Mugisha elected to International School Sport Federation Executive Committee

Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) president Justus Mugisha has strengthened Uganda's influence in international school sports after being elected to the Executive Committee of the International School Sport Federation (ISF), the global governing body for school sport.

Mugisha was confirmed to the 24-member executive committee during the ISF General Assembly held in Belgrade, Serbia, on Wednesday. He will serve a four-year term ending in 2030.

Although he was unable to travel to Serbia after being denied a visa due to international travel restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak, Mugisha was overwhelmingly elected in absentia.

The appointment marks another step up the ISF leadership ladder for Mugisha, who has served as president of the federation's Football Technical Commission since 2018.

He attributed Uganda's growing stature in international school sports to the country's consistent participation in ISF competitions since becoming a member in 2019.

"Uganda ranks highly on the continent as far as international school sports is concerned, and I have been at the helm of this success together with my team at USSSA and the Ministry of Education and Sports," Mugisha said.

He believes the new role will not only expand his responsibilities but also create opportunities to improve school sports administration back home.

"This position involves travelling all over the world overseeing school sports, and in doing so, I will gather a wealth of experience in school sports management that I will share with our sports tutors in schools," he added.

The Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Rev. Canon Duncan Mugumya, welcomed Mugisha's election, describing it as recognition of Uganda's progress in school sports.

"We are delighted to receive such news. As a ministry, we believe Uganda will benefit more from his new position," Mugumya said.

He added: "I congratulate him for raising Uganda's flag high in international sports leadership. It is encouraging to see that our efforts in developing school sports continue to be recognised globally."

Mugisha's elevation comes as USSSA prepares for its national executive committee elections next month. Having served as president since 2022, his current term expires this year, although he declined to reveal whether he will seek re-election.

"We are still conducting district and zonal elections. When it is time for the national elections, I will be in a position to comment on that. But I believe I have done well in my first term," he said.

Mugisha has been involved in school sports administration for more than two decades. He joined USSSA as treasurer in 2001, serving in that position until his election as president in 2022.

He has also led the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA) since 2003 and has been a member of the Africa School Sport Federation Executive Committee since 2023.

Beyond school sports, Mugisha is the First Vice President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), serving under president Moses Magogo.