Bodybuilding among federations that missed NCS deadline

The Uganda Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (UBBFA) is among five national sports federations that failed to meet the June 20, 2025 deadline for re-registration under the new National Sports Act, placing the once-prominent sport in a state of uncertainty.

The National Council of Sports (NCS), invoking Section 7 of the 2023 National Sports Act, had set June 20 as the final deadline for all national sports federations and associations to re-register in compliance with the updated legal framework.

Out of 50 recognized federations and associations, 45 successfully submitted their applications on time and now await verification and approval by the NCS.

Vision Sport understands UBBFA is among the five federations/Associations that failed to submit their requirements with the others including Uganda Ultimate Frisbee Association (UUFA), Uganda Floorball Association (UFA), Uganda Deaf Sports Federation (UDSF) and Uganda Roll Ball Association (URA).

UBBFA’s non-compliance is a major setback for a sport that once produced internationally recognized athletes such as Ivan Byekwaso—winner of the 2015 INBA Natural Bodybuilding World Cup and Mr. Natural Universe title—as well as Andrew Ssenoga, Mubarak Kizito, Isaac Mubikiirwa, Lameck Muwanga, and current Mr. Uganda, Godfrey Lubega.

NCS General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel expressed satisfaction with the overall compliance rate.

“By June 13, only ten federations had submitted their requirements. I was concerned we might end up with just fifteen. But by the deadline, only five had failed to submit. That’s a great achievement,” he said.

He confirmed that verification teams have already been dispatched across districts to assess whether federations meet the new legal standards.

UBBFA spokesperson Kent Arereng, son of legendary football commentator Michael Arereng, declined to elaborate on the reasons for the delay.

“We were willing to register, but we couldn’t gather all the required documents in time. I’ll consult with our executive team before commenting further,” he said.

No Funding for Non-Compliant Federations

Dr. Ogwel issued a stern warning: federations that failed to meet the registration requirements will not receive any government funding.

“The Shs 508 billion sports budget for the 2025/2026 financial year includes Shs 36 billion for federation subventions. Only compliant federations will benefit,” he emphasized.

He added that the five non-compliant federations are now considered “non-existent” under the law. Any group wishing to revive or replace them must reapply for recognition, a process that could take at least a year.

“For example, the Uganda Kickboxing Federation was deregistered in 2023 and now faces a minimum five-year process for reinstatement,” he noted.