Kalule Hussein: An account for what has transpired in two years 2020-2022

To the ludo fraternity, well wishers and all stakeholders I give an account for what has transpired in two years 2020-2022.

2020
In January, 2020 I officially took office as the Vice President of the International Ludo Federation after swearing in.

The following month in february, 2020 I sworn in as the President of Africa Ludo Federation.

General secretary Joe Setladi (left) President Kalule Hussein (right)

Later in November 2020, Uganda Ludo Federation (ULF) conducted preminaries to get two clubs to represent Uganda in the Africa Ludo Clubs Championship in 2021 where Nansana Galaxy and Buloba A qualified.

The federation President spearheaded the time management playing rule of 75 minutes which was endorsed by the General Assembly of International Ludo Federation (ILF) now in full operation.

2021
In january 2021, ULF registered 15 referees to be trained and qualify at levels of ALF and ILF respectively.

In March 2021, kicked off the national super league, 2021 after lifting up the COVID-19 lockdown on sports activities. It was concluded in September, 2021 with Kisansa Kireka as the champion and it’s Chairperson-Kirumira Moses as MVP.

April 2021, ULF registered 20 clubs as permanent members of Africa Ludo Federation giving them a chance to fully participate in all activities of ALF.

May-June 2021, Uganda participated in the Africa Ludo Clubs Championship

(ALCC) being represented by Nansana Galaxy and Buloba A.

Nansana Galaxy emerged the winners of the champion title in both categories. Mubiru Emmanuel in the men’s  category and Nagaddya Beth in the women’s category were the best players (MVPs).

Nagadya Beth (Left) Mubiru Emmanuel (Right)

July 2021, The federation National Delegates Elective Assembly was convened on Saturday 24th July, 2021 at Hollyfam hotel, Nansana.

This assembly endorsed the current National Executive Committee led by KALULE HUSSEIN as President 2021-2025. This being the last term of office for the sitting President.

FILE: members 2016 elective assemly

Later in December 2021 , Uganda for the first time participated in the Africa Ludo Cup of Nations (AL-CON) in South Africa Johnnersburg. 

Uganda Doves at 2021 AL-CON in Johannesburg South Africa 

Our national team Uganda Doves gave us joy when it won the champion title after defeating  host South Africa. The team captain Matovu Huzaifa was crowned as the best player (MVP).

Matovu Huzaifah (Right) celebrating his victory

2022
Sunday 27th March 2022 , marked the dice off the national super league with 12 teams and it came to it’s climax on 15th December 2022 with Nansana Galaxy as the champion ,Masaka Giants in the second position (runner’s up) Mutebi Arthur as the best player (MVP). 

Nansana Galaxy celebrating after winning the 2022 National Super League

On 27th July 2022, the Individual Ludo Championship were conducted at the national hockey stadium in Lugogo. Wanyama Daniel rode away with a brand new motorcycle as champion in the male category .on the other hand ,Nakamya Kurusum bossed the female category.

Wanyama Daniel Shows off Motorcycle number plate

From 11th September 2022, The league one was conducted  at district level in order to get two qualifiers for the national ludo championship, 2022.

In November 2022, Uganda joined South Africa to represent Africa at the World Ludo Championship from 28th-30th November, 2022 in Nepal and Dubai.

Uganda Doves departing Entebbe International Airport for the World championship

Uganda Doves our national team emerged to win the champion title after defeating Pakistan 4-0. The event was participated by 12 countries whereby all the six continents were represented by two countries.

Uganda Doves celebrating after winning the 2022 World championship

On 22nd December 2022 , The national ludo championship was conducted at Tinka Pub and restaurant in Nansana to get qualifiers for the teams that will dice in next season’s national super league 

The teams that qualified to dice in the top flight next season include Max, Nakuwadde, Kubbiri, Metal, Kiboga and Gulu city Ludo clubs.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
1. Trained 50 referees in grade A, 20 in grade B and 30 in grade C totalling to 100.

2. Improved and modified the super league with a suppliment of clubs from Eastern Uganda with Buyende United club, Greater Masaka with Masaka Giants club Northern Uganda with Gulu city club and Southern Uganda with Kiboga ludo club.

The six qualifiers are to join the already existing ten for the next national super league season 2023.

3. Convened different meetings and assembly both through zoom and other means due to COVID-19 SOPs.

4. Uganda Doves was elected as the outstanding performer for November, 2022 after winning the world ludo champion title. Even different ludo individual personalities like Kirumira Moses, Wanyama Daniel and Nagaddya Beth have been recognized by Real stars agency for their outstanding performance.

5. Uganda was ranked as number one in Africa after winning AL-CON in 2021 and at international level after winning the ILF-World Ludo Championship, 2022.

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED:
1. COVID-19 lockdown hindered our normal progress of the planned activities.

2. Nansana Galaxy and Ntinda United failed to participate in the Africa Ludo Clubs Championship, 2022 in November especially defending champion Nansana Galaxy due to financial hardships.

3. Uganda failed to participate in the Africa Ludo Nations Individual Championship AL-NIC in November, 2022 in South Africa due to failure for government through NCS to support.

This led to a fine of 3500USD to be paid by February, 2023 or else Uganda was to be banned from taking part in the Africa Ludo Cup of Nations AL-CON as defending champion.Also making it difficult for super league, 2022 champion Nansana Galaxy and runner’s up Masaka Giants to participate.

4. Mallice and sabotage verbal attacks from leaders from other sports federations and associations with an intention to damage our image. This has really hindered us thus put us to a test not to get adequate funding from government through National Council Of Sports (NCS)

WAY FORWARD:
1. To extend the ludo sport in schools and institutions of higher learning.

2. To participate in the Africa Ludo Cup of Nations AL-CON, 2023 as defending champion.

3. To participate in the International Ludo Individual Championship, 2023.

4. To kick off the national super league, 2023.

5. To kick off the league one, 2023 at district level.

6. To convene the National General Assembly in July, 2023.

7. To host the Africa Ludo Federation General Delegates Conference.

8. To conduct capacity building and competence development activities of referees and instructors.

9. To recruit more competent referees and judges in order to develop the sport further.

10. To device means to maintain the standard of the ludo sport in an out of Uganda.

VOTE OF THANKS:
Sincere thanks to all stakeholders, leaders at different levels, the media family and government for the financial support given more is called for.

I call upon government through NCS to render more financial support to the federation for a great deal of success stories in the country, at continental (ALF) and international (ILF) level to be attained as expected.

As I conclude wishes to you all for a peaceful and jolly festive season and a happy also prosperous 2023.

KALULE HUSSEIN
President, ULF and ALF
Also Vice President of ILF.