Ngora High School bids to host USSSA boys football

Eliphaz Opolot Ewalu, the headteacher of Ngora High School, has called for unified support from Teso leaders to back their bid to host the 2025 USSSA National Boys' Football (Ball Games 1) tournament.

Ewalu's appeal came during a visit last Friday by officials from the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and the Ministry of Education and Sports (PES), who were inspecting facilities at the school.

Ngora High School last hosted a national competition 25 years ago, during the 1999 National Post Primary Athletics competition.

Ewalu emphasized that winning the bid would not only benefit the school but would also be a collective victory for the entire Teso sub-region, providing an opportunity to showcase the region’s untapped talent.

"The success of Ngora High School in hosting the games is a win for all of Teso. I would love to see everyone come together to ensure we secure this opportunity," Ewalu said.

The bid has already sparked excitement among the district’s top leadership. Andrew Anapa Ojirot, the Assistant District Commissioner for Ngora, praised the school's initiative, expressing optimism about the potential economic benefits the event could bring.

Officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, USSSSA and Ngora High School inspecting facilities

"I would like to thank the Ngora High School administration for taking the right steps to present a bid to host the national competition," Ojirot said. He also urged the Ministry of Education and USSSA to grant Ngora district the hosting rights, noting that it has been too long since the district last hosted a national event.

During their visit, the inspection team, led by USSSA's 2nd Vice President Okot P'Bitek, assessed various facilities, including accommodation, health services, water sources, the dining hall, and the playing field.

"My message to the school administration is to keep praying. What we have seen here is satisfactory, and the school appears ready to host the tournament," said Okot.

Geoffrey Okuna, Senior Inspector of Schools for Ngora District, called on Ngora High School alumni, local stakeholders, and Members of Parliament from the Teso sub-region to rally behind the school’s bid. He highlighted the broader impact it would have on the district, stating, "This is not just about Ngora High School; the entire district stands to benefit."

Ngora High School faces competition from other schools, including St. Mary’s College Rushoroza in Kabale. However, Opolot noted that USSSA often rotates events among regions, with the Eastern Region last hosting the tournament in 2019.