20101010
New Vision

Kampala — LAST week Uganda had something to smile about on the sports front. First, long distance runner Moses Kipsiro on Tuesday won gold in the 5000m at the Commonwealth Games now going on in New Delhi, India.

On Saturday, the national soccer team, The Cranes won a vital African Nations Cup qualifying group point when they held bitter rivals Kenya's Harambee Stars to a goalless draw in Nairobi.

Kipsiro, who coincidentally beat three Kenyans for the top accolade in Delhi, is on course for gold when he takes part in the 10000m today. A number of our athletes at the Games have at least managed to go beyond the first round.

The Cranes result on Saturday maintained their status as group leaders in the qualifying campaign where Uganda is trying to break a 34-year jinx. With over 5000 fans braving the Nairobi journey is clear indication that even the locals are thirsty for success.

But all this comes with some hard work and determination. Clearly the talent is there but we need the facilities to mould it.

It will require a concerted effort from all the stakeholders to realise our ambition. Government, sports administrators, the private sector, the general public must join hands in order to realise the dream of developing our sports sector.

The Cranes performance so far and the enthusiasm by the fans indicate that the will is also there. But that alone will not be enough. Facilitation is required.

The biggest financier must be the Government. The days when Uganda recalls to have excelled in sports had the Government take the leading role in the preparations and facilitation at competitions.

The nation can still regain her glory with Government's goodwill. Sports should be considered as contributing towards promotion of unity and development.