At least 6,560 students expected at USSSA national ball games I in Mukono

At least 6,560 students are expected to congregate at Seroma Christian High School in Mukono to compete for various accolades in the forthcoming Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) national ball games I.

The championships, scheduled to run from April 29 to May 9, 2026, will see athletes showcase their talents across nine sports disciplines: Basketball 5×5, Basketball 3x3, Hockey, Rugby 15s, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball (U17), Handball (U17) for both boys and girls, and U-17 Girls Netball.

“This year, we expect the number of athletes coming for the ball games to be slightly larger than last year’s games hosted at Bukedea Comprehensive School, due to the introduction of several new sports disciplines,” said Christopher Mugisha, USSSA Chief Executive Officer.

According to Mugisha, the competition will feature 64 schools, with an expected 3,080 girls, 2,052 boys, 552 officials, and 176 referees, representing 19 zones across the country.

Seroma Christian High School was granted full hosting rights for the national ball games I after winning the bidding process.

In a related development, Kyambadde Amelia, the resident director of Seroma Christian High School, spoke to Vision Sports without hiding her excitement, stating that the school is fully ready for the championship.

“As Seroma Christian High School and the community, we are prepared and eagerly awaiting the visitors’ arrival. I only ask the participants to abide by the rules and regulations during the championship,” said Kyambadde.

USSSA President Justus Mugisha issued a stern warning against the use of ineligible players, commonly referred to as “mercenaries,” emphasizing that only bona fide students with valid Learner Identification Numbers (LINs) will be permitted to participate.

“Gone are the days when games were full of mercenaries. I admit there is a lot of work to be done to reduce mercenaries to zero. There are guidelines that protect the integrity of these games to ensure that winning teams are decided on the courts and fields of play,” Mugisha noted.

According to Mugisha, the screening process is crucial to maintaining fairness and integrity in the competition. Schools found fielding ineligible players will face disciplinary action in line with USSSA regulations.

He also highlighted that enhanced security measures have been put in place to ensure discipline among players, officials, and spectators throughout the tournament.

Some of the giant schools in the championship include Amus College School, Boni Consilii Girls Vocational School, Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA), St. Peter’s High School Hoima, Mukono Kings, St. Noa Girls Secondary School, Seroma Christian High School, and defending champions St. Noa Girls.