The Uganda Hippos football team has today attended the plenary sitting as the Members of Parliament honored them for their heroics in the U-20 AFCON21 where they were runners-up.
The Hippos were debutants at the competition but they went up to the final where they were defeated by Ghana 2-0.
The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga said that the boys should be put on a monthly payroll since there is a standing order that sports persons who get to that level (medal bracket) qualify for a monthly stipend.
“The Uganda Hippos are silver medalists. We want an assurance on this,” she said.
Minister for Sports Hamson Obua responded saying that the monthly stipend was a pledge by the President and targets performances in certain categories. However, it is not managed at their ministry but at State House.
MP Asuman Basalirwa proposed that it is time for the country to start a sports science university that targets talents spotting, development and promotion.
“In this era, there is no one who earns more that sports personality. We should consider this institution,” he said.
The House also adopted the motion honouring Joshua Cheptegei for breaking world records at different athletics meets around the world.