ASSHU Teso Zone reaffirms support for USSSA–Teso sports development

The Association of Secondary Schools Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU) Teso Zone has reaffirmed its commitment to financially supporting and promoting talent development through USSSA–Teso activities.

This pledge was emphasized by Eliphaz Ewalu, Chairperson of ASSHU Teso, during the 2025 USSSA–Teso Zone Annual General Meeting held at Soroti Secondary School in Soroti City over the weekend.

“Thanks to the commendable leadership demonstrated by USSSA at the zonal and national levels, we are determined to do whatever it takes to finance USSSA sports activities,” said Opolot.

He also stressed the importance of nurturing youth talent and urged schools to strictly adhere to USSSA regulations. He revealed plans to introduce new sports such as lacrosse, cricket, badminton, and mind games like chess and scrabble, which are now recognized in national competitions.

The Annual General Assembly brought together USSSA executives from ten districts—Amuria, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Soroti, Ngora, Kumi, Kalaki, Kaberamaido, Ngora, and Bukedea.

During the meeting, members approved a budget of UGX 254,740,000 for the 2026 financial year. This budget will cover activities scheduled from January to December 2026, with significant allocations directed toward Ball Games One and Two.

Peter Okwi, General Secretary of USSSA–Teso, outlined the funding strategy for the upcoming year, which includes registration fees, district contributions, team participation fees, and revenue from utilities. USSSA–Teso Zone Chairperson Osuu John Robert commended the delegates for their constructive deliberations and praised schools across the region for their dedication to sports development.

“Teso is now recognized among the top-performing zones in USSSA competitions—locally, continentally, and globally. Let’s keep the fire burning,” he said.

Osuu also applauded the districts for their efforts in curbing the use of non-genuine players, noting that the online player registration system has significantly improved transparency and accountability.

He added that the zones are seeing real value for money and expressed satisfaction with the direction the association is taking.

The Assembly passed several resolutions aimed at strengthening school sports in the Teso Zone. These included mandatory participation of all schools in school games with penalties for non-compliance, annual conduct of AGMs, capacity building for games teachers and officials, and equipping the USSSA–Teso Secretariat at Soroti Secondary School.

Additional resolutions focused on the introduction of weekend and Sunday leagues, implementation of the Image Fetcher system for player screening at the district level, development of a five-year sports development plan, and expansion of sports disciplines to include cricket, lacrosse, badminton, chess, and scrabble.