The Elite Games will start on 26th February with arrival at Janan SS Bombo and come to a close on 1st March2026 with awarding of winners, then departure.
For the USSSA Games 2026, a preparatory meeting was held at USSSA head offices at GNS Plaza, Old Kampala on Friday, 13th February chaired by CEO Christopher Mugisha alongside Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, who represented President Justus Mugisha, Competitions Director Emma Kasakya and Branding and Communications Director, Omario Bosco.
Ayub Khalifa, EXCo member.Omario Bosco, Branding and Communications DirectorEmma Kasakya, Director Competitions
Noteworthy is that the 7th edition of the Elite Games will consist of 7 sports disciplines namely football, basketball 5X5, basketball 3X3, rugby 7s, volleyball, netball, handball. On competitions guidelines
All teams to participate in the championship will only use athletes fully registered on the USSSA online registration system without exceptions.
Unlike the other championships, the Elite Games is one for preparing and testing teams ahead of National championships and therefore schools will be allowed to have a bigger number of athletes and therefore unlimited substitutions. This is aimed at helping teams test out their athletes to best of their limits. Chris Mugisha Banage, USSSA CEO explained.
The championship will be under 20 which insinuates that only athletes from 16 years of age up to 20 will be eligible according to the competition rules.
— Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (@USSSAOnline) February 13, 2026
St. Noa’s games teacher, William Ssentumbwe, questioned why the competition was not left open to all age categories to allow schools to prepare teams across the board.
In response, USSSA CEO Chris Mugisha explained that championships cannot be open-ended, as stipulated in the Association’s competition rules. He added that the set age categories are intended to help schools focus on structured athlete preparation within the approved framework, ensuring fairness, organization, and proper development pathways for student-athletes.
On welfare
Chris Mugisha noted that schools will not be required to carry mattresses, plates and cups but can carry their other personal belongings that they deem necessary.
Follow in depth analysis and an Elite Games preview via the School Sports Podcast.
The podcast crew embarked on a tour to Janan SS Bombo, hosts of the 7th edition spoke to a number of key figures from head teacher, sports director and president to assess the readiness of the entire community.
What is the acquired age blanket for the elite games