Dr. Joyce Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education, was chief giest at the official opening of the National Boys Fooball Championship in Lira.
The event was held at Lira Town College Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The official opening match witnessed hosts Lira Town College defeat PP Newton 2-0 on a slippery-watery surface. The tournament has reached its business end with match day four coming on Thursday, 14th May 2026, with round of 32 slots up for grabs in different groups.
I would like to congratulate Lira City for hosting these games. I also want to thank the Ministry of Education and Sports for supporting school sports and sports in general. I call upon teachers to help these young students nurture and develop their talents. I also appeal to everyone to uphold fair play throughout the competition. I officially declare these games open.” Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education and Chief Guest.
“I would like to congratulate Lira Town College for hosting these games. I humbly appeal to the Government to adjust the budget so that we can fully support all Ugandan teams representing the country at the international level.” Sammy Odong, Assistant Commissioner, Physical Education and Sports
“I welcome you all to this championship. I would like to thank the Ministry of Education and Sports for entrusting us with the responsibility of organizing these games. Unlike before, in this championship all teams will play the same number of matches. From the group stages, as some teams advance to the knockout rounds, others will continue to play classification games. This structure is not only meant to determine positions but also to support the development of players.”
“During this championship, we are also conducting capacity-building programs, where students are being trained as coaches, referees, and media officers.
From this championship, the top three schools will join Bukedea Comprehensive School to represent Uganda at the FEASSA Games in Tanzania from 12th to 22nd August.
Uganda has been ranked as the second most organized country in Africa in school sports, and we are now ranked second in the world, behind China, by the International School Sport Federation.” MugishaJustus , USSSA President.
We are proud, as Lira Town College, to host this championship. In the history of this school, this is the first time such an event has been hosted here. We are committed to providing hospitality, welfare, and adequate security. To the people of Lira, come out in large numbers and let these students feel the roar of Lira.” Mr. Levi Abongo, Headteacher Lira Town College.
Group Stage action comes to a close on Thursday before teams advance to the round of 32 while the rest embark on the mandatory classification games.
The championship started on 10th May and will come to a close on 20th May, 2026 with much awaited finals.
