The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) marked a significant milestone on Thursday, November 30, 2023, as it successfully solidified a long-term relationship with the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA). The interactive engagement session, held at the Kati-Kati Restaurant in Kampala, garnered a robust attendance, including key figures such as the Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports, Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, and ASSHU General Secretary Zulaika Nabukeera.
Led by USSSA President Justus Mugisha and USPA President Moses Alysad Lubega, along with their respective executive members, the event provided a platform for fruitful discussions and collaborations. The opening remarks by USSSA CEO Christopher Mugisha Banage set the tone for the engagement, emphasizing USSSA’s commitment to innovation and the importance of public understanding of school sports.
Banage stated, “We take this engagement seriously, seeking input from media personnel for the betterment of school sports. School sports serve as a nursery bed for various sports federations in the country.”
President Mugisha echoed the sentiment, expressing delight about the newly forged partnership and highlighting USSSA’s recent innovations, particularly in capacity building. He outlined key aspects of USSSA, including governance, administration, stakeholders, membership, activities, and focus areas.
President Mugisha: “We have done a lot and feel that this should be reported to the public. We are here to interface with USPA and show them what we are doing. Among the things we have done which are new is capacity building.”
USPA President Lubega praised the partnership, emphasizing the interconnectedness of education and sports. He urged positive journalism within the sports ecosystem and acknowledged the unique cognitive benefits that sports bring to students, teachers, parents, and sports fans.
President Lubega: “This partnership is very key and found. We (sports media) appeal strongly to your guidance. Education and sports are quite inter-linked. The cognitive abilities that sports give are the same as sports gives. The audiences are intertwined; parents, teachers, students, and sports fans.”
Dr. Rev. Duncans Mugumya, the chief guest, celebrated the official union between USSSA and USPA, drawing inspiration from the Holy Bible (John 15:17). He emphasized the intrinsic motivation sports provide and called for early involvement in talent development.
Dr. Rev. Duncans Mugumya: “Thank God for this official marriage between the media under USPA and USSSA.”
ASSHU General Secretary Zulaika Nabukeera commended USSSA for its inclusive approach and urged the involvement of disabled personalities in sports. She thanked President Justus Mugisha for his leadership and acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni.
Zulaika Nabukeera: “Everyone can see the fruits of USSSA. I am seeing a vibrant USSSA, thanks to the efforts of President Justus Mugisha.”
In a significant announcement, USSSA introduced the inaugural USSSA Excellence Awards, scheduled for December 15, 2023, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. Hajji Twahil Kiteezala, the USSSA’s 1st Vice President and Chairman of the Marketing Committee highlighted the growth in the relationship between USPA and USSSA during business times.
Hajji Twahil Kiteezala: “The relationship between USPA and USSSA has always been there. In business times, there has been tremendous growth.”
The USSSA Excellence Awards will feature various categories, including Coach of the Year, Sports Teacher of the Year, School of the Year (Boys and Girls), Team of the Year, Fair-Play Award, and Special Recognition Awards. The voting mechanism will involve journalists, sports teachers, team captains, coaches, and an overall technical team, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of outstanding achievements in school sports.
Hajjat Zulaika Nabukeera,ASSHU General Secretary and Rev. Canon Duncans Mugumya , Commisioner Physical Education and Sports, Ministry of Education and Sports.
