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The First Lady's request for Babirye's leave of absence was to enable a thorough investigation into allegations of failure to account for government funds and mistreatment of players, including severe accusations of sexual harassment during the 2021 Pent Series.
In a dramatic sequence of events, Uganda Netball President Sarah Babirye Kityo, attempted to reclaim her post today, an effort that was met with both cheers and controversy.
Babirye, had been asked by First Lady and senior sports minister Janet Museveni to step aside for three months in April.
Her return to office on Friday, was greeted with a festive atmosphere by UNF delegates as she returned to the federation’s head offices in Old Kampala. Yet, her triumphal return was short-lived.
The First Lady's request for Babirye's leave of absence was to enable a thorough investigation into allegations of failure to account for government funds and mistreatment of players, including severe accusations of sexual harassment during the 2021 Pent Series.
Despite the gravity of these allegations, Babirye returned to office today, claiming that her mandated three-month leave had expired.
“My three months of leave are over, and I return to work today because I was voted to serve people, serve my country and the sport of netball,” Babirye Kityo told NBS Sport’s Sport this Morning.
“I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me and supported me through this period, and this reception was completely unaccepted, so I am happy and proud at the same moment.”
While Babirye was welcomed back by a handful of delegates, she lacked an official authorization letter to resume her position.
In a press interview, Babirye argued that she didn't require a letter, as she hadn't been given one when asked to step aside.
“I have not yet received a letter that allows me to return to office, but I didn’t get a letter while I was being asked to step aside, therefore I return because our agreed period is over.”
“I have not talked to any of my bosses including Dr. Bernard Ogwel or Ambrose [Tashobya]. They remain my bosses though despite the challenges, but now I want to learn the nature in which the federation is running,” she added.
However, the jubilant atmosphere in the Netball Offices was abruptly disrupted when the area was besieged by police and army personnel.
In a tense standoff, the security forces ordered Babirye and others to vacate the area immediately.
When questioned about the origin of these orders, none, including the Old Kampala DPC, didn’t provide a response.
Adding to the unexpected drama, Brig Flavia Byekwaso, the Vice President of Netball who had been installed as the acting president during Babirye's absence, arrived at the offices.
Behind closed doors, a heated meeting ensued between the parties. Byekwaso later admitted that she was responsible for the police's presence and insisted that Babirye should only return to office with an official letter from the First Lady.
Stunned by what seemed to be a clear power play, Babirye reached out to a trusted ally, Major General Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Internal Affairs, according to the Sports Nation.
After an extended conversation, Otafiire ordered the police, army personnel, and Byekwaso to depart, effectively defusing the standoff.
The turmoil at the Netball Offices played out on the same day the nation's pride, the She Cranes, are due to be sent off before a celebratory dinner later tonight.
As the country prepares to honor its netball team, the behind-the-scenes power struggles suggest that the sport's governing body is in a state of turbulence.
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