Okau promises clean sports as he takes USSSA Teso Zone reins
Okau spoke on Thursday, September 10, after officially taking over office from outgoing chairman John Robert Osuu.
John Robert Osuu (left) handing over instrument to the new USSSA Teso Zone chairperson Nelson Okau in Soroti
New USSSA Teso Zone Chairman Rev. Nelson Okau has vowed to eliminate the use of non-bonafide players, commonly known as 'bacuba', in school competitions.
Okau spoke on Thursday, September 10, after officially taking over office from outgoing chairman John Robert Osuu.
The handover ceremony was presided over by the Association of Secondary Schools Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU) Teso Region Chairman, Elphazi Ewalu Opolot, at Eneku Village in Soroti City, as he leads the zone from 2026 to 2030.
"I know it will not be easy to eliminate the use of bacuba in schools, but I will do what it takes to ensure that players who take part in the regional championships are clean, starting from schools, districts and the region," Okau said.
The new and old excutive team taking a group photo after the handover ceremony in Soroti
"Papa chair for the day and emeritus, and everyone present here today for this noble occasion of receiving instruments to head Teso Zone for the years 2026 to 2030, my biggest task during this four-year term is to ensure we organize peaceful and competitive sports. We must ensure there is no fighting as we strive to uphold sports and ensure inclusiveness, where every school will be given its opportunity," Okau added.
He thanked the chairperson emeritus and the executive team for their excellent leadership over the last four years.
ASSHU Chairman Opolot urged the new executive to emulate the old executive.
"Today you have been given the mandate of leading the zone for the next four years, but remember to have trust, honesty and accountability in your leadership for the smooth running of the association," said Ewalu.
"For us as headteachers, we are ready to support all USSSA-organized activities starting from schools, districts, the region, national, even up to the international level, as long as the funds are put to the right use," he added.
He called upon districts to genuinely support all games.
"We have some districts and schools in our region who take part at the lower level of the competition and remain there, but when it comes to the next level of the region, they don't present athletes, which is a bad note which we shall be fighting," he said.
Meanwhile, outgoing chairperson John Robert Osuu admitted that cases of bacuba were recorded on various occasions.
He cited the recently concluded Ball Games II at Bishop Maraka College in Kumi Municipality, where some schools were questioned for bringing in non-bonafide players.