After a long wait, the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) finally convened its annual general assembly.
The gathering was held at Baguma Restaurant in Kampala on Friday the 10th January 2025.
Despite being an elective year, the assembly took an unexpected turn, as members unanimously agreed to postpone the election by six months.
Despite the unexpected delay, the assembly remained abuzz with enthusiasm. Notably, Cyrus Muwanga, Director of Grand Maria School, declared his intention to run for the presidency when the time arrives.
This announcement has set the stage for a potentially thrilling contest, as Muwanga joins the fray to succeed current President Robert Jagwe.
“I am delighted to formally declare my candidacy for the presidency of the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) in 2025.
With utmost confidence, I firmly believe that my unique blend of experience, expertise, and passion for the sport renders me an ideal candidate for this esteemed position.
As a former table tennis athlete who competed at the highest level, I possess an intimate understanding of the sport’s intricacies and challenges.
Additionally, my success as a businessman and entrepreneur, coupled with my academic achievements, have equipped me with the requisite leadership skills and acumen to effectively steer UTTA towards a brighter future.
My passion for table tennis is unwavering, and I am committed to harnessing my expertise to elevate the sport and UTTA to unprecedented heights.” Cyrus Muwanga, Director of Grand Maria School in Nabbingo.
By this day, five other including Ludia Nangadalena, John Isaac Bageya, Regina Nakibuule, Matseyetse Emmanuel and Dan Ssekyanzi had declared their candidature for the same.
Jagwe, who has been at the helm of UTTA, declined requests to amend the constitution and remove term limits.
Instead, he and Uganda Olympic Committee President Dr. Donald Rukare offered valuable insights, outlining parameters for the electorate to choose wisely.
“This gathering was initially intended to be an elective assembly, but our constitution requires amendments to align with the newly introduced sports act.
The act mandates that at least 50% of districts participate in the election, a stipulation we must adhere to.
Given the time-sensitive nature of this process, we cannot afford to postpone the election beyond January, as prescribed by our constitution.
Therefore, we have opted to hold the Annual General Meeting (AGM) instead, ensuring continuity in leadership while we undertake the necessary constitutional revisions.”
The assembly also addressed pressing matters, including alleged financial misconduct. The general secretary was given a grace period to provide explanations for a reported 12 million shillings loss, failing which they will face legal consequences.
Furthermore, UTTA tabled a proposed 1.5 Billion budget aimed at consolidating local and international gains.
This development is particularly significant, given the association’s pride in nurturing two world champions, Joseph Sebatindira and Patience Anyango.
As the UTTA gears up for the postponed election, the stage is set for a transformative period in Ugandan table tennis.
With Muwanga’s declaration and the assembly’s resolutions, the association is poised for growth and renewed enthusiasm.
