The 11th edition of the “Kampala International FICTS Festival” has been declared open at Seascallop, in grand style by the representative of the Chairman National Council of Sports, Mr. Katende Semakula David who serves as Assistant General Secretary (technical) National Council of Sports.
At the Opening Ceremony graced by Mr. Katende, news of more than 41 Entries from 21 countries and a message from FICTS President Prof. Franco Ascani about Sport being an instrument of Social Change, attracted the attention of media participants in attendance.
In his address to members in attendance the new president FICTS Uganda, Mr. Dean Kibirige, pledged to maintain and to grow the festival, the late Andrew Patrick Luwandagga started 10 years ago, to greater heights. He also informed the media participants in attendance that a special award (The APL Mentorship Award) in the names of Andrew Patrick Luwandagga will be given on every occasion the festival is held.
In attendance to show support for the noble cause of initiating the APL Award, was his widow Mrs. Sarah Luwandagga plus some members of the family including the heir Mr. Senfuma Michael Luwandagga who happens to be a Sports presenter on UBC-TV.
In his address the representative of the chief guest Mr. Katende Semakula David, lauded FICTS Uganda for sustaining and organizing the “Kampala International FICTS Festival”, even after the demise of its founder the legendary broadcaster Andrew Patrick Luwandagga. He also urged the media participants not to forget, that Sport and Journalism where “Symbiotic” (meaning that one cannot exist without the other) and on that note he reminded the media to keep doing the good job of producing stunning Cinema & TV works, which act as an evaluation tool to athletes and other concerned stake holders. In his final remarks he pledged that National Council of Sports will maintain its Support and patronage for FICTS Uganda for many years to come in the future.
Others notables present were: The Secretary General Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) Mr. Bayola Moses and The Organising Secretary Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) Mr. Bwambale Francisco.