Low turnout marks national skills championship in Katakwi

_______________

The 12th edition of the National Championship for Skills Development Centres in Uganda officially began on April 26, 2026, although only 24 teams turned up, far short of the anticipated over 42.

Officials said that out of the expected 42 government skills development centres, only 22 participated in the national competitions hosted by Katakwi Technical School in Katakwi district.

Two private skills development centres, Ssubi from Kampala and Flamingo from Arua, are also taking part in the event, which opened with athletics at the Katakwi district boma ground and will conclude on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Competitions include ball games, mind games, athletics and field events such as shot put, javelin and discus.

More than 20 government skills development centres and several private ones, particularly from the Western region, did not participate. Officials attributed this to rising fuel prices in Uganda.

Samson Isadat, the deputy headteacher at Katakwi Technical School, said only two schools from the Teso sub-region are participating, the host school, Katakwi and Olio Polytechnic in Serere district.

He added that Wera in Amuria district and Kumi Technical School did not send students due to recent strikes that led to their temporary closure.

The championship had initially been scheduled to run from April 25, 2026, to May 2, 2026, but was rescheduled to April 26 to 30, 2026, due to technical issues.

Teams selected from this championship will represent Uganda in international competitions.

John Bosco Okiror, the inspector of schools in Katakwi, urged residents to extend hospitality to visitors as efforts continue to host regional music, dance and drama competitions in August 2026.