Gulu City gears up to host USSSA National Championships
Several business owners said the influx of thousands of students, teachers, officials, and supporters is expected to significantly boost trade for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, supermarkets, and other service providers.
Hellen Lamunu, headteacher of Sacred Heart Girls' SS, in a group photo with Sam Odong, Assistant Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, during a recent event
Excitement has swept across Gulu City as residents and the business community warmly welcome the opportunity to host the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) national championships.
Several business owners said the influx of thousands of students, teachers, officials, and supporters is expected to significantly boost trade for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, supermarkets, and other service providers.
"We are ready to receive visitors from every corner of Uganda. This championship is a huge opportunity for Gulu's economy. Hotels are ready, restaurants are stocked, transport operators are on standby, and traders are looking forward to increased business during the two-week competition," said Beatrice Aber, a hotel operator.
Aber described the decision to hold the championship in the Acholi zone as a wise one.
The prestigious national championships will run from July 8 to 18, 2026, bringing together more than 12,000 participants to compete in various disciplines for national glory and the chance to represent Uganda at the 2026 FEASSA Games in Morogoro City, Tanzania, this August.
P' Bitek Okot, 2nd Vice President of USSSA and Chairperson of the USSSA Acholi Zone, said the two co-hosting schools, Sacred Heart Secondary School and Gulu High School are fully prepared.
"We are set and ready to host schools. We have enough accommodation for participating teams, and all competition venues are ready. The upgrading of the athletics field at Sacred Heart Secondary School has been completed," Okot said.
Hellen Lamunu, headteacher of Sacred Heart Girls' SS, expressed her excitement about hosting the event.
"We welcome every school coming to Gulu. We want all visitors to enjoy our hospitality, experience our culture, and leave with wonderful memories. We wish all athletes the very best and hope they enjoy their stay in Acholi," Lamunu said.
The championships will feature competitions in CAF African Schools Football U15 Boys and Girls, U17 Football, Volleyball (U20), Handball (U20), Netball (Girls U20), Basketball 3×3, Rugby Sevens (U20), Athletics, Cross Country, Woodball, Chess, Ludo, Lacrosse, Dance Sport, and Scrabble.
The event will also showcase demonstration sports, including Golf, Kabaddi, Kho Kho, Cricket, and Pickleball, reflecting USSSA's continued commitment to expanding sporting opportunities for learners across the country.