Gulu shines at 2025 National Disability Sports Gala

Gulu District stole the spotlight at the 9th edition of the National Disability Sports Gala, clinching three overall titles during the week-long event held in Masaka City.

The 2025 gala attracted athletes from 22 districts across Uganda and featured competition in 17 sporting disciplines—the highest number since the event’s inception in 2014.

Participants competed in four main categories: primary, secondary, university, and community, each grouped according to disability classification.

In the primary schools’ category, Isingiro District initially emerged champions with 77 points, followed by Masaka District (50 points) and Rukungiri (43 points). Hornby High School from Kabale topped the secondary category, while MUBS and Gulu Community triumphed in the university and community categories, respectively.

Athletics once again drew the largest number of competitors, with over 250 athletes participating in various track and field events.

However, the overall standings later shifted. Masaka City captured the primary schools’ overall trophy with 267 points, surpassing Masaka District and Isingiro, who settled for second and third places. In the secondary division, Gulu High School dominated with 487 points—60 more than runners-up Hornby High School—while Mvara SS from Arua finished third with 94 points.

Gulu’s dominance extended to the university level, where Gulu University claimed the top spot with 339 points. MUBS followed with 233 points, and Makerere University came third with 140 points. The community category was tightly contested, with Nwoya District edging Gulu Community by just 10 points (167–157), while Masaka District settled for third.

Other highlights included Makerere University lifting the Goalball boys’ title, while Gulu University won the girls’ category. Makerere’s Miriam Awino finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals and was named Most Valuable Player.

In the primary category, Akumugisha Nelly and Byiringiro Response from Isingiro District were recognized as Best Female Deaf Player and Best Overall Female Player, respectively.

The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) awarded over 1,000 medals and 100 trophies to participants and winners. NPC Secretary for Administration Patrick Synole emphasized the importance of celebrating every athlete’s effort.

“We wanted all athletes to return to their communities with something symbolic—to inspire others with disabilities to express themselves through sport,” Synole said.

Masaka City Speaker Achilles Mawanda, who officiated as guest of honor, applauded the NPC for empowering persons with disabilities through sport.

“I encourage you to always take part in such events that recognize your efforts and talent,” he said.

However, NPC President Mpindi Bumaali expressed concern over limited funding, which he said continues to hinder talent development among persons with disabilities (PWDs). He urged local governments to embrace inclusive budgeting.

“Inclusiveness should begin at the district level during financial planning,” Bumaali emphasized.

The gala also served as a platform to identify athletes who will travel to Dubai next year for international classification—the first step toward joining Uganda’s pathway to future global competitions.

Overall winners
Primary category
1. Isingiro 77 points
2. Masaka 50
3. Rukungiri 43

Secondary category 
1. Hornby High School (Kabale) 112 points
2. Gulu High School (Gulu) 104 
3. Mvara SS (Arua) 82

University category 
1. MUBS 102 points
2. Gulu 79 
3. Makerere 56

Community category 
1. Gulu 79 points 
2. Nwoya 65
3. Masaka 50