The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and National Athletics Federation were granted a prestigious luncheon at the Entebbe State House, marking a significant recognition of their remarkable sporting achievements in the year 2023. The honors were attributed to their remarkable performance at the recently concluded FEASSSA Games in Huye City, Rwanda (17th – 27th August) and their international success at the ISF Games.
Uganda displayed sheer dominance in Huye, securing a remarkable 17 out of 25 possible trophies and, consequently, emerging as the overall winner for the third consecutive year. This impressive victory further solidified Uganda’s reputation in the region as a sporting powerhouse.
Internationally, the prowess of Ugandan students extended to Morocco, where Buddo SS claimed the Africa 3X3 girls’ basketball championship. Meanwhile, at the ISF Games, St Noa, Kibuli SS, and Amus College represented Uganda in the World Schools Football Championship and exhibited exceptional talent on the global stage, held once again in Morocco.
The athletics team also showcased their exceptional talent on the world stage, participating and emerging victorious in the World Championships hosted in Budapest City, Hungary.
The event at the State House was graced by several dignitaries, including FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo, key officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Directors within the ministry, and members of the Board for the National Council of Sports (NCS), led by chairman Ambrose Tashobya and General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel.
The event’s Master of Ceremonies, Hon. Peter Ogwang, introduced both the USSSA and Athletics teams, and USSSA President Justus Mugisha conveyed his appreciation for being hosted at the State House.
USSSA President’s Speech
Mugisha expressed his gratitude to His Excellency the President and the First Lady for their continued support and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Mama as the Minister for Education and Sports. He also commended the commissioners and the Permanent Secretary, highlighting the ministry’s upward trajectory.
In addition, Mugisha proudly recounted the success of the USSSA teams at the ISF football tournament in Rabat City, Morocco. St Noa Girls, Amus College, and Kibuli S.S made Uganda proud, with St Noa clinching the bronze in girls’ football. He also announced that the 2024 FEASSSA Games would be hosted by Uganda, specifically in Bukedea, jointly with Amus College School and Bukedea Comprehensive.
The Request
Mugisha earnestly implored for affirmative action in the recruitment, placement, and promotion of games teachers, recognizing their pivotal role in encouraging student participation in sports. His plea underscored the importance of providing opportunities and recognition to educators who nurture sporting talents among students.
FEASSSA 2024
He conveyed to His Excellency the President that Uganda has been awarded the honor of hosting the 2024 FEASSSA Games, which will take place in Bukedea, marking a departure from the traditional Kampala venue. The event will be jointly organized by Amus College School and Bukedea Comprehensive.
The First Lady
The First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni, and Minister of Education and Sports encouraged students and athletes to consistently strive for the top position. She emphasized that being 3rd or 11th is never enough and urged them to work harder to secure the first position.
“Whenever you are out there know that we have you in our prayers and our thoughts. We appreciate you once again”. concluded the Minister.
His Excellency’s Speech
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni delivered a powerful speech, urging the students to maintain discipline at all times. He emphasized the importance of sports in character-building, cooperation, teamwork, and entertainment for spectators, acknowledging its significant role in providing income for athletes. He congratulated all the medal winners and advised sports leaders to ensure the public understands the value of sports.
The Pledge
In a remarkable pledge, the President promised substantial support to USSSA and the general sports subsector.
- He committed to providing two sports facilities in each of the 19 USSSA zones, one within schools and another for the general public. Furthermore,
- He assured USSSA that each zone would receive a bus for convenient transport, and sports teachers and
- Coaches would receive special consideration regarding additional pay for their invaluable contributions to nurturing young talents.
The event celebrated the outstanding achievements of the USSSA and Athletics teams, recognizing their significant role in developing and showcasing Uganda’s sporting talent. President Museveni’s presence and his commitment to supporting the sports sector marked a memorable and promising occasion for the future of Ugandan sports.
World 10,000m record holder, Joshua Cheptegei, delivered an inspiring message to the students, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and persistence, underscoring that anyone can achieve success in life. He expressed his gratitude to His Excellency on behalf of all athletes during his vote of thanks.
Notably, one crucial issue remained unaddressed during the President’s speech – the matter of affirmative action for teachers in terms of recruitment, deployment, and promotion. This concern highlights the significance of supporting educators who play a vital role in nurturing sporting talents among students.
The Awards
During the ceremony, five schools were specially recognized for their sporting excellence at national, FEASSSA, and Global levels. St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende, Kibuli S.S, St Noa Girls, Kawempe Muslim, and Buddo Secondary School were awarded accolades by His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for their exceptional performances.
Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation, expressed his gratitude to Justus Mugisha for his leadership in the early development and subsequent integration of young athletes into the national team. Under Mugisha’s guidance, promising talents are nurtured from a young age, enabling them to eventually reach the national team level.
The USSSA stands as a cornerstone for numerous sports federations in the country, providing a fertile ground where a wealth of talented young athletes can access a platform to both exhibit and cultivate their abilities.