Sacred Heart gears up to host USSSA National Ball Games II

Sacred Heart Secondary School, the host of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Ball Games II and Athletics Competition 2026, is making significant progress in preparing its facilities for the prestigious event.

Hellen Lamono, the headteacher of Sacred Heart Girls Secondary School, expressed optimism about the ongoing work to upgrade and prepare the designated grounds.

"This marks the second time such a national competition is being hosted by Sacred Heart Girls Secondary School, an achievement that has sparked excitement and pride within the local community," Lamono said.

According to Lamono, preparations are progressing well, with a strong commitment to ensuring facilities are ready for the competition.

"This is a historic moment again, and we want to showcase our readiness to host a successful tournament," she added.

Sister Hellen Lamono, the headteacher of Sacred Girls SS with the inspection team

Lamono's assurance follows the final inspection of facilities in Gulu and Lira cities by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) alongside the USSSA executive. The two-day exercise, conducted on March 10-11, 2026, aimed to reaffirm the readiness of Lira Town College and Sacred Heart Secondary School, which have been awarded the rights to host the National U-20 Boys Football and Ball Games II and Athletics in Lira and Gulu cities respectively.

The team, led by Sam Odong, Assistant Commissioner for Physical Education, assessed the quality and condition of playgrounds and competition venues, accommodation facilities for players and officials, secretariat and administrative venues, security arrangements, and overall safety environment.

"The main objective of the inspection is to confirm the readiness of the host schools towards hosting multitudes of participants and ensuring successful games," Odong emphasized.

Beatrice Nagudi, headteacher of Gulu High School, the co-host school, celebrated the hosting victory with passion, promising full commitment to ensure a top-tier event.

"I want to assure the nation that we are ready and set to host the national championship. Participating schools coming here will have a successful experience, and participants should expect an even more vibrant atmosphere compared to previous hosting schools," Nagudi said.

She called upon alumni of the school, local stakeholders, and members of parliament to come on board and ensure Gulu High School delivers a successful competition.

The games will feature multiple disciplines, including Football (Girls), Basketball (Boys and Girls), Hockey (Boys and Girls), Rugby 15s (Boys and Girls), Tennis (Boys and Girls), Table Tennis (Boys and Girls), Badminton (Boys and Girls), U16 Netball (Girls), U16 Volleyball (Boys and Girls), U16 Handball (Boys and Girls), and U16 Basketball 3x3 (Boys and Girls).

The USSSA National Boys U-20 Football Finals are scheduled to take place at Lira Town College from May 10 to 20, 2026.