Kumi submits bid to host 2026 Kids Ball Games
According to Omugen, Kumi Boys Primary School has been proposed as the main venue, supported by over 20 playing grounds within a 1.5-kilometer radius, as well as adequate accommodation facilities.
Soroti City Primary Schools showcasing talents in Ball Games
The contest for hosting rights for the 2026 National Kids Ball Games and Special Needs Education (SNE) Championship is intensifying, with Kumi Municipal Council officially submitting a bid to stage the prestigious grassroots tournament.
John Bosco Omugen, Kumi Municipal Sports Officer, said the council will now join other local governments such as Iganga, Mubende, and Kayunga, which have also expressed interest in hosting the national event that brings together young athletes aged 10 to 14 from across Uganda.
"I want to say we have already presented our formal request to the Ministry of Education and Sports seeking approval and conferment of hosting rights for the forthcoming national games," Omugen said.
He noted that Kumi, which last hosted such a prestigious championship in 1999, is prepared to deliver a safe, well-organized, and inclusive tournament, highlighting its experience and available infrastructure.
According to Omugen, Kumi Boys Primary School has been proposed as the main venue, supported by over 20 playing grounds within a 1.5-kilometer radius, as well as adequate accommodation facilities.
The championship, organized by the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, focuses on nurturing grassroots talent. It features young boys and girls showcasing their skills in football, netball, volleyball, handball, and inclusive events for children with disabilities.
In 2025, Yumbe District hosted the games at Aringa Secondary School, drawing participants from across the country in both mainstream and Paralympic disciplines. Recently, Tororo District hosted the national Primary Schools Athletics Championship at King George Stadium.
The tournament attracts an overwhelming 4,156 participants from 173 districts, cities, municipalities, and estates competing in both mainstream and para-games.
With multiple districts competing for hosting rights, the final decision is expected to hinge on infrastructure, experience, and the ability to deliver a successful national event.