Stakeholders in Uganda’s sports sector are urging increased investment in sports, citing its potential to curb youth unemployment and foster national pride.
Speaking at the climax of the Uganda Futsal Season, Ivy Nyonyozi, Regional Manager for CSR and Sports Development at BetPawa, highlighted how sports offer more than entertainment.
“Sports provide sustainable career opportunities for young people and serve as a powerful tool in addressing youth joblessness,” Nyonyozi said.
She made the remarks during the final match between Park FC and Mengo City, where BetPawa awarded Park FC, the season champions, a cash prize of UGX 1 million. The match attracted hundreds of fans and showcased the growing popularity of futsal in Uganda.
Nyonyozi further noted that strategic investment in grassroots talent, training facilities, and sports competitions can transform the lives of young Ugandans, many of whom are struggling to find employment.
Her call comes amid rising concerns over youth unemployment in Uganda, where sports remain an underfunded sector despite its wide-reaching influence.
With corporate players like BetPawa stepping in, sports enthusiasts hope the government and other stakeholders will follow suit to unlock the sector’s full potential.