In Kampala, esports is moving from casual gaming into a space recognized by government authorities. The Lord Mayor of Kampala recently spoke on the steps needed to grow the industry in Uganda, emphasizing structure, opportunity for youth, and Uganda’s presence on the global stage.
Structure and Legitimacy Are Key
The Lord Mayor highlighted that esports must follow formal processes to be successful in Uganda. He explained that organizers need to:
- Register with the National Council of Sports
- Comply with the National Sports Act
- Establish recognized associations or federations
According to him, without proper registration and adherence to national laws, esports initiatives cannot scale effectively. He urged promoters to follow these critical steps to ensure the industry grows responsibly.
Esports as an Opportunity for Youth
The Lord Mayor noted that Uganda’s young population, many of whom are unemployed, stands to benefit greatly from esports. He said the game is not only enjoyable but also has economic value, and with proper guidance, young people will quickly adopt it.
“Uganda is a country full of young people, and esports is a game that you enjoy, but at the same time, it has economic value. People will take it on very, very fast,” he said.
His remarks position esports as a viable avenue for engagement, skill development, and potential income for the nation’s youth.
3. Building a Global Presence
The Lord Mayor also emphasized Uganda’s ambition to be recognized internationally in esports. He referenced upcoming competitions such as the Esports World Cup (EWC) and Esports Nations Championship (ENC), highlighting that registered and well-organized federations can help Uganda fly its flag high on the global stage.
“We hope that by next year, Uganda is going to take up the flag and fly so high,” he said, reinforcing the city’s commitment to positioning esports as both a local and international opportunity.
Conclusion: A Focused Path Forward
Kampala’s message is not complicated, it’s intentional.
- Build structure
- Empower youth
- Aim global
- Earn support
If these pillars are followed, Uganda won’t just participate in esports, it will compete, grow, and lead.
CALL TO ACTION
Watch more stories on Esports Africa News
Follow Esports Africa News for daily updates, tournament coverage, stories worth sharing and esports insights across Africa.