By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The National Council of Sports has written to the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association asking it to suspend the National Basketball League due to an upsurge in Covid19 cases in the country.
NCS’s June 3, 2021 letter reads in part;
“1) To inform you of this unfortunate development of the high rates of infection of the Covid19 pandemic, and the need for safety for all Ugandans.
“2) To direct you to suspend with immediate effect, all planned fixtures/games for the 2021 Basketball League currently on-going in the country, until further notice.”
TheSpy Uganda has learnt that the announced decision cuts across all Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) divisions – NBL, Men’s first and second division and Women first division noting that last season the same league was called off just days to tip-off when the Government suspended all public gatherings.
In the same vein, FUFA has issued a Circular directing all clubs not to admit fans to the stadiums until further notice.
The communication signed off by the FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza was issued on Thursday 3rd June 2021 addressed to FUFA Members, Special Interest Groups of FUFA and Stakeholders reads;
”As you are all aware according to statistics from the Ministry of Health there is an upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases as well as deaths in Uganda.
FUFA had earlier allowed up to 200 fans to watch FUFA organised and FUFA authorized competitions with strong adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This is no longer tenable in the current situation.
Therefore, in order to ensure the Health and Safety of players, Technical staff and all stakeholders, all matches shall be played without spectators or fans until further notice.
As we wind up the 1st Division, 2nd Division and the Uganda Cup there shall be no fans in the stadiums. Teams are further strongly encouraged to limit all other authorized personnel to the bear minimum. SOPs must be strictly observed and COVID-19 vaccination enhanced by football officials and players throughout the country.”
