The representatives from Uganda that carried aloft the country’s flag at the recently concluded 2022 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games paid a historic courtesy visit to the headquarters of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) in Mengo, Kampala.
Rays of Grace, Paorihner Primary School, Bombo UMEA and Nakirebe schools represented Uganda at the football championship hosted in Arusha city, Tanzania.
Uganda won both the boys’ and girls’ categories with Rays of Grace and Bombo UMEA winning gold respectively.
The victors thus officially handed over their respective trophies to the USSSA and FEASSSA president Justus Mugisha, USSSA CEO Mugisha Christopher Banage and other officials of the executive.
Mugisha, the USSSA and FEASSSA president saluted the primary schools that proudly carried Uganda’s treasured flag, returning with gold medals and trophies.
“I wish to thank the different primary schools that represented us well in the U-16 football games at the 2022 FEASSSA Games in Tanzania. You did us well to win gold medals and the trophies. You automatically made the grade to the next U-15 World football games. We shall continue supporting you in all the necessary logistics and also thank FUFA for their hand.” a smiling Justus Mugisha remarked.
USSSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mugisha Banage lauded the gesture of the courtesy visit, praising the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) for the sponsorship made to Uganda’s four ambassadors.
“I appreciate FUFA for investing in youth football by sponsoring the teams to Arusha. I wish to thank them for sponsoring the teams with transport (to and from). In future, all the primary teams will be given a special arrangement. We also intend to increase on the number of disciplines and teams that represent the different countries. Next year, we have the U-15 championship in Brazil will involve both secondary and primary schools.” The CEO noted.
He also urged the students to remain disciplined at all times and also focus on their education endeavors.
“To the pupils, please work hard and remain disciplined. Also, give keen priority to your education because it goes hand with hand with the sports” Mugisha cautioned.
Roberts Kiwanuka, director of Rays of Grace and the chairperson of Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA) appreciated the offer presented to the four Ugandan teams to play at the 2022 FEASSSA Games.
He elaborated the success stories recorded with a special call to increase on the number of disciplines held.
“It was a great initiative to have represented Uganda at the FEASSSA Games in the football category. We would like to thank say thank you. There has been high level of exchanged opportunities in terms of culture, teacher- student’s relationship and the opportunity to visit the headquarters of the East African Community.” Kiwanuka submitted.
“I humbly appeal for the increase of the representatives to the FEASSSA Games and further incorporation of other games like netball, swimming, athletics into the whole frame” he added.
Bombo UMEA’s Edward Lugolobi was humbled for the “step-in right direction initiative” by USSSA and FEASSSA to develop girls’ football in the region right from the grass-roots.
“We learnt a lot from the 2022 FEASSSA Games in Tanzania. We returned with great experience earned and a lot of exposure to our young girls. I thank the players, FUFA, USSSA, the media officers that we traveled with, the doctors. The feeding was excellent and we are grateful that we did not get any child that fell sick. We ask USSSA that if there is any opportunity to further progressing, you do not leave us behind” Lugolobi appealed.
Uganda successfully defended overall title with a total of 18 gold, 10 silver and 13 bronze medals.
Kenya followed suit with 5 gold, 12 silver and 3 bronze. Rwanda has two 2 gold and silver apiece with 4 bronze as the hosts Tanzania managed 1 silver and 5 bronze.
Focus and attention will swiftly shift to the preparation for the national games in 2023, a precursor to the next FEASSSA Games slated for Burundi as well as other upcoming ISF Games.
FEASSSA umbrella has Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi.