UVF patron warns athletes against drug abuse

The Patron of the Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF), Christine Amongin Aporu, has cautioned sportsmen and women about the dangers of drug abuse and alcoholism.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a five-day volleyball refereeing and coaching training held at Kumi Township Primary School in Kumi District, Aporu urged participants to maintain discipline both on and off the pitch.

“As sports persons and educators in sports, you must stay away from drugs and alcoholism. Your conduct on and off the court directly affects the young people who look up to you,” she said.

Aporu also challenged games teachers to engage their school headteachers in budgeting for ball games, stressing that such investment is vital for sports development and for applying newly acquired skills effectively.

She highlighted the importance of safeguarding the progress made in volleyball, noting that the sport has helped many students secure scholarships, bursaries, and even employment opportunities in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Patrick Okanya, head of capacity building at the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), emphasized professionalism, patriotism, and discipline in sports administration and officiating.

He described the volleyball referees and coaching course in Kumi and Teso as a groundbreaking initiative.

    “We expect all participants to execute their duties with the highest level of professionalism and discipline. This programme is designed to produce not just skilled officials, but accountable and patriotic sports leaders,” Okanya noted.

Joseph Opio, Kumi District sports officer, encouraged coaches and referees to use the knowledge gained from the training to expand the sport. He applauded USSSA for responding to their request to host the training in Teso for the first time.

Meanwhile, Teddy Awori, USSSA talent identification officer, urged female games teachers to seize capacity-building opportunities whenever they arise. She acknowledged concerns raised during USSSA competitions about the dominance of men in coaching and officiating roles.

“The reason men dominate officiating and coaching is because they are the majority who enroll for these courses. We cannot limit them—it is a choice. That is why I applaud the female games teachers, especially from primary schools, who enrolled for this volleyball training,” Awori said.