By Jackline Nabirye
Communications Officer -ICPAU
The Uganda Woodball Federation (UWBF) has announced the continued partnership with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) as the main sponsor of the upcoming 15th edition of the ICPAU Junior Woodball Championship. The championship is slated for Saturday, 14 June 2025 at World Ahead Secondary School Matugga, Wakiso District.
This year’s championship is expected to draw over 400 young participants from across the country. ICPAU has committed UGX 22 million in both cash and in-kind support, reinforcing its long-standing dedication to youth sports development in Uganda.
ICPAU’s involvement with the junior championship began in 2013, and over the past 12 years, it has been instrumental in growing the sport from a little-known activity to one recognised at primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels. The 2024 edition was held in Lwengo District, and the tournament now moves to Wakiso as part of the Federation’s strategy to promote woodball at the grassroots by rotating host regions.
Speaking about the partnership, Mr Paul Mark Kayongo, President of the Uganda Woodball Federation, emphasised the significance of ICPAU’s support.
“ICPAU was the first organisation to believe in our vision when it was still a young sport. Their trust has helped woodball grow tremendously, from schools to corporate and club levels. Today, nearly 6,000 youth and adults play woodball across the country” Mr Kayongo noted.
The Federation has also embarked on a health initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, exploring the use of woodball as a rehabilitative tool for neurological and physical disorders.
“We are building a sport that not only entertains but heals, educates, and empowers,” said Mr Kayongo. Our journey with ICPAU has been a cornerstone of that vision, and we hope this partnership continues to grow.”
Representing the Institute, Ms. Lydia Tusiime, Manager of Business Development at ICPAU, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to the championship.
“Our corporate social responsibility initiatives focus on impactful partnerships. Woodball builds vital life skills such as coordination, strategic thinking, and teamwork, values that align with our mission as a professional body,” she said.
Woodball a precision sport promoting hand-eye coordination, strategy, and teamwork, has grown in both popularity and impact. It is now incorporated into Uganda’s national curriculum at primary, O and A-levels, thanks to its physical and cognitive benefits.
“We could have chosen to support a mainstream sport, but instead, we saw an opportunity to make a real difference, and the growth has been incredible.”
Ms Tusiime praised the evolution of woodball in Uganda and noted the joy of seeing the sport gain national attention.
“We started when the sport was barely known. Today, it’s a celebrated sport. We are proud to be part of that journey.”
Mr. Sulai Bunnya, the regional coordinator for Nansana Municipality, expressed excitement about hosting this year’s championship.
“We are honored to host the 15th edition and ready to welcome over 700 participants and officials. Our facilities, security, technical staff, and accommodation for visiting teams are all in place,” he said.
With such milestones achieved, UWBF is now aiming higher. Through its 10-year strategic plan, the Federation seeks to elevate woodball as a key contributor to Uganda’s health and education systems while ensuring its sustainability in the national sports ecosystem.
