On Sunday evening, local hockey governing body Uganda Hockey Association (UHA) via a notice announced that they have cancelled the 2020 National Hockey League due to the continued ban on sports.
Sports is still on a halt as a government directive to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, that is believed to spread more in crowd pulling events or places like; sports events, bars, music concerts, worship centers, marathons, schools and the like.
This year’s hockey league was set to start in mid March but less than a week to kickoff, a partial lockdown was imposed by government following a pandemic scare then.
Initially, hoping for the return of competitive play, UHA had reduced number of league rounds from four to three, in consideration of the addition of teams.
The association was also ably considering all options of having the league played to considerable lengths as and when the lockdown is lifted.
This was in constant consultation with its stakeholders.
However, with the final quarter of the year approaching and no assurance of return of competitions, UHA have decided to throw in the towel and cancel the league, but has set new priorities.
The association has now set sight on four new alternative products they will focus on once the noose on sports is loosened,that is;
1. The Uganda Cup. This shall be open to all clubs/teams/institutions registered under the
association, open to both men and women. It will be a one-leg knock-out competition played over a 2-4 months period.
2. The East Africa Championships:
Uganda Hockey is reportedly in advanced discussions with the neighboring Kenya and Tanzania hockey administrators to revive the East Africa championships.
3. Uganda Hockey continues to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers slated
for January 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya.
4. Uganda Hockey shall carry on with several online capacity building workshops and
trainings until that time that physical interactions shall be possible.
Uganda Hockey further encourages the fraternity to stay safe while observing Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines in regard to the prevention of Covid-19.
