Amus College targets first boys' football title as national championship kicks off

Amus College School says it is fully ready to compete at a high level in national football as the team aims to take the boys' trophy from defending champions Buddo SS.

The championship runs from May 10 to 20, 2026, at Lira Town College, with 64 top school teams from across the country battling for national glory.

Amus games teacher Calvin Opio emphasised the team's readiness: "We are well prepared, focused, and ready for the challenge ahead. The competition will be tough, but we believe in our ability. Our goal is to win the title, and we are taking every game seriously."

The Bukedea-based school reached the national final for the first time in 2024, finishing as runners-up with a 3-0 loss to St. Julian High School. Since then, Amus has established itself as a football powerhouse, with both boys' and girls' teams dominating regional qualifiers and winning the 2026 USSSA Teso Zone.

Buddo SS coach Magulu Ssemakula remains confident: "I know we lost the district championship because of a disturbance the school faced. But we are back to our winning mentality. Everyone is aware of that, and we shall play to our best."

The 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Boys' football competition kicked off on Sunday with teams arriving. Several games were played on Monday, and the official opening ceremony is set for today, May 12, at Lira Town College grounds.

Levi Abongo, the hosting head teacher, said the school is ready with enough facilities, including football pitches, sanitation, health services, and security.

"Everything is in place; we had only been waiting for this time of the competition. Local business owners from Lira city and neighboring districts have already secured business areas for themselves," said Abongo.

The championship, supported by the Ministry of Education and Sports in conjunction with USSSA, has attracted 1,280 competitors and 400 officials from 64 schools.

Bosco Maga Yego, Lira Town College games master, assured total safety during the competition.

"I am humbled and feel a great sense of pressure now that the dream of Lira Town College hosting the USSSA Boys' Football Championship has come true. We have achieved this milestone," said Maga. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to defeat any opponent, emphasising the players' hard work and dedication.

Nelly Akwankasa, District Police Commander for Lira City East, said security has been deployed both on the ground and in accommodation areas.

"On the side of security, there is enough manpower that will be in position to patrol all the areas where boys will be sleeping, up to the playing grounds," said Akwankasa.

USSSA BOYS FOOTBALL TUESDAY SELECTED MATCHES

Buddo SS V Masindi SS

Agape SS V Kichwamba high school

Jinja Progressive academy V Kyadondo SS

Mengo SS V SSINGO SS

Teso college Aloet V Kaserem SS

 Amus College school V Standard high school Ndejje

Makobore High school V Bwera SS

Kawempe Muslim school V MEHTA SS

Nkoma SS V Mbarara Army Boarding