Joy in Bukedea as home team triumphs at Ball Games opener

Soccer fans in Bukedea District were filled with joy on Wednesday afternoon after witnessing the home team, Bukedea Comprehensive School Girls, secure a convincing 2-0 victory over Gulu High School during the official opening ceremony of the USSSA National Ball Games One at Bukedea Stadium.

The match was a thrilling curtain-raiser, with Bukedea's goals coming from Elizabeth Apecho and Janita Nanyonjo, each scoring in either half under the guidance of head coach Jimmy Mukubya.

The opening ceremony attracted hundreds of spectators, including officials from the central government, representatives from the Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU), Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), school heads, teachers, students, and members of the public. Dr. Augustine Mugabo, a director in Parliament, officiated the event on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among Magogo, who was the chief guest.

Delivering the Speaker’s message, Dr. Mugabo commended USSSA for its efficient use of the funds provided by the Ministry of Education and Sports.

“I particularly applaud USSSA for organizing such impactful games, and I appreciate the headteachers who mobilize and support their schools to participate,” he said.

USSSA President Justus Mugisha, accompanied by his executive committee and members of the local organizing committee, praised Bukedea Comprehensive School for successfully hosting the largest number of participants in the history of the games.

“For the first time, Bukedea Comprehensive is hosting over 7,000 athletes competing in girls’ football, rugby 15s, hockey, lawn tennis, table tennis, netball (U-16), volleyball (U-16), and badminton,” Mugisha said.

He also highlighted that this year’s tournament includes a younger age category (U-16) in volleyball and netball, competing alongside the standard U-20 categories.

“We’re grateful to the directors of Bukedea Comprehensive for hosting us again, just months after last year’s FEASSSA Games,” Mugisha added.

Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports, applauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the peace and stability that allows such events to take place.

“We thank President Museveni for the prevailing peace in the country, which enables us to organize and participate in these sporting events,” he said.

He also extended appreciation to First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, and State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, for their dedication and support towards sports development.

Mugumya urged students to maintain a balance between sports and academics, and commended the media for amplifying the importance of such events.

Other notable guests included ASSHU General Secretary Hajjati Zulaika Nabukeera, Bukedea Resident District Commissioner Wilberforce Tukei, ASSHU Representative for Ball Games One Paul Sserunjogi, and various local leaders.