
KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni has given his seal of approval to the National Sports (Amendment) Bill, 2024, signing it into law on January 27, 2025. This move is expected to strengthen the regulatory framework governing sports in Uganda, enhance athlete welfare, and promote the development of various sports disciplines across the country.
The amendment aims to align Uganda’s sports laws with international standards, particularly the World Anti-Doping Code. This is crucial, as non-compliance could have resulted in Uganda being banned from participating in international sports competitions.
The new law introduces several key provisions, including an expanded definition of doping, independence of the National Anti-Doping Organization, timely publication of anti-doping standards, and strict penalties for offenders ².
First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, who also serves as the Minister for Education and Sports, emphasized the importance of the new law, stating that it “sends a strong message about Uganda’s commitment to clean and fair sports”.
This development is a significant step forward for Uganda’s sports sector, and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s reputation on the global sports stage.