn’t fear any, here I am,” she added.
Babirye went further to reveal that her stance against corruption came at a personal cost, including a stint in Luzira prison, which she linked to her refusal to pay kickbacks.
Rather than deter her, she said the experience reinforced her commitment to fighting for fairness and transparency within the sector.
The outspoken legislator also extended an open invitation to athletes, administrators, and stakeholders facing injustices to seek her support, pledging to use her parliamentary platform to amplify their concerns.
“I am going to be the voice for sports, with netball I will be inviting you again and tell you our next step when it comes to netball,” she noted.
Her return to the August House has been widely welcomed within the sports fraternity, particularly among netball stakeholders who view her as uniquely equipped to articulate the sector’s needs.
“Hon. Babirye is not an ordinary person when it comes to sports, she has played it, administered it and she will be talking about something she understands best,” said Denis Mpoza.
Former Uganda Netball Federation delegate from Namutumba District, Charles Balise Kirunda, expressed optimism that her presence in Parliament could mark a turning point for the sport.
“We believe a lot in Babirye, her returning to parliament is a big plus to us, the people of netball. Now she has the voice and platform and we believe the glory of sports is coming back to life,” Kirunda stated.
Renowned sports journalist Fifie Phiona Namiiro also praised Babirye’s candour and resilience, describing her as a transformative figure for sports advocacy.
“Babirye is a straightforward person, very transparent and she is unshaken. We all know what she did to revive netball.
We believe this lady is going to fight for accountability and budget for sports,” Namiiro said.
Babirye previously served in Parliament between 2016 and 2021 as the Youth Member of Parliament for Central Region.
Her latest return as the directly elected MP for Bukoto East Constituency comes as Parliament begins the swearing-in process for all 529 legislators, expected to conclude by the end of next week.
