Mugerwa urges Netball Uganda to decentralise Super League matches

KCCA Netball Club head coach Fred Mugerwa has called on Netball Uganda to reconsider the current structure of the Netball Super League by allowing community-based clubs to host matches in their respective regions.

His appeal comes amid growing financial challenges faced by teams outside Kampala, threatening their continued participation in the topflight league.

Currently, the Super League features two community-rooted sides: Busia Greater Lions from Busia and UGX Luwero from Luwero. Unlike institutionally funded clubs, these teams rely heavily on community contributions and locally sourced resources for survival.

This season, however, all league matches are scheduled to be played at the newly refurbished Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo. While the centralised venue offers consistency and administrative convenience, it deprives community clubs of the opportunity to engage their local fan bases—who are not only their most passionate supporters but also their primary financial lifeline.

Mugerwa believes the centralized format disadvantages clubs that thrive on grassroots support. He emphasized that allowing such teams to occasionally host matches in their home regions would strengthen community ties and enhance financial sustainability.

“If possible, this should be considered next season,” Mugerwa appealed. “These clubs deserve a chance to show their locals what their contributions are achieving. If that opportunity is denied, funders may lose the motivation to keep supporting.”

His sentiments were echoed by UGX Luwero head coach Raymond Lubwama, who described the potential impact of hosting matches locally as transformative. For a club already grappling with limited resources, the financial relief and emotional connection with fans could be pivotal.

“As a club that still struggles financially, playing games at home would significantly reduce transport costs. It would also allow our supporters to feel directly involved and inspired to stand with us,” Lubwama explained.

The call for decentralization raises broader questions about balancing centralized organization with grassroots development. While Kampala remains the heartbeat of Ugandan netball, the rise of community clubs in regions like Busia and Luwero highlights the sport’s potential to grow and flourish across the country.