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It is reported that he was required to pay UGX 97million for the tickets, but only managed to secure tickets worth UGX 50 million, leaving a substantial balance unpaid.
Lacrosse Association, the president Kenneth Kasule has been arrested on charges of misusing funds allocated for the purchase of air tickets for the men's lacrosse team.
The arrest comes just 10 days before the team gets their participation in the World Lacrosse Championship to be held in San Diego, USA, due June 21 – July 1.
Kasule, a former lacrosse player, allegedly failed to fulfill his obligations by neglecting to purchase air tickets for the team.
It is reported that he was required to pay UGX 97million for the tickets, but only managed to secure tickets worth UGX 50 million, leaving a substantial balance unpaid.
The team manager, Brian Kwesiga, confronted Kasule about the missing tickets, but he was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, prompting further action.
As a result of Kasule's alleged negligence, the matter was reported to the authorities and the National Council of Sports (NCS) was notified.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the NCS intervened and allocated UGX 130 million to cover the outstanding ticket expenses for the entire traveling contingent.
However, Kasule refused to cooperate with NCS officials, including assistant general secretary David Katende, who was responsible for overseeing the ticket procurement process.
Kasule's uncooperative behavior led to increased scrutiny and the subsequent escalation of the situation, with his arrest eventually authorized by the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
"I would like this person to face the law and get prosecuted if he used government money for personal stuff," NCS general secretary Bernard Ogwel confirmed the arrest via New Vision.
"I will record a statement with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to show that the association got money from NCS in regards to procuring tickets for the team to travel."
The repercussions of Kasule's actions have placed the men's lacrosse team's participation in the senior championships at risk.
With crucial preparations and travel plans disrupted, the athletes and coaching staff now face uncertainty and disappointment.
This incident is not the first time the Lacrosse Association has been mired in a travel scandal.
Just last year, the women's lacrosse team faced visa denials for the USA championships due to forged documents.
Uganda secured their qualification to the global showpiece after ejecting neighbours Kenya in the first-ever Africa Association of Lacrosse qualifier to be among the 30 nations that will play at the tournament.
This will be the third consecutive appearance for Uganda at the tournament, after playing at the 2014 and 2018 championships held in USA and Israel respectively.
Uganda, the only African nation at the finals is pooled in group B alongside Denmark, France, Japan and Wales.
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