Uganda names 106 sprinters for FEASSSA Games in Kakamega
The athletes, currently in camp at St. Peter’s College Tororo, were selected from standout performers in the recently concluded national secondary and primary schools competitions.
Athletes competing in the national championship in Tororo recently. PHOTO: Gabriel Esiku
By Gabriel Esiku
Journalists @New Vision
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) has named a squad of 106 sprinters to represent the country at this year’s Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games, scheduled to take place in Kakamega, Kenya.
The athletes, currently in camp at St. Peter’s College Tororo, were selected from standout performers in the recently concluded national secondary and primary schools competitions.
USSSA CEO Christopher Mugisha Banage revealed that the two-week training camp—running from July 31 to August 11—is aimed at refining the athletes' skills and correcting mistakes identified during the national championships.
“We’ve struggled to beat Kenya in athletics, but I’m optimistic that this year’s team can finally break the monopoly in Kakamega,” Banage stated.
Banage emphasized that the top athletes are chosen from various regional zones during the USSSA national games, before entering a residential camp facilitated by the association’s secretariat. He expressed confidence in Uganda's preparations and the possibility of outshining Kenya, which has historically denied Uganda medals on the track.
Muhammad Abdullah, head of the USSSA Technical Commission for Athletics, echoed Banage’s optimism while speaking to Vision Sports:
“We know the challenge Kenya presents, especially as hosts, but we’ve assembled a solid squad. I’m confident they’ll be ready to push for the title when they head to Kakamega.”
The final traveling team will be selected after camp trials, with departure scheduled for August 12.
Uganda will be represented by 1,500 athletes at the FEASSSA Games, with 106 competing in athletics, and the rest drawn from other disciplines including basketball 3x3, netball, handball, rugby, and volleyball, among others.