Pay She Cranes coach and we win the World Cup - MP Allan Ssewanyana tells Parliament
Makindye East Legislator Allan Ssewanyana has called on the government to pay the Uganda Netball coach Fred Mugerwa if the nation is to make significant progress.
The former sports journalist was on the floor of parliament on Tuesday as he sought answers from the Minister of Sports, Peter Ogwang, on the coach's payment status.
"We have heard the netball coach all over media, crying for his payment," Ssewanyana addressed the August House.
"Indeed, we were expected to win the Netball World Cup, but because of such demotivation in the technical team, we came fifth."
Following the Netball World Cup in South Africa, Mugerwa told the press on how he had never been paid despite having a contract as the national team head coach.
"To me, I think, enough is enough," he said before adding, "I may not renew my contract."
"It is bitter because I cannot be abused or paid. If I was being paid, I would say it's because I am being paid, but I am a volunteer."
At the World Cup, Uganda clinched fifth and number one in the world and Africa, respectively, with a wailing coach over pay.
Ugandans you’ll wake up to this bad news.
— Pulse Sports Uganda (@PulseSportsUGA) August 7, 2023
Listen to the girls saying, Oh no way! ðŸ˜
Their manager, Fred Mugerwa is so important to them but he receives no penny ðŸ˜#PulseSportsUGA #PlasconTwaake #ShowYourColour #SheCranesTwaake 🎥: Creed Sport pic.twitter.com/46YGdsK7RK
"I have never received a cent from the netball federation save for the Shs500,000 I got from Namibia," he said.
Then, Minister Ogwang acknowledged non-payment but also stressed that Mugerwa didn't have a contract.
According to the state minister for sports, @OgwangOgwang, the @shecranes256 coach Fred Mugerwa has no contract with the Netball Federation and he has been working under a mutual understanding to train the team whenever called upon. #PulseSportsUGA pic.twitter.com/AItyZ9guBG
— Pulse Sports Uganda (@PulseSportsUGA) August 9, 2023
Uganda Netball Federation president Sarah Babirye Kityo then refuted the claims, asserting that the tactician had a running contract.
#VIDEO: Hon. @AllanSsewanyana (Makindye West) wants a comprehensive report on the performance of Uganda’s athletes. He claims participation has declined over time. #PlenaryUg pic.twitter.com/v09JHMebhe
— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) August 22, 2023
Amid the circus and unanswered questions, Ssewanyana thus requested the minister to serve the House with answers.
"I know the Minister has the answers because they are the people who govern the National Council of Sports and all the other sports governing entities."
In his overall submission, Ssewanyana demanded the Minister to develop a comprehensive report on the decline in participation and performance of Ugandans in international events.