Lira Town College to host 2026 USSSA National Boys' Football Championship

The Ministry of Education and Sports, in collaboration with Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) executives, has endorsed the facilities at Lira Town College School following an inspection, clearing the institution to host the 2026 National Boys' Football Championship.

The inspection team, led by Sam Odongo, the Assistant Commissioner for Physical Education, assessed key areas including competition venues, accommodation, the welfare department, medical services, security, and water and sanitation.

While officially handing over the hosting rights to the college administration, Odongo commended the quality of the facilities and the school's organizational structure.

“Lira Town College has demonstrated remarkable preparedness and capability to host the upcoming games. Their facilities, organizational structure, and commitment to sports development make them an ideal venue for this significant event,” Odongo stated.

According to Odongo, the school’s preparedness to host the national championship currently stands at 80 percent, a figure he believes can be easily completed before the games commence.

Levi Labongo, the school headteacher, expressed his excitement at hosting the 10-day event, scheduled to run from May 10 to 20, 2026. He described it as a historic milestone for both the school and the wider Lango sub-region.

“As a college, we are thrilled to welcome all the schools that will qualify for the national championship. We are happy that we have been cleared and officially stamped as hosts of the 2026 USSSA National Boys’ Football Championship,” Labongo said.

He noted that the clearance marks a historic achievement, as it will be the first time the Lango sub-region has the opportunity to host the national boys’ football tournament. Labongo attributed the success to the collective effort of the Lango community, city and district leaders, the Board of Governors, old students, staff, and learners.

“Lira City is more than ready to welcome visitors from across the country,” he added.

P’Bitek Okot, the Second Vice President in charge of the organizing committee, expressed confidence in Lira Town College’s ability to successfully host the championship.

“With what I have seen with my eyes, Lira Town College is very ready to host the upcoming games. They have all the requirements needed for hosting the national boys’ football,” said Okot.

He explained that the championship is expected to bring together top secondary school football teams from across Uganda, providing a platform for young talent to compete at the highest school level while boosting sports development and regional visibility for Lira City.

More than 19 venues across Lira City have been designated to host matches and related activities. These include Lira Town College, VH Public Primary School, Ireda Primary School, Dr. Obote College, St. Katherine Secondary School, Uganda Technical College Lira, Lango College, Lira Primary School, Lira Railway Seed Secondary School, Anai Primary School, Comboni College Lira, Dara Christian High School, Ayago Primary School, Erute Primary School, Canon Lawrence PTC, Demonstration School, and Mentor Secondary School.