The Uganda Secondary Schools’ Sports Association (USSSA) has flagged off a delegation of 33 players and officials set to represent the country at the ISF World Volleyball Championships, scheduled for December 4–13 in Shangluo, China.
The team is composed of 18 players and 15 officials, including coaches, medical staff, chaplains, team managers, and government representatives. Uganda’s representatives come from the International School of Uganda, Acorns International School, and Mengo Senior Secondary School.
USSSA president Justus Mugisha highlighted Uganda’s rising prominence in international school sports. “Uganda is currently ranked number one for ISF participation, and our performance has been exceptional. This is due to our strong grassroots organization,” he said. Mugisha also revealed plans to further integrate international schools into USSSA activities, pointing out their significant contribution to Uganda’s victory in swimming at the FEASSA Games in Kenya. “Without the international schools, we wouldn’t have won the overall trophy; they brought us two gold medals,” he remarked.
Sammy Odong, Assistant Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, and Douglas Kabwegyere, USSSA Executive Committee member, will serve as Leader and Assistant Leader of the Delegation. Abulo Mariam and Van Heckela were named captain and assistant captain of Team Uganda.
The 10-day championship will feature 18 teams divided into four groups. Mengo SS, representing Uganda 1, is placed in Group C alongside volleyball powerhouses Brazil, India 1, Nigeria, and Taiwan. Uganda 2, comprising athletes from international schools, will compete in Group D against Bulgaria, Chile, Iran, and India 2.