Thirteen schools bid to host 2027 USSSA National Championships

Thirteen secondary schools have officially expressed interest in hosting the 2027 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National competitions.

By the October 3, 2026 close of the application period, USSSA had recorded an overwhelming response, making it the highest number of bids received since the association began accepting hosting applications.

Christopher Mugisha, the chief executive officer of USSSA, speaking to Vision Sports, confirmed the surge in interest in hosting the national games, which have been conducted in a rotational manner.

"Hosting a USSSA National Championship is more than organising a sports event. It is an opportunity to inspire young people, promote sports development, showcase your institution and community, and contribute to the growth of school sports in Uganda. It's also a reason we advocate for the zone or schools to apply," said Mugisha.

"We encourage schools with the required facilities and commitment to come forward and be part of this journey," he added.

According to Mugisha, the scale of the championships means successful applicants must demonstrate their ability to accommodate large delegations while providing suitable competition venues and supporting services.

He said the Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with USSSA, will soon conduct inspection trips to all the zones and schools to inspect facilities at schools that successfully submitted bids to host the 2027 National Ball Games and other secondary school championships.

For the Elite Secondary School Games, Sacred Heart Secondary School in Acholi Zone is competing against a joint bid by Janan School Bombo and Standard High School–Ndejje, both associated with Luwero Zone.

The applicants are: Kabalega Secondary School and St Tereza Girls from Bunyoro Zone, Ntare School and Mbarara High School from Ankole Zone, Seroma Christian High School and Namilyango College from Mukono Zone, Kigezi High School and Kabale Secondary School from Kigezi Zone, plus St Kagwa High School and St Kaggwa Boarding Primary School from Ankole Zone.

The competing institutions will be assessed on their ability to provide the facilities and logistical support required to accommodate the large number of student-athletes, coaches and officials expected at the championship.

The 2027 school sports programme is expected to feature competitions in more than 30 sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, netball, athletics, swimming, cricket, badminton, golf, chess, dancesport, futsal and beach sports.