Ministry introduces centralised feeding for Primary Schools Championships

The Ministry of Education and Sports has introduced centralized feeding for athletes at the National Primary Schools Championships, scheduled to take place from May 4 to 12, 2026.

According to a circular issued by the ministry to local administrative units, all Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks are required to pay feeding fees for athletes and team officials accompanying them during the championships.

“Following guidance from the Ministry of Education and Sports in collaboration with the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association, we have agreed that all athletes coming for the national kids’ athletics in Tororo will be fed together,” said Michael Nalugoda, Second Vice President of the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association.

Nalugoda noted that the initiative comes as at least 6,000 participants from 155 districts are expected to compete in kids’ athletics, ball games, and Special Needs Education (SNE) competitions. The events will be hosted at Rock High School in Tororo Municipality.

“Centralized feeding during national competitions ensures that athletes and officials from various regions receive safe, consistent, and nutritious food tailored to their performance needs. This approach is often utilised in military sports tournaments and large-scale, multi-day national sports events,” said Gilbert Orikiriza, Desk Officer in charge of primary schools at the Ministry of Education and Sports.

However, Richard Etidu, the Soroti District Sports Officer, while welcoming the innovation, raised concerns about whether accommodation for the 6,000 participants would be sufficient.

“Accommodating more than 6,000 young athletes in one location requires massive infrastructure: industrial-level kitchens, large dining halls, safe water, sanitation facilities, and sleeping arrangements must all be addressed,” Etidu said.

He added that many districts are already struggling to fund sports programs and rely heavily on donations from Members of Parliament, well-wishers, and government support. Expecting them to cover daily feeding for every participant, he noted, is unrealistic given the current resource envelope.

Etidu also warned that putting thousands of children in a single feeding line increases the risk of food contamination, outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, and congestion that complicates hygiene control. “One mistake could compromise the entire championship,” he cautioned.

Additionally, he noted that Uganda’s participants come from varied cultural, health, and dietary backgrounds, making it nearly impossible to provide meals that satisfy all these differences in a centralized setup.

“Organizers have an obligation not just to host a competition, but to protect the young athletes who make it possible,” Etidu said.