Date: June 23, 2023
Kampala, Uganda – The Kololo Ceremonial Grounds bustled with excitement as the Government of Uganda organized the Africa Public Service Day celebration. The event, aimed at highlighting the diverse services provided by various government ministries under the public service sector, witnessed the active participation of the Uganda Secondary Schools Association (USSSA) in showcasing their invaluable contributions to education and sports.
Esteemed guests, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanjja, Katty Lamaro, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, inspected the exhibition, expressing their support for the USSSA’s initiatives. The USSSA, operating under the Ministry of Education and Sports and in collaboration with the Department of Physical Education and Sports, as well as the Association of Secondary School Health Teachers of Uganda (ASSHU), took this opportunity to present their range of services to the public.
Nsimbi Martin, a Secretariat member of the Uganda Secondary School Sports Association, shared his enthusiasm for being part of the exhibition and acknowledged the significance of engaging with the public to raise awareness about the services they offer.
“We are delighted to be a part of this prestigious exhibition, which allows us to connect directly with the public and educate them about the wide array of services we provide,” stated Nsimbi Martin. “As an association, we take pride in our role in fostering education and sports in secondary schools.”
The USSSA, entrusted with the responsibility of promoting physical education and sports on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports and ASSHU, showcased several notable services during the Africa Public Service Day celebration. These services include:
- Organization of National Tournaments: The USSSA takes the lead in organizing major national tournaments, such as the Fresh Dairy National Secondary School Games, featuring sports like rugby 15s, girls’ football, basketball, racket games, and more. These tournaments provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and engage in healthy competition.
- National Secondary School Football Championship: Recently concluded at Nyakasura School in Fort Portal, this championship brought together talented football players from secondary schools across the nation, encouraging teamwork and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship.
- National Secondary School Ball Games II: Anticipation builds for the upcoming event, set to be held in Kabale and hosted by St. Mary’s College Rushoroza. The competition will feature various ball games, further promoting physical fitness and friendly competition among students.
- Participation in Regional and International Competitions: The USSSA extends its support to secondary school teams by facilitating their participation in prestigious competitions at different levels. This includes events within the East African region, such as the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA), as well as continental competitions like the Federation of African Schools Sports (FAS) and international events under the International School Sport Federation (ISF).
- Introduction of an Online Registration Portal: In their pursuit of efficiency, the USSSA recently implemented an online registration portal. This platform enables the association to collect comprehensive data on learners participating in secondary school sports, ensuring accurate records and the identification of genuine athletes.
Through the services, the USSSA aims to instill a culture of physical activity, teamwork, and healthy competition among secondary school students. By providing opportunities for talented athletes to excel both nationally and internationally, the association plays a crucial role in nurturing their skills and promoting holistic development.
As the Africa Public Service Day celebration drew to a close, attendees departed with a greater understanding of the USSSA’s significant contributions in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports and ASSHU. The association’s commitment to education and sports underscores Uganda’s dedication to empowering the country’s youth and fostering a brighter future.
The Africa Public Service Day celebration stands as a testament to the instrumental role played by public service organizations in driving positive change and uplifting communities. The USSSA’s active participation and the services showcased at the event serve as a reminder of Uganda’s unwavering commitment to promoting educational excellence and athletic achievement among secondary school students.
Photos by: Nkoola Joseph, Ministry of Education and Sports