The Imperial Royale Hotel played host to an evening of jubilation and acknowledgment as the winners of the USSSA Excellence Awards 2023 were unveiled in a glittering ceremony attended by administrators, coaches, teachers, athletes, and sports enthusiasts alike. The inaugural awards ceremony, designed to honor excellence in secondary school sports across Uganda, showcased the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and institutions who have truly excelled in the field.
Primary School of the Year: Heritage of St Stephen Primary School
In a triumph for grassroots sports, Heritage of St Stephen Primary School emerged as the Primary School of the Year, displaying exceptional prowess in the field of Netball and setting the stage for future stars in the world of secondary school sports.
Achievements:
- FEASSA Champions Netball Girls 2023
Special Needs School (SNE) of the Year: St Francis School of the Blind Madera
St Francis School of the Blind Madera emerged as the beacon of inclusivity, winning the Special Needs School of the Year award. This victory reflects their commitment to providing opportunities and recognizing the talents of students with special needs.
Achievements:
- 3rd Overall Special Needs (SNE) Boys and Girls FEASSA 2023
Fair Play Award: St Noa Girls Secondary School Zzana
St Noa Girls Secondary School Zzana exemplified the highest standards of sportsmanship, earning them the prestigious Fair Play Award. Their commitment to fair play, respect, and camaraderie on and off the pitch has set a commendable example for others to follow.
Achievements:
- Disciplined on and off the pitch
- Smartness on and off the pitch
- Silver Medalist National Football Girls
- Silver Medalist National Basketball Girls
- Silver Medalist National Netball
- Silver Medalist FEASSA Netball
- Bronze Medalist ISF World Cup Football Girls
Female Coach of the Year: Mugisha Lillian
Mugisha Lillian stood out as the epitome of coaching excellence, earning the title of Female Coach of the Year. Her dedication and guidance have not only led her team to success but have also inspired a generation of young athletes.
Achievements:
- FEASSA Champion Swimming Girls
Male Coach of the Year: Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi – Kawempe Muslim Secondary School
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi of Kawempe Muslim Secondary School secured the Male Coach of the Year accolade. His leadership and strategic coaching in football have propelled his team to new heights, showcasing the impact of a true coaching maestro.
Achievements:
- National Champion Football Girls U14
- National Champion Football Girls U16
- FEASSA Champion Football Girls 2023
- CAF Pan African School Champion Girls
- Appointed National Team Coach
Female Sports Teacher of the Year: Kyolaba Grace Viola – St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende
Kyolaba Grace Viola of St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende was honored as the Female Sports Teacher of the Year. Her commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a love for sports among students has earned her this well-deserved recognition.
Achievements:
- National Champions Netball
- National Champions Football Boys
- National Basketball Champions Girls 3×3
- National Basketball Champions Girls 5×5
- FEASSA Basketball Champions Girls 3×3
- FEASSA Basketball Champions Girls 5×5
- FEASSA Champions Football Boys
- CAF Pan African Schools Champions Boys
Male Sports Teacher of the Year: Kasujja Erias – Kibuli Secondary School
Kasujja Erias of Kibuli Secondary School clinched the Male Sports Teacher of the Year award. His dedication to shaping the holistic development of students through sports education has set a commendable benchmark for his peers.
Achievements:
- National Champions Badminton Boys
- National Champion Table Tennis Boys & Girls
- National Champion Tennis Boys & Girls
- FEASSA Champion Table Tennis Boys
- FEASSA Champion Tennis Boys
- FEASSA Champion Badminton Boys
School of the Year: St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende
St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende emerged as the overall School of the Year, showcasing consistent excellence across various disciplines. Their achievements have solidified their position as a powerhouse in secondary school sports.
Achievements:
- National Champions Netball
- National Champions Football Boys
- National Basketball Champions Girls 3×3
- National Basketball Champions Girls 5×5
- FEASSA Basketball Champions Girls 3×3
- FEASSA Basketball Champions Girls 5×5
- FEASSA Champions Football Boys
- CAF Pan African Schools Champions Boys
Female Athlete of the Year: Niyomwungere Peace Olga – Football, St Noa Girls Secondary School Zzana
Niyomwungere Peace Olga, a football sensation from St Noa Girls Secondary School Zzana, was crowned Female Athlete of the Year. Her remarkable achievements and sportsmanship have made her a shining star in the realm of secondary school sports.
Achievements:
- National MVP
- FEASSA MVP
- ISF Morocco MVP
- Top Scorer
- Call up to Burundi National team
Male Athlete of the Year: Allan Oyirwoth – Football, Amus College School
Allan Oyirwoth of Amus College School claimed the title of Male Athlete of the Year, showcasing outstanding skill and determination in the field of football. His achievements have not only brought pride to his school but have also inspired his peers.
Achievements:
- Teso Zone MVP and Top Scorer
- National Championship MVP
- National Championship Top Scorer
- Top Scorer FEASSA
- Top Scorer ISF
- MVP Buganda Masaza Cup for Gomba County
- Call up to Senior National Team
Other MVPs
The winners, as well as all the nominees, have not only showcased their athletic prowess but have become role models for aspiring athletes across Uganda. The USSSA Excellence Awards 2023 not only honors their achievements but also underscores the spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and dedication that define the sports community in Uganda.
As the awards ceremony concluded, the cheers and applause echoed a shared sentiment of pride and admiration for these exceptional individuals and institutions. The USSSA Excellence Awards 2023 has set the stage for a new tradition of celebrating excellence in secondary school sports, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of this remarkable initiative.