By Jude Atwiine
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) hosted Susan Swern, who is representing the Global Pickleball Federation under Operation Paddle Lift, at its head offices at Old Kampala on Tuesday, 10th February, 2026.
Swern’s visit came exactly a week after USSSA President Justus Mugisha announced pickleball among the new disciplines to be introduced for demonstration at the 2026 National Championships.
She was warmly welcomed by USSSA Chief Executive Officer Chris Mugisha Banage and Patrick Okanya, Head of Capacity Building. The meeting focused on potential areas of collaboration between USSSA and the global pickleball community to accelerate the growth of the sport in Uganda.
Swern was escorted by Pickleball Uganda Federation’s Regina Nakibuule alongside other members from the secretariat.
A Unique Opportunity for Pickleball in Uganda
Speaking during the meeting, Patrick Okanya highlighted the significance of pickleball’s inclusion in the USSSA program, noting that it is the first sport to be granted a demonstration opportunity at the Nationals without prior interaction with the international bodies.
“Pickleball is the first sports discipline to be given a chance to do demonstrations at the Nationals before interaction with international bodies. This shows how supportive the Association is in trying to introduce the sport to as many people as possible,” Okanya said.
He further emphasized that USSSA’s immediate request is not financial support, but technical and developmental assistance.
“Our request is not cash money, but support with equipment, human resource, and educational materials if available, to aid the promotion of the game across the country,” he added.
USSSA Ready to Partner for Growth
USSSA CEO Chris Mugisha Banage reaffirmed the USSSA’s readiness to work with the emerging Pickleball Uganda Federation and other stakeholders to popularize the sport among students.
“We are ready to work with Pickleball Uganda Federation as we engage a big number of students across the country, which could make the work easier as long as masses find the game appealing and are ready to take it on,” Banage said.
He noted that USSSA’s wide national footprint, reaching schools across all regions, provides a strong platform for introducing pickleball to young athletes and integrating it into school sports programs.
Global Vision for Pickleball
Susan Swern expressed gratitude for the warm reception at the USSSA headquarters and praised the leadership for their commitment to embracing pickleball.
“I am grateful for the hospitality and impressed by the commitment and willingness shown by USSSA leaders in taking on pickleball and spreading it across the country,” Swern said.
Swern is representing the Global Pickleball Federation under Operation Paddle Lift, a global initiative aimed at ensuring pickleball is accessible and played by individuals across the world. The program seeks to introduce the sport to new regions, provide equipment, and support grassroots development initiatives.
Looking Ahead
With pickleball set to be demonstrated at the 2026 USSSA National Championships, the visit marks a major milestone in the sport’s journey in Uganda.
As USSSA continues to expand its portfolio of sports disciplines, pickleball’s entry reflects the USSSA’s broader vision of mass participation in school sports.
