18 schools advance to round of 32 at USSSA National Boys’ Football Championship

The battle continues at the USSSA national boys’ football championship as 18 schools have progressed to the round of 32. Defending champions Buddo Secondary School are among the qualifiers.

Following three group stage matches each, hosted at Lira Town College in Lira City, the third matchday concluded on the morning of Tuesday, May 13, 2026.

The schools that have advanced to the knockout stage are Buddo SS, Masindi SS, Mbale Progressive SS, Kisozi Seed School, Kichwamba High School, Agape SS, London College Nansana, Kawempe Muslim School, Kyadondo, Jinja Progressive, Amus College School, Mukono Kings’ High School, Ssingo SS, Ibanda SS, Mentor SS, Nkoma SS, Bukedea Comprehensive, and Numasa SS.

“We are glad to have qualified for the round of 32. Our next focus is on the final whistle of the championship, as the players are set to lift the trophy. We played aggressively to earn maximum points. I salute the players for a solid performance in the group stage,” said Buddo coach Eddie Magulu Ssemakula.

The battle now remains over who will top their respective groups ahead of the round of 32 matches.

While the successful schools will compete in the round of 32, the eliminated teams will play classification matches to determine positions 33 to 64.

The 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Boys’ Football competition kicked off on Sunday with schools’ arrivals. Several matches were played on Monday, and the official opening ceremony was held on Wednesday at Lira Town College grounds.

Presiding over the ceremony, Joyce Morika Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, applauded all participants for making the journey to Lira City for the national championship.

“Now that you are here, make sure you showcase your God-given talent with discipline. Games without discipline are not a game,” said Kaducu.