Buddo S.S to represent Uganda at inaugural African Schools’ Games in Algeria

2025 USSSA Ball Games football champions, Buddo Secondary School, have confirmed their participation in the inaugural African Schools’ Games, set to take place in Algeria next month.

Buddo S.S clinched the national title after a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout victory over their Wakiso rivals, St. Mary’s SS Kitende, following a goalless draw in regular time.

Amos Agaba, the school’s games teacher, confirmed their participation, emphasizing the importance of the tournament in nurturing young talent.

“Our director, Mr. Lawrence Muwonge, was extremely pleased with our performance. He promised a generous token of appreciation in addition to the sh20 million he already awarded the boys. We’re excited to continue showcasing our talent and gaining international exposure,” Agaba said.

Budo SS celebrate after winning the champion

The African Schools’ Games, an initiative by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the International Schools Sport Federation (ISSF), will feature athletes aged 14 to 17 competing in 25 disciplines. These range from traditional Olympic sports to emerging events such as Basketball 3x3, Skateboarding, Beach Volleyball, and Taekwondo.

The event aims to serve as a platform for identifying and developing Africa’s next generation of elite athletes, while fostering a culture of pan-African school sports.

Last month, Chefs de Mission from 51 African National Olympic Committees convened in Algeria to finalize preparations for this landmark event.

Lydia Dhamuzungu, Assistant Secretary General of the Uganda Olympic Committee and Uganda’s Chef de Mission, confirmed that Uganda will compete in 13 disciplines, including Football, Badminton, Table Tennis, Basketball, Athletics, and Basketball 3x3.

“We’re focusing on sports that are well-established in Ugandan schools. We invited the top three schools in each of the 13 disciplines, and selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. Fortunately, Uganda has a well-organized school sports system, which gives us confidence in our representatives,” Dhamuzungu explained.

USSSA President Justus Mugisha expressed optimism about the impact of the games, noting their role in preparing Ugandan athletes for future international competitions such as the African Youth Games (Angola 2025), the Youth Olympic Games (Dakar 2026), and the Olympic Games (Los Angeles 2028).

A total of 14 schools are expected to represent Uganda at the tournament, which will host over 3,000 participants from across the continent. The event will be held under the theme: “Exemplary Continental Mobilisation for African Athletes.”

The games will run from July 26 to August 5, 2025, across the Algerian cities of Constantine, Sétif, Skikda, and Annaba