Taekwondo: Uganda to Host 2021 East African Championship

Uganda has been confirmed hosts for the 2021 East African Taekwondo championships scheduled to take place from 26th – 28th November.

The development was confirmed by the International Taekwondo Federation in Uganda (ITFU) board member Robert Ojambo during a press conference held at Sofia’s Restaurant in Kamwokya on Saturday.

Over seven countries are expected to feature in the championship namely Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Burundi, and hosts Uganda and the invited nations of Zambia and Zanzibar.

“We are ready to host the championships, however, we lack financial help from the National Council of Sports that has not been supportive in all our events. Additionally, we’ve secured several equipment so as to help Uganda maintain the growth of the sport because it is important to have protection so as not to get injured during the sport,” Ojambo said.

The East African Taekwondo three-day event will have the kids competition (10-15 years), Junior Championships (15-17 years) plus the Men and Women’s Championships.

Uganda last hosted the championship in 2019 at Pearl of Africa Secondary School that had seven countries from the continent.

Prior to the event, ITFU will hold the Northern Uganda Competitions in March, the National Club Championship slated for 23rd to 24th April in Lira and the Heroes Cup that will take place in June (Kampala).

Team Uganda will also feature in the African Championships between late July to early August in Ethiopia and the World championships (6th – 12th September) in Finland.

ITFU hence commends the Swedish Master Niklas Enander for his continued support towards the development of the sport in the country. Enander doubles as Taekwondo’s country manager in Uganda adding to his East African Association board membership position.

Uganda last participated in the Taekwondo World Championships event in Germany with one competitor and Robert Ojambo as the coach courtesy of support from Enader.