Security authorities in Lira city have assured participants and fans of maximum safety ahead of the upcoming USSSA National U-20 boys' football tournament, set to run from May 10 to 20, 2026.
The contest, hosted at Lira Town College, will bring together 64 selected schools with an estimated 1,280 players and 400 officials.
"We are ready to ensure the security of every single person. Everyone is welcome to Lira city for the boys' football—players, referees, games teachers, and coaches should feel free to have the games in Lango zone," said Nelly Akankwasa, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Lira City East.
Akankwasa emphasized the importance of following the outlined security measures that have been put in place across the city. According to him, tight security deployment will be carried out at accommodation venues and competition venues across the city.
Lira Town College, the host of the USSSA National Secondary Schools Boys' Football Championship, has reaffirmed its readiness to host the tournament.
Levi Abongo, the hosting head teacher, revealed that the school is prepared to receive any number of participants set to showcase their talents during the 10-day contest.
"I want to assure Ugandans that the school has been conducting several committee meetings with local leadership, alongside the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Secretariat, to ensure that all necessities such as accommodation, welfare, medical services, water and sanitation, and secretariat services are in place," Abongo said.
He encouraged visiting teams to cooperate fully with the local business community to ensure the success of the event.
"For us as the secretariat, we have finished all necessary plans to ensure that the national boys' championship takes place at the hosting school. We only ask the participating schools to be disciplined during the tournament," said Christopher Mugisha, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA).
Isaac Ocoo of the Association of Secondary School Headteachers (ASSHU) Lango zone welcomed the opportunity. "On behalf of Lango zone, I thank USSSA for granting us this opportunity. I am confident this championship will set a benchmark for future hosting," he said.
Similarly, Dennis Ogwal, USSSA Lango zone chairperson, praised the host school for its preparedness and infrastructure development.
