Kabalega SS confident of hosting 2027 USSSA National Games

Kabalega Secondary School Headteacher Jackson Katusiime has reaffirmed the school's readiness to host the 2027 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Games.

Katusiime expressed confidence in hosting the national U-20 boys' football after a successful inspection of the school's facilities by officials from USSSA and the Ministry of Education and Sports, saying the school meets all requirements to host the 2027 edition.

He noted that it has been a long time since the Bunyoro-based school last hosted national games. The school hosted the national competitions, formerly known as Copa Coca-Cola, in 1999, 2006 and 2016, and the Airtel Rising Stars in 2019.

"I'm confident that having hosted national competitions on several occasions, the school has the ability to deliver the championship. This commitment can be translated into a strong bid through collaboration with USSSA, district authorities, health services, security agencies, parents and the local business community," Katusiime said.

Kabalega SS is among 10 schools that have submitted bids to host the 2027 edition. The school is competing with St. Kagwa - Bushenyi, Seroma Christian High School, Mbarara High School and Nyakasura School, among other bidders.

Games teacher Alfred Bamuturaki welcomed the school's bid to host the 2027 USSSA U-20 National Boys Football Championship, saying it is an opportunity to promote sports development, raise the school's academic and sporting profile nationally, and contribute to the growth of sports culture among secondary schools in Bunyoro and across the country.

"Hosting a national championship is not simply about providing venues for football matches. It's about demonstrating the school's capacity for leadership, organization, discipline, teamwork and hospitality."

"As a proud old boy, I fully support Kabalega Secondary School's bid to host the USSSA U-20 National Boys Football Championship. The Board sees the bid as a statement of confidence in the school and in Masindi. Our school carries the name of Omukama Kabalega, a symbol of courage and resilience, and we want to welcome the nation in that spirit," Byaruhanga said.

USSSA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Mugisha thanked all schools that expressed interest in hosting, but encouraged them to work closely with local governments and communities for a successful championship.

Mugisha said after concluding the inspection, the next stage will be live presentations by all bidding schools, after which the National Organizing Committee will announce the hosts.

According to Mugisha, the exercise is part of USSSA's preparations for the 2027 National Secondary School Championships and its commitment to ensuring host institutions are adequately equipped to deliver safe, well-organized and successful competitions.