Record turnout as 2026 UPSSA Ball Games end in Mubende

Brian Musumba, head coach of Mpigi District Local Government, said that belief, togetherness, trust, and teamwork were the key factors behind their success as the national boys' football champions for children under 12 years.

"This title is very important to Mubende District Local Government because we have reclaimed it after losing it in 2024 to Koboko District during the championship hosted in Yumbe. The players stayed focused right from the group stage up to this level," said Musumba.

Musumba made these remarks after his side overpowered Kyotera District Local Government in a 4–3 penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in full-time play. The match was held at Mubende Army SS grounds.

According to Musumba, the victory further strengthens Mpigi's plans to represent the country during next year's Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Games, to be hosted in Rwanda in 2027.

The 2026 National Primary Schools Ball Games, co-hosted by Mubende Army SS and Kasenyi Primary School in Mubende Municipality, came to a climax on Wednesday evening with the awards ceremony.

Nabilatuk District emerged as champions in handball for both U-12 and U-14 boys' and girls' categories, in the championship that ran from August 24 to September 2, 2026, at Mubende Army School field.

Nabilatuk was followed by Koboko District, which won two golds in girls' football (U-12) and boys' woodball (U-14).

According to William Bwambale, the UPSSA President, this year's championship recorded an overwhelming number of participants compared to previous competitions.

"We did not expect to receive such a large number of athletes, and now we see that the numbers will continue to grow in future championships," Bwambale noted.

The closing ceremony was presided over by the Commissioner of Physical Education, Duncan Mungumya, who thanked UPSSA for the progress made in sports talent identification and development. However, he cautioned schools to always implement co-curricular activities in their lessons.

The winners in each category were awarded certificates, medals, and trophies as a way of motivating the players.

UPSSA Ball Games Winners

Football (Girls)
U-12: Koboko
Boys: Mpigi

U-14 (Girls): Adjumani
Boys: Entebbe Mun

Woodball (Girls)
U-12 Girls: Butambala
Boys: Luwero

U-14 (Girls): Mubende
Boys: Koboko

Volleyball (Girls)
U-12: Kikuube
Boys: Jinja City

U-14
Girls: Nansana

Netball (Girls)
U-12: Buvuma
Boys: Mukono

U-14
Girls: Wakiso
Boys: Makindye Ssabagabo

Handball (Girls)
U-12: Nabilatuk
Boys: Soroti City

U-14 (Girls): Amuria
Boys: Nabilatuk

Kho Kho (Boys)
U-12: Kitgum
Girls: Kassanda

U-14
Boys: Obongi
Girls: Butaleja