District Sports Officers (DSOs) from Acholi and Lango convened in Lamwo district on March 11 for their Annual General Meeting aimed at strengthening sports development and increasing participation in various disciplines across the two sub-regions.
The meeting brought together sports administrators and district officials to discuss strategies for improving sports performance, identifying new sporting activities, and promoting talent development among young people in the Acholi and Lango.
Mathew Dicken Canamita, chairperson of the Acholi and Lango District Sports Officers Association, said the meeting was intended to streamline sports development efforts and ensure the two sub-regions improve their competitiveness at the national level.
Canamita noted that although Acholi and Lango have produced talented athletes over the years, participation in several sporting disciplines remains limited.
“This meeting is very important because it allows us to assess where we stand as a region in terms of sports development,” he said.
“Acholi and Lango are still participating in only a few sporting activities. Our goal is to widen participation by introducing more sports and nurturing talent at grassroots level so that we can compete favorably at national competitions,” Canamita explained.
He added that the association will work closely with local governments, schools, and community leaders to ensure that sports infrastructure and talent identification programs are strengthened.
Lamwo district sports officer, Oweka George, welcomed the initiative and commended the association for choosing Lamwo district to host the meeting.
“Hosting this meeting in Lamwo gives us an opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another as sports administrators. It will also help us mobilize young people in the district to take part in different sporting activities which are important for health, discipline, and talent development,” Oweka said.
Padibe town council LC3 chairperson, Obalim Richard Omoo, also applauded the sports officers for their commitment to promoting sports in the region. He emphasized that sports can play a key role in engaging the youth and reducing social challenges.
“Sports is not just about competition; it is also about unity, discipline, and development. When young people are involved in sports, they stay away from negative influences. As local leaders, we fully support initiatives that promote sports in our communities,” Obalim said.
Community Development Officer (CDO) for Padibe town council, Paul Kilama, noted that sports activities help promote social cohesion and community participation.
“Through sports, communities come together and young people discover their talents. We encourage schools and youth groups to actively participate in the sports programs that will emerge from this meeting,” Kilama explained.
Lamwo Resident District Commissioner (RDC), William Komakech, urged sports officers to prioritise talent identification and mentorship programs for young athletes across the region.
“Acholi and Lango have a lot of untapped talent. If sports officers work closely with schools and communities, we can identify and nurture future national athletes. The government supports initiatives that promote youth development through sports,” Komakech said.
According to officials from the Acholi and Lango District Sports Officers Association, the regional games for this year will be hosted in Lamwo district, an event expected to attract teams from various districts within the two sub-regions.
The games are anticipated to provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and strengthen sports cooperation among districts in Acholi and Lango.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.