Executive Summary
The Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) experienced a year of record growth, and organizational restructuring in 2023-24 period. The association focused on expanding the sport across Uganda, reviving domestic competitions, strengthening governance structures, and promoting lacrosse at school and community levels. Key achievements included the successful return of the Uganda National Lacrosse League, grassroots development programs in Western Uganda, increased participation in school competitions.
1. Introduction
The Uganda Lacrosse Association is the national governing body responsible for the development and promotion of lacrosse in Uganda. It is recognized by the National Council of Sports and affiliated with the international governing body, World Lacrosse. The association oversees national leagues, school competitions, talent development programs, and national team activities.
2. Grassroots Development and Expansion Programs
2.1 Expansion into Western Uganda
One of ULA’s major priorities this year was expanding lacrosse beyond its traditional centers in Kampala, Gulu, Tororo and Jinja. In February 2024, the association organized development camps in the Kigezi region, Ankole region and Fort Portal (Tooro region).
Key Activities:
- Week-long training camp at Kigezi High School and Plus Two High School.
- Follow-up development activities at Nyakasura School in Fort Portal.
- Coaching and mentorship provided by national team players and certified coaches.
- Participation of approximately 840 boys and girls in the camps.
- Awareness creation among schools and local communities.
Objectives:
- Increase national participation in lacrosse.
- Build a wider talent pool.
- Prepare schools for inter-school lacrosse competitions.
- Strengthen regional development structures.
These initiatives marked an important step toward nationwide growth of the sport.
3. Domestic Competitions
3.1 Return of the Uganda Independence Cup and the Uganda National Lacrosse League
A major milestone for ULA in 2023 was the hosting of the Uganda Independence Cup and 2024 was the successful return of the Uganda National Lacrosse League after a four-year hiatus caused by COVID-19 disruptions and administrative challenges.
The league officially began in April 2024 at the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) playground in Nakawa and NEC Grounds in Bugolobi, Kampala.
Participating Clubs
- Blink Kobs Lacrosse Club
- FCA Warriors
- Buroni Panthers
- Jinja Nile Zulus
- MUBS Men Lacrosse Club
Impact
- Re-established regular competitive lacrosse.
- Increased player engagement.
- Improved talent identification opportunities.
- Revitalized fan and stakeholder interest in the sport.
3.2 National League Finals and Awards
The league concluded successfully on 25 May 2024.
Final Standings
| Position | Team |
| 1st | Blink Kobs |
| 2nd | FCA Warriors |
| 3rd | Buroni Panthers |
| 4th | Jinja Nile Zulus |
| 5th | MUBS Men |
Blink Kobs emerged as league champions with 18 points from eight matches.
Individual Awards
| Award | Winner |
| Most Valuable Player | Benjamin Ojok (Blink Kobs) |
| Top Scorer | Owen Waluku (MUBS Men) |
| Most Points | Owen Waluku |
| Best Goalkeeper | Moses Afoyrwoth (FCA Warriors) |
| Most Improved Player | Timothy Munage (FCA Warriors) |
| Fair Play Award | Bernard Otim (Jinja Nile Zulus) |
| Brave Heart Award | Amis Kisige (FCA Warriors) |
The successful completion of the league demonstrated ULA’s renewed organizational capacity and commitment to sustainable competition structures.
4. Schools and Youth Development
4.1 High School Lacrosse Development
Throughout 2024, ULA continued integrating lacrosse into secondary school sports programs.
The association used regional training camps and school outreach initiatives to prepare teams for the second edition of the High School Super Sixes tournament. Schools became an important avenue for talent identification and participation growth.
4.2 USSSA National Championships Participation
ULA coordinated lacrosse participation in the 2024 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Championships held in Soroti.
Key Highlights:
- 17 schools confirmed participation.
- Both boys’ and girls’ divisions represented.
- Schools drawn from various regions of Uganda.
- Increased female participation in lacrosse competitions.
Notable participating schools included:
- St Mary’s High School Zirobwe
- Kinawa High School
- Kigezi High School
- Bombo Army Boarding School
- Nabisunsa Girls School
- Mt. St Mary’s Namagunga
- Empower Christian International School
The growing number of participating schools reflects increasing acceptance and popularity of lacrosse among Ugandan youth.
5. Governance and Institutional Development
5.1 Annual General Meeting
On 15 June 2024, ULA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kampala.
A key outcome was the election of a new executive committee to serve from 2024 to 2029.
Executive Committee.
| Position | Office Bearer |
| President | Liberty Twesiime |
| Vice President | Ruth Lucy Atim |
| Treasurer | Owen Isingoma |
Additional directors were appointed to oversee development, sponsorship, marketing, and advisory functions.
5.2 Strategic Priorities
The newly elected leadership identified several priorities:
- Restoration of strong relations with World Lacrosse.
- Rebuilding stakeholder confidence.
- Strengthening governance systems.
- Reviving partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
- Expanding national development programs.
These priorities were aimed at positioning Uganda for greater participation in international lacrosse and attracting development support.
6. International Relations and Recognition
Uganda remains one of Africa’s leading lacrosse nations and is recognized as a member of World Lacrosse. The association continued efforts in 2024 to strengthen its standing within the international lacrosse community and improve collaboration with global stakeholders. The newly elected executive emphasized restoring and strengthening working relations with World Lacrosse as a strategic objective.
7. Challenges Faced
Despite significant progress, ULA continued to face several challenges:
- Limited financial resources.
- Need for expanded infrastructure and equipment.
- Continued rebuilding after years of administrative difficulties.
- Limited international competition opportunities.
- Need for broader geographical penetration across Uganda.
However, the successful league season, governance reforms, and grassroots expansion efforts demonstrated positive recovery trends.
8. Conclusion
The year FY 2023 – 2024 was a significant rebuilding and growth period for the Uganda Lacrosse Association. Major achievements included the revival of the national league, expansion of lacrosse into new regions, increased school participation, and the establishment of a new executive leadership team. These developments strengthened the foundation for future growth and positioned ULA to pursue broader national and international objectives.
With continued investment in youth development, governance, and competition structures, Uganda Lacrosse Association is well positioned to further expand the sport and enhance Uganda’s profile within African and global lacrosse communities.
