Kho Kho Uganda sets ambitious 2029 target to reach every school nationwide

Kho Kho Uganda president, Nsubuga Mustafa, has challenged district sports officers to effectively value and promote all sports disciplines to enrich talent identification at the local level.

Mustafa, who also serves as President of the National Sports Officers Association (NSOA), told Vision Sport that Uganda has a variety of sports disciplines that remain largely unknown to the public, compelling athletes to concentrate on a few popular sports such as football, netball, volleyball, basketball, and athletics.

"Kho Kho Uganda is another sport discipline that every district should take an interest in to identify talent. It is one of the easiest sports in the country, where students can quickly learn and propel themselves to international level," said Mustafa.

According to Mustafa, Kho Kho Uganda is currently spearheading a nationwide training programme aimed at building a stronger foundation for the sport in Uganda and beyond.

The programme, currently being conducted in the Luwero, Teso, Acholi, and Karamoja zones, is targeting the training of 5,000 teachers, coaches, administrators, and players in basic rules and officiating of inter-school tournaments. The initiative is designed to allow the sport to thrive at both community and school levels.

"Our set target is to ensure that by 2029, Kho Kho is played in every primary school, secondary school, tertiary institution, and university across the country," said Mustafa.

The training campaign rolled off on Sunday at Soroti SS in Soroti City, with 100 coaches, games teachers, and administrators successfully trained. Participants from schools and communities attended, with hopes of advancing to higher levels in the near future.

Christine Akello said the training has already changed how she views coaching and leadership in the sport. "I've learned how to manage players and ensure everyone stays active during training sessions. You cannot have some children sitting while others are playing—you need everyone engaged," she said.

Pius Adome, General Secretary of the Soroti District Secondary Schools Sports Association and a teacher at Light SS, noted that the course has equipped participants with practical skills to manage both teachers and children effectively.

Meanwhile, Kho Kho Uganda General Secretary Harriet Margret Apoloti is optimistic that the sport is rapidly becoming a platform that transforms lives by creating opportunities for young people to showcase their talent, earn recognition, and pursue their sporting ambitions.