THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
KAMPALA, Uganda — A Ugandan Olympic official said on Monday a dispute that threatened the country’s participation at the London Games had been resolved, although the findings of a judge-led investigation could still undermine preparations.
William Blick, who’s in temporary charge of the Uganda Olympic Committee, said Roger Ddungu was removed as president after the International Olympic Committee told the troubled body to hold an extraordinary general meeting.
Blick said that Ddungu, who was accused of misconduct, was fired at the meeting on May 19 and the UOC was now "moving on."
"We took our decision and it is final," Blick said, responding to IOC pressure for the East African country to quickly end the conflict or face possible sanctions. Blick said he would stay in temporary charge until elections in February next year, although Ddungu vowed to fight his removal.
Blick said the decision had been communicated to the IOC, which wanted Uganda’s Olympic committee to resolve its internal problems before this year’s games, which start on July 27.
But the ouster of Ddungu also could complicate an investigation into the UOC by a retired Supreme Court judge. Justice George Kanyeihamba, whose investigation was commissioned by Ddungu, said he was in touch with the IOC and his report would be ready this week. He declined to say what his findings were.
Thirteen Ugandan athletes have so far qualified for the London Olympics, while another 16 still could.
Uganda Athletics Federation President Dominic Otucet said he hoped at least 15 athletes would go to London, but added the troubles within the Olympic body "don’t help anybody."
Uganda has won just six medals at the Olympics despite participating regularly since 1956. Its last medal was Davis Kamoga’s bronze in the men’s 400 metres at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
"At the moment I don’t think we will win a medal when you look at all the bickering," Kamoga said. "Some of the athletes are demoralized and they are not even sure if they will travel to London."
Uganda’s best hope at this year’s Olympics will likely be Commonwealth 5,000- and 10,000-meter champion Moses Kipsiro, who was fourth in the men’s 5,000 in Beijing.
