The 2025 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) ball games one have been officially opened at Bukedea stadium on Wednesday, May 7.
Dignitaries from the central Government, officials of ASSHU, USSSA, head teachers, teachers, students and the general public graced the colourful opening ceremony.
Bro. Dr. Augustine Mugabo, a director in Parliament under the Parliamentary commission represented the chief guest, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Annita Anita Among Magogo.
“The Speaker loves you all. She cherishes discipline, loves hardwork” Bro Mugabo delivered the speaker’s special message to the participants.
In a special way, she lauded the effort of USSSA in organizing such games and appreciated the head teachers of the different schools who organize the different schools.
The Commissioner of Physical Education and sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya hailed the president of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the prevailing peace and stability upon which sports activities can be played.
“I want to thank President Museveni for the peace and stability in the country under which we are able to thrive and hold these different sports activities. We thank God for him” the commissioner hailed.
Rev. Canon Dr. Mugumya saluted the minister of education and sports Mamma Janet Kataha Museveni and the state minister of sports Hon. Peter Ogwang for the cooperation, efforts and passion of ensuring sports events are held in the country.
He also hinted upon the effort of ASHUU, head teachers, games teachers, coaches, players and the other people directly involved in the sports eco-system.
Rev. Canon Dr Mugumya hailed the host school for this year’s ball games one Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College for the facilities provided.
He also cautioned the students to balance the sports business-end with education, appreciating the role of the media in spreading the news.
USSSA president Justus Mugisha who was flanked by his entire executive committee members and officials of the local organizing committee showered praise to the host school for hosting the games with the highest number ever of participants.
Mugisha noted that this year’s ball games one have also accommodated the younger cluster of players in the U-16 catergory in volleyball and netball, playing alongside the mandatory U-20’s.
“We thank the directors of the hosting school for the opportunity to host us again, months after the FEASSSA games last year” he opened up.
“I welcome all the participants. This is the highest number ever at the USSSA Ball games one; thus fulfilling the mission of mass-sport; giving every child an opportunity to play at the district, zonal and national levels. We thank the Ministry of Education and Sports for coming up with the best rules ever” he added.
He also hinted on the bold progress against whipping away non-bonfide players in school games.
“Gone are the days when games were full of merchanaries. I admit there is a lot of work to be done to reduce merchanaries to zero. There are guidelines that protect the intergrity of these games to determine that the winning teams are decided on the courts and fields of play. We also have the U-16’s to join the U-20’s. The winners will represent the country in the FEASSSA Games, Africa and International competitions” Mugisha pointed.
The opening ceremony was also graced by ASSHU general secretary Hajjati Zulaika Nabukeera, Bukedea Resident District Commissioner Wilberforce Tukei and the ASSHU representative for ball games one Paul Sserunjogi, local leaders among others.
The official opening match played on the newly laid astro-turf had hosts Bukedea Comprehensive out-muscle Gulu High 2-0.
The games continue on Thursday until 14th for the closing ceremony.
The USSSA ball games one menu entails a collection of disciplines as football girls, rugby 15’s, Hockey, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Netball (U-16), Volleyball (U-16) and badminton.
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