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David GOMBE
Hon. Sarah Babirye Kityo has confirmed that she will not return Netball Federation as president and has also withdrawn from the Deputy Speakership race.
Babirye who was a Netball Federation boss was forced to step aside over accusations of mismanagement and misuse of government funds during her tenure.
While addressing the media on Wednesday at Parliament, the Bukoto East, Babirye stated that she won’t serve again as Netball Federation but will continue supporting the sport.
“In life, you never say never, but my family and I agreed that I should not return to the Netball.”
“We achieved a lot during our time there. I found the federation without offices, operating almost on the streets, but we managed to establish offices, put policies in place and register good results.
“We defeated the world’s number one team, as well as teams ranked third and fourth. We became Africa’s number one side and achieved all that within just two years.”
During her tenure, Uganda’s Netball team She Cranes finished third at the 2024 Netball Fast5 tournament in New Zealand. They overcame top-ranked sides England, Jamaica and South Africa.
“But despite all those achievements, simply because I refused to embezzle money for some people (NCS), I was pushed out of office.”
“They even went as far as writing to World Netball, accusing me of stealing funds and portraying me as the wrong person. They pushed for a ban against me. I would not want to put myself under that kind of stress again.
“I cannot say I wasted my time because I achieved what I wanted. As a federation, we made huge progress. The She Cranes had played at the World Cup before, but they had never finished fifth before. I do not regret anything. I love netball and I will continue serving the game in other capacities.”
It should be noted that , Babirye had conflicts with NCS General Secretary Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel, whom she claimed that he gave her Shs186 millions before demanding for accountability.
“My religion does not allow me to hold grudges. We are not here to fight people; we leave the rest to God,” she said.
Babirye on her withdrawal from the Deputy Speakership race.
We don’t want to act on emotions or excitement. As statesmen and women, it is important that we think through and take the right decision.”
“This Parliament once had same-sex speakership, and this doesn’t mean that women will never contest again,” she said.
“Because of the kind of storm this Parliament is going through, I think it is high time we don’t become selfish and bring gender issues or emotional issues into this matter.”
Forgives embattled Speaker Anita Annet Among,
“I was so hurt,” Babirye admitted. “But my mother told me that if I wanted God to fight my battles, I needed to forgive and forget.“I went and endorsed her and I don’t regret it,” she noted
