Uganda Athletics (UA) has announced plans to introduce a national coach licensing system in a move aimed at improving standards, professionalism and athlete development across the country.
The new framework was unveiled during the inaugural National Coaches’ Forum held at Mandela National Stadium, where coaches from different parts of Uganda gathered for discussions on the future of athletics coaching.
According to Uganda Athletics President Dominic Otuchet, the licensing system is intended to professionalise coaching and ensure athletes are guided by qualified personnel.“We want to build a strong coaching structure that matches international standards.
Every athlete deserves to be handled by a competent and certified coach,” Otuchet said.He added that the programme is part of a wider strategy to strengthen the foundation of athletics in Uganda, noting that coaches remain central to talent identification, athlete welfare and elite performance.
Otuchet said the federation will continue investing in education programmes so that local coaches can compete favourably with their counterparts across the world.
Under the new arrangement, coaches will undergo tiered training courses recognised by both Uganda Athletics and World Athletics. The courses will range from elementary certification to academy level licenses, each permitting coaches to handle specific age groups and competition categories.
At the completion of the process, successful coaches will receive practicing licenses issued by Uganda Athletics, authorising them to coach legally in Uganda for a specified period. Officials said the licenses may be withdrawn if a coach fails to maintain the required standards or breaches licensing conditions.
Coach Issa Kosgei welcomed the development, saying the framework would create accountability and improve trust in the profession. “Licensing coaches is a positive step because it separates trained professionals from guesswork.
It will also motivate coaches to upgrade their knowledge,” Kosgei said.Grace Chesang, the newly elected Uganda Coaches’ Association Vice Chairperson, said the move would empower coaches and improve confidence among athletes and parents.
“When coaches are licensed, it means they are recognised and trusted. This will raise standards and encourage more young people to join athletics,” Chesang said.
During the one-day forum, participants also underwent refresher sessions on the roles and responsibilities of coaches in athlete development, safeguarding policies and the newly introduced online registration system for athletics stakeholders.
The forum also marked a leadership transition for the Uganda Coaches’ Association (UCA), where a new executive committee was elected unopposed to serve for four years.
The committee is headed by Ogol Aggrey as Chairperson, with Grace Chesang as Vice Chairperson. Other members are Kassim Latigo as Secretary, Kifaya Musa as Vice Secretary, Pius Ocilaje Pius as Treasurer and Alua Shaban as Publicity Secretary.
Sports analysts say if effectively implemented, the licensing system could transform Uganda’s athletics coaching structure and strengthen the country’s growing reputation in regional and international competitions. URN