By Jude Atwiine
The curtain came down on the 2026 USSSA Ball Games II Championships with a colourful closing ceremony held at the Janet Museveni Stadium, as government and school sports leaders hailed another successful edition and challenged athletes to carry Uganda’s hopes into next month’s FEASSA Games in Tanzania.
The championships, hosted by Sacred Heart Secondary School Gulu and Gulu High School in Gulu City, ran from July 8th to 17th, bringing together thousands of student-athletes from across the country in what USSSA described as the biggest Ball Games II championship in the history of the competition.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Rev. Canon Dr. Duncan Mugumya, Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, who represented the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.
Addressing athletes and officials, Dr. Mugumya applauded the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) for its continued education and awareness campaigns among young athletes during the championship.
“I commend the work by NADO in sensitizing and educating our athletes on the dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs and substances and their consequences,” he said.
He noted that the impact of school sports continues to be reflected in Uganda’s success on the international stage.
“We know how impactful school sports is because the results are plain to see. Uganda has qualified for back-to-back FIFA U-17 World Cups, and these players were students from our schools.”
Dr. Mugumya reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting school sports programmes.
“The government pledges to continue extending support towards the organization of school sports activities because of such tangible rewards.”
Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU) President Hajjat Zulaika Nabukeera praised USSSA for expanding the range of sports offered during national championships.
“I would like to commend USSSA for bringing on board more sports disciplines such as Kabaddi, Kho Kho, Cricket and Pickleball. This has given more children an opportunity to participate and showcase their talents.”
She also noted ASSHU’s increased involvement in this year’s championship and commended the athletes, officials and schools for their commitment throughout the competition.
USSSA President Justus Mugisha thanked Sacred Heart SS Gulu, Gulu City, ASSHU, officials and athletes for contributing to the successful staging of the championship.
“I extend my appreciation to Sacred Heart SS Gulu, Gulu City, ASSHU and all the athletes for contributing to the organization of the biggest Ball Games II ever in the history of these games.”
With the national championships concluded, Mugisha urged the schools that secured qualification to represent Uganda with distinction at the FEASSA Games, scheduled for next month in Morogoro, Tanzania.
“I request all those who have qualified to give in their best at the FEASSA Games and make sure they make Uganda proud.”
He also revealed that Uganda has submitted a bid to host the ISF Schools Football World Cup, expressing confidence that the country has the capacity to successfully stage the global event with government support.
“We are confident that, with government support, Uganda will be able to deliver this massive championship that brings together over 10,000 athletes.”
The Headteacher of Sacred Heart Secondary School Gulu, Rev. Sr. Hellen Lamunu, thanked USSSA for entrusting the school with hosting the prestigious championship.
She expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, officials, volunteers and participants, adding that the school was honoured to host the event and hopeful it had met the expectations of the schools and stakeholders.
The closing ceremony was held at the Janet Museveni Stadium, which was officially commissioned during the opening ceremony of the championships.
Attention now shifts to the USSSA National Swimming Gala, before Uganda’s qualified teams travel to Morogoro, Tanzania, to defend the country’s FEASSA Games titles.
