Ogwel vows infrastructure boom and accountability in third term as NCS boss

National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel has pledged to prioritize large-scale sports infrastructure development and intensify his advocacy for increased sports funding during his third term in office.

This commitment follows the recent renewal of his five-year contract, securing his position at the helm of NCS until at least 2030. The contract aligns with the 2023 National Sports Act, which under Section 39(2) extends the term of NCS General Secretaries to five years, an upgrade from the previous three-year term under the now-repealed 1964 Sports Law.

“I thank His Excellency the President and Mama Janet [Minister of Education and Sports] for entrusting me with another five years to serve Ugandan sport,” Ogwel told Vision Sport.

“My top priority is infrastructure development. I’m pleased that government is backing us with funding to renovate Namboole Stadium to Category One international standards and to construct new stadiums in Hoima and at the Akii-Bua site in Lira,” he added.

“Once those projects are completed, we will break ground on the Lugogo Sports Complex, which we expect to become one of Africa’s leading multi-sport indoor arenas.”

According to Vision Sport sources, Ogwel’s contract has already been signed, sealed, and endorsed. Upon its expiry in 2030, he will become the longest-serving General Secretary in NCS history, surpassing both Abbey Lutaaya (1992–2003) and Jasper Aligawesa (2004–2015), each of whom served for 11 years.

A native of Otuke Village in Lira District, Ogwel is a former striker for Pamba FC and Black Rhinos FC. His NCS journey began in 2016 after he left the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA). Initially serving as Deputy General Secretary under Nicholas Muramagi, Ogwel stepped in as acting head in 2017 following Muramagi’s untimely death and was formally appointed in 2019. His contract was previously renewed in 2022.

Tougher Stance on Federations

With the enhanced powers granted by the 2023 Sports Act, Ogwel has vowed to take a firmer approach toward underperforming or non-compliant federations.

“Federations should expect business unusual during my new term,” he warned. “They must align with the government’s vision for sports development—or step aside.”

“For federations struggling with accountability, their time is up. We will leave no stone unturned, including scrutinizing those who have long considered themselves untouchable.”

Record Sports Budget Under His Watch

Ogwel’s tenure has seen exponential growth in government support for sports. When he assumed office, the national sports budget stood at sh17 billion. It rose to sh24 billion in 2020, sh47 billion in 2023, and reached sh282.9 billion in the 2024/25 fiscal year.

Pending approval, the proposed 2025/26 budget for the sports sub-sector (Vote 166) could reach a record sh508 billion.

“In 2023, President Museveni pledged mass investment in sports—and the government is delivering on that promise. Expect even more lobbying and funding in the coming years,” Ogwel said.

Part of the new budget will go toward completing the Hoima and Akii-Bua stadiums, currently under construction by Turkish firm Summa. Additional allocations will fund preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

Key training venues slated for upgrades include Kyambogo University Grounds, Wankulukuku Stadium, Namboole training pitches, Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), and Kadiba.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite the achievements, Ogwel’s next term is expected to face several hurdles—chief among them being the infighting among sports federations that characterized his previous tenure. Additionally, observers will watch closely to see how he mends strained relationships with some federation leaders.

“I hold no grudges,” Ogwel stated. “When I had just taken office, one federation head dismissed me as a ‘potato grower’ unfit for administration. But I’ve proven otherwise. I’m here to leave a legacy—as someone who worked tirelessly to elevate Ugandan sports.”