Uganda Modern Pentathlon Federation (UMPF) has set eyes on ‘bigger things’ after boosting its capacity with the passing out of the first ever local coaches following the conclusion of the Coaches Certification Programme over the weekend.
16 coaches were passed out and they received UIPM (Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne) CCP Level 1 Certificates during the closure of the six-day programme at Kampala Parents’ School.
Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) President Dr. Donald Rukare presided over the closing ceremony. He was flanked by UMPF President Simon Peter komakech, Egyptian instructor Yasser Hefny who facilitated the training, among others.
UMPF President Simon Peter komakech expressed delight in the conclusion of the programme and revealed that they are set to work on a number of things to ensure that the sport grows here in Uganda.
“We have two laser runs scheduled for July, September and November this year. We also have a championship in Egypt where if all goes well Uganda will take a few athletes,” Komakech noted adding that their Annual General Meeting is in the offing.
For local competitions, Komakech noted that; “we are going to start with footwork first (for fencing), according to the advice of our instructor, but we have ordered for equipment and when the equipment comes, we will go to the fencing federation and we will ask them to give us a coach. So, in the next one or two years, we will be good to go.”
For other disciplines within the sport, the federation is partnering with different schools in order to use their facilities as well as provide them with athletes in order to develop the game from grassroots. This will apply to institutions throughout the country.
Meanwhile, at the closing ceremony, UOC’s Donald Rukare said that having qualified coaches is an important pathway towards the development of Modern Pentathlon, which is one of the oldest Olympic sport.
“These coaches will be instrumental in developing and growing the game of Modern Pentathlon in the country. This is one of the ancient sports founded by our (Olympic) founding father Baron Pierre de Coubertin,” Rukare said adding that the coaches should put into practice what they learnt when they return to their clubs and schools. He urged the coaches to attain further qualifications and as well broaden wings to match officiation.
Instructor Yasser Hefny urged participants to always refer to their manuals for further guidance but also the coaches should seek for more knowledge from various sources. He added that he enjoyed his stay in Uganda and Uganda Modern Pentathlon Federation were good hosts.
Modern Pentathlon is in its infancy in the country and capacity building is very vital for its growth. Competitions especially at grassroots level, notably in schools will enable the sport sprout.
The Coaches that were passed out:
1. Mark Ogwang
2. Brenda Masendi
3. Christopher Edward Mbowa
4. Brian Mukiibi
5. Rosemary Babirye
6. Eddie Newton Alboho
7. Hassan Ali Achidri
8. Allen Nakimbugwe
9. Andrew Maurice Adolo
10. Emily Nanziri
11. Amose Ochola
12. Annet Kiiza
13. Paul Oboloko
14. Bosco Charity
15. Sandra Leila Drile
16. Kassim Ssematimba.
