Talks to revitalize LASPA held in Lira City

Lango Sports Press Association (LASPA) was founded in 2018 by a few individuals who subscribed to become members.

Unfortunately, the association has remained inactive since then due to “some challenges.”

Talks to revive it took center stage at a meeting held on Monday, April 21, 2026, at the St. Lira Hotel, which was attended by all sports presenters and journalists from all nine districts including Lira City.

In his opening remarks, LAPSA interim chairperson Deograious Opio Oguti requested financial support from KK Cham through its director Kenneth Kaunda Okwir aka KK7 and Sam Ebuk, also known as Sam Samu.

According to Oguti, the support will serve as “start-up capital,” allowing them (members) to begin savings and credit schemes at low interest rates.

Opio identified two challenges that contributed to the collapse of LASPA: a lack of commitment from the sports community and baseless fights among personalities.

Ogwang Sammy, a sports analyst from Dokolo FM, welcomed the idea of being under one umbrella rather than creating multiple groups.

He gave the example of Dokolo district, which has only two radio stations: Dokolo FM and LBS FM, and expressed a willingness to subscribe to LASPA.

Musafiri Suwed, a lecturer at All Saints University Lango’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication who also works with Radio Unity, Lira, has called for sports journalists’ capacity building to improve the quality of their work.

Musafiri emphasized that some sports journalists can improve their journalism skills through seminars (training).

The meeting also agreed that by banding together, they would be able to bargain collectively and invest in their lives.

Kaunda and Sam Samu have all expressed their willingness to support LASPA.

KK Cham, a sports equipment dealer, through its director Kaunda, has promised to deposit an undisclosed amount of money and a set of original jerseys once LASPA has the required documents and account number under clear leadership.

Kaunda urged sports presenters and journalists to take the issue of unity seriously and to be committed always.

Sam Samu stated that the Monday meeting marks the start of teamwork that will benefit the sports fraternity and warned members about internal conflicts.

Some potential members believe that joining LASPA will increase their bargaining power and allow them to collaborate more effectively.

Overall, the formation of LASPA appears to be a positive step toward promoting sports development in the Lango subregion.

Following the meeting in the afternoon, sports journalists played a friendly match against the Cannon Lawrence team, which ended 2-2.

Rev. Ogwang Geoffrey, the team leader for Cannon Lawrence, stated that the match was organized to foster positive relationships and promote sports between the two teams.

Samu, in his communication with the Lira Hotel team, stated that sports are used to build relationships and promote unity among various groups, including Men of God.

“Friendly matches like this can help foster a sense of community and sportsmanship,” said Sam Ebuk.