New year, new environment!
Welcome back to the official blog of the Uganda Gymnastics Federation (UGF)! It has been a monumental start to 2026, with significant developments in national sports infrastructure and new regulatory frameworks that will define how we operate, train, and compete.
A New Hub for Excellence:
Opening of Hoima City Stadium
On December 24, 2025, a major milestone in Uganda’s sports history was reached with the official commissioning of the Hoima City Stadium. Our very own UGF President, Ms. Harriet Ayaa, was honored to attend the grand opening presided over by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni.
While the stadium is a flagship for the upcoming AFCON 2027, it is designed as a multi-purpose hub for the entire sports fraternity. For gymnastics and other indoor sports, the facility features a 2,000-seater modern indoor arena and a fully equipped gym, offering new possibilities for regional training camps and competitions in the Bunyoro sub-region.
NCS Regulations on Sports Facilities
The National Council of Sports (NCS) has finalized the draft of the National Sports (Sports Facilities) Regulations, 2025. These regulations aim to ensure that all sports facilities—both public and private—meet international standards for safety and maintenance. UGF, alongside other sports organisations in Uganda, attended a consultative meeting hosted by NCS on 23 January 2026 to discuss the details of these regulations.
Key highlights from the draft that impact our member clubs include:
- * Mandatory Licensing: All private sports facilities must now apply for a license from the Council to operate.
- * Standards and Dimensions: Facilities must adhere to dimensions prescribed by international sports federations (such as World Gymnastics for gymnastics) to be certified for use.
- * Safety Protocols: Every facility operator is required to establish an Annual Emergency Response Plan and conduct Quarterly Safety Audits.
- * Priority for Sports: Crucially, the regulations state that sports activities shall always be given priority over any other events (such as concerts or social gatherings) scheduled at these facilities.
Strengthening Integrity: National Anti-Doping Regulations
In a move to protect the health of our athletes and the integrity of Ugandan sport, the NCS and the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) have introduced the Draft National Sports (Anti-Doping) Regulations.
The UGF actively participated in a consultative meeting on 2 February 2026 to discuss how these regulations can be effectively implemented within our gymnastics programs. These new rules provide a comprehensive framework for anti-doping education, testing, and compliance across all national sports organizations. We encourage all athletes and coaches to stay informed as we move toward a cleaner, fairer sporting environment.
As we embrace these changes, the Uganda Gymnastics Federation remains committed to providing our gymnasts with the best possible environment to soar. Stay tuned for more updates as we flip into a bright 2026!
For more information on the new regulations or to view the draft documents, please contact the UGF Secretariat.