New Uganda Paralympic Committee president vows to transform para-sports

The newly elected president of the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC), Mpindi Bumaali, has outlined an ambitious plan to revolutionize para-sports in Uganda, with a focus on three key priorities: securing increased funding, boosting Uganda's representation in international competitions, and establishing a permanent home for disability sports.

Speaking at his inauguration during the committee's annual general assembly at Matterwood Hotel in Kira on Wednesday evening, Bumaali highlighted the financial challenges facing Uganda's para-sports. While the government provides an annual subsidy of Sh1.2 billion, he emphasized that this falls far short of the needs of the 22 sports disciplines under UPC's umbrella.

"The current funding is inadequate for critical activities like talent identification, athlete promotion, classification, and international competition participation," Bumaali stated. National Council of Sports representative Ann Nankya witnessed the electoral process on behalf of the government.

One of the most pressing issues Bumaali identified is the costly and complex international classification system for para-athletes. Many Ugandan competitors must travel abroad for mandatory classification – a process that often requires repeat trips when athletes are reclassified into different categories.

"We face significant challenges getting athletes classified internationally," Bumaali explained. "The process is expensive and time-consuming, especially when athletes change categories and no longer meet their original qualification standards."

A cornerstone of Bumaali's agenda is the creation of a dedicated para-sports facility. Currently, athletes with disabilities must adapt to general sports venues that frequently lack proper accessibility features. The UPC president stressed that a purpose-built center would dramatically improve training conditions and competitive outcomes.

"Our athletes deserve facilities designed specifically for their needs – spaces where they can train, recover, and compete without facing unnecessary physical or logistical barriers," Bumaali affirmed.

Bumaali will lead a new executive team including First Vice President Deborah Mazzi and Second Vice President Bernard Mpungu. Other key committee members are CEO Innocent Tumwesigye, Treasurer Hassan Kamoga, and regional representatives Stella Amero (Northern), Ali Kibirango (Eastern), Francis Kinubi (Western), and Edward Kabonge (Central).

The new leadership faces the dual challenge of elevating Uganda's para-sports profile while addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited athletes' international competitiveness and access to proper training infrastructure.