Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
By Kayiira Jackson
Uganda’s remarkable schools’ sports run in the 2024–2025 calendar is heading for a grand international finale, with two national contingents set to represent the country on both African and world stages this December. The send-off ceremony, held at the National Council of Sports headquarters in Lugogo, showcased the unity, pride and growing maturity of Uganda’s school sports system.
Presided over by Reverend Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, the event brought together top officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council of Sports and the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA).
Among the dignitaries in attendance were USSSA President Justus Mugisha, USSSA CEO Christopher Mugisha Banage, Assistant General Secretary of NCS Milton Chebet, Assistant Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports Sammy Odong, USSSA Executive Committee Members Grace Violah Kyolaba and Douglas Kabwegyere, and a strong representation of parents.
Their message was clear: Uganda’s school sports system is now a continental model—and it is time to assert that dominance internationally.
Uganda to Host CAF Africa Schools Championship for Second Straight Year
Uganda will once again be the centre of East and Central African youth football when it hosts the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship – CECAFA Qualifiers from 6–9 December at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
National powerhouses Kawempe Muslim Secondary School and St. Mary’s Kitende will carry Uganda’s hopes in the boys’ and girls’ categories, aiming to secure qualification to the continental finals.
“This is the second consecutive year we are hosting the CECAFA qualifiers, and we are ready,” USSSA President Mugisha affirmed. “Our schools have performed exceptionally well, and we expect them to qualify for the main finals again.”
Three Schools Set for ISF U15 Volleyball Worlds in China
At the same time, another Ugandan delegation will fly to Shangluo, China, for the ISF U15 World School Volleyball Championship, running from 4–13 December.
Uganda will be represented by:
International School of Uganda (ISU)
ARCONS International School
Mengo Senior School
With Uganda currently ranked No. 1 globally in ISF participation, the volleyball teams are expected to compete with confidence and purpose.
“Our outstanding ISF record didn’t happen by accident,” Mugisha emphasized. “We are organized right from the grassroots. That is why Uganda continues to dominate.”
In his keynote remarks, Chief Guest Rev. Can. Dr. Mugumya reminded the young athletes of the honor and responsibility placed upon them.
“You are carrying the hopes of forty-five million Ugandans,” he said. “Be patriotic. Represent your country with love. And to the leaders, protect our children—they are our pride.”
National Council of Sports’ Milton Chebet praised the consistent progress in the sports sector:
“We have had a successful year as a country. Your task now is to keep that candle burning and lift the Ugandan flag even higher.”
Parent representative Els De Temmerman encouraged the volleyball players heading to China to embrace the experience fully, both competitively and culturally.
Delegation Leadership
For the ISF Championship in China:
Leader of Delegation: Sammy Odong
Assistant Leader: Douglas Kabwegyere
For the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship:
Leader of Delegation: Grace Violah Kyolaba
A New Era for Uganda’s School Sports
The dual flag-off marks another milestone in USSSA’s long-term vision of developing globally competitive athletes while maintaining strong values at school level. With international doors opening wider each year, Uganda’s young sportsmen and women continue to carry the national flag with promise, discipline and pride.
