UGANDA Trends and Developments Contributed by: Timothy Kajja, Nanyonjo Janet Pheobe and Jolly Kibalama, Engoru, Mutebi Advocates
Sustainability is increasingly part of sports law, driv - en by infrastructure development, mega-events, and sponsor expectations. Environmental impact assess - ments, green procurement, and climate-resilient design are becoming essential components of pub - licly funded projects. Notable developments include environmentally con - scious stadium construction (eg, Imperial Wanderers Stadium in South Africa) and Athletics Kenya becom - ing the first federation to join World Athletics’ UNF - CCC Sports for Climate Action Framework. Technology and new frontiers Emerging technologies are reshaping African sport. • E-sports raises new legal questions around IP, player classification, and jurisdiction. • AI transforms performance analysis and officiating, bringing concerns around data protection, cyber - security, and digital safeguarding. • The metaverse and digital assets such as NFTs and fan tokens introduce new commercial models but also regulatory uncertainty. In 2022, Nedbank launched Africa’s first metaverse- based golf event – “Africarare Ubuntuland” – show - casing innovative possibilities. African regulators and sports bodies must choose between reactive regulation after disputes arise or proactive frameworks that balance innovation and risk. The National Sports Act 2023 The National Sports Act 2023 replaces the outdat - ed 1964 law and creates a modern legal framework for sports in Uganda. It introduces clear definitions, stronger regulation, and better alignment with inter - national standards. Key provisions Definitions and registration: • Differentiates national sports associations (amateur sports) and national sports federations (profes - sional and amateur).
• Mandatory registration with the National Council of Sports (NCS); registration grants body corporate status. • Existing recognised bodies must re-register within 12 months of 17 August 2023. Recognition and rewards: • Establishes a government scheme to honour exceptional athletes and enhance motivation. Presence requirements: • Associations – must operate in at least 50% of districts. • Federations – must cover at least 75% of districts. Registration validity: • Certificates last one year and must be renewed annually. International participation: • Associations and federations must seek NCS approval before: (a) competing abroad; or (b) affiliating with international governing bodies. • Act must align with rules of bodies like FIFA and WADA. Financial reporting: • Organisations must submit audited accounts and activity reports within four months after the finan - cial year. Beneficial ownership: • Associations and federations must maintain and submit registers of beneficial owners to NCS. Community sports clubs: • Registration is optional, though they become body corporates once registered. School and university sports: • Schools must offer at least 15 authorised sports (though this may be unrealistic). • Council cannot authorise activities involving stu - dents without ministry approval. Sports academies:
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