All set for 23rd FEASSA Games as Uganda eyes title defence in Morogoro

All is set for the 23rd edition of the Federation of East African Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.

The inter-regional event, which is hosted on a rotating basis, is scheduled to run from August 12 to 23, 2026, in a city located in the eastern part of Tanzania, approximately 196 kilometers (122 miles) west of Dar es Salaam.

As part of the preparatory measures towards the championship, the FEASSA Executive team will today, Thursday, August 6, conduct team draws at USSSA head offices at GNS Plaza, Old Kampala, ahead of Team Uganda's official flag-off set for Sunday, August 9.

A ten-day packed activity schedule will see Uganda present a contingent of 1,500 participants and officials who will be ready to defend the six titles.

"Uganda is ready to present athletes who will feature in the 21 sporting disciplines, such as football (soccer), rugby (7s and 15s), volleyball, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), netball, hockey, tennis, badminton, table tennis, athletics, swimming, scrabble, chess, cricket, and beach soccer, among others," said Christopher Mugisha, USSSA Chief Executive Officer.

According to Mugisha, the teams that qualified for the FEASSA Games are assured of defending the titles that Uganda currently holds, having won in almost every discipline in the three-week event hosted in Uganda.

USSSA President, Justus Mugisha, said the championship, running from August 12 to 23, marks a major return of the prestigious inter-school tournament to Tanzanian soil after nearly a decade.

According to Mugisha, the event promises a celebration of talent, culture, and regional camaraderie, with six East African nations – Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan – fielding their top secondary school athletes to compete for regional glory.

"Over the years, the games have grown into a regional spectacle, offering a platform for emerging student-athletes to shine on a bigger stage," he said.

He said Tanzania last hosted the FEASSA Games in September 2022, when the 20th edition took place in the city of Arusha. That edition proved historic, with local schools dominating several categories and setting the stage for Kenya's strong presence in regional school sports.

This year, the baton returns to Tanzania, with Morogoro city, known for its rich sporting culture and passionate sports fans, selected as the host. Venues will include Sokoine University for boys, while girls will be accommodated at Kilakala High School and Morogoro Teachers College (MOTCO).

FEASSA 2026 will feature an impressive 23 sports disciplines for secondary and primary school participants, including football (soccer), rugby (7s and 15s), volleyball, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), netball, hockey, tennis, badminton, table tennis, athletics, swimming, scrabble, chess, cricket, and beach soccer (new).