Ugandan Schools Impress as 22nd FEASSA games kick off in Kakamega

The 22nd edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games has officially begun in Kakamega County, Kenya, with Ugandan schools making a strong early impression across multiple disciplines.

Bombo Army Secondary School and Mbogo Mixed School showcased their handball prowess on Thursday morning, registering impressive group-stage results that cemented their status as serious contenders.

Bombo Army, who finished fifth overall in last year’s FEASSA Games held in Bukedea District, Uganda, opened their campaign with a commanding 30–23 win over Timondo of Tanzania.

Coach Jimmy Isabirye expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, praising their unity and determination.

“The boys displayed excellent teamwork today. When we work together like this, everything is possible. Our focus now shifts to the next game, but I’ve made it clear to the team that every match is treated like a final—there’s no room for complacency,” he said.

Mbogo Mixed School also made headlines, holding Kamito SS of Kenya to a thrilling 28–28 draw in a match that kept spectators on edge until the final whistle.

In netball, Uganda’s St Noa Girls Secondary School delivered a dominant performance, defeating Kenya’s St Joseph Kitale 50–33.

FEASSA debutants Hamdan Islamic School impressed with a 57–31 victory over Vwawawa School, while defending champions St Mary’s Kitende edged Oyugi of Kenya 39–34 in a closely contested encounter.

The ten-day championship, which runs from August 12 to 23, has attracted over 9,000 participants—including athletes, coaches, and officials—from across East Africa, including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, South Sudan, and host nation Kenya.

The official opening ceremony is set to take place today at Bukhungu Stadium, with President William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto expected to officiate as chief guest.

FEASSA President Justus Mugisha emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting that it marks the first time Kakamega has hosted the regional games.

“We invited His Excellency President Ruto to officiate the opening ceremony of this year’s FEASSA Games. This is a clear indication of Kenya’s commitment to promoting sports, particularly at the school level,” Mugisha said.

According to Mugisha, this year’s edition has recorded the highest number of athletes in FEASSA history, with Uganda contributing 1,582 athletes from 66 secondary schools and 11 primary schools, including three Special Needs Education Schools.

George William Omondi, Assistant Secretary General of FEASSA, expressed excitement about the historic nature of the event and called on fans to turn up in large numbers to support their teams.

“Hosting the competition in Kenya is a big opportunity for us. We urge fans to rally behind their school representatives—it’s the kind of support that drives teams to victory,” he said.

With the games now underway, all eyes are on Kakamega as East Africa’s brightest young talents battle for regional supremacy.

FEASSA Games 2025 Kakamega

Selected results

Handball

Boys

Mbogo Mixed (Ug) 28 Kamiito (Ken) 28

Bombo Army (Ug) 30 Timondo (Tan) 23

Kigooma (Rwa) 21 Highway school ( Ken) 30

Girls

St Joseph (Ken)33 Kibuli SS (Ug) 25

Dagoretti (Ken)20 Kawanda (Ken) 35

Netball

St Noa Girls (Ug) 50 St Joseph Kitale (Ken)32

Hamdan Islamic (Ug) 57 Vwawawa school (Rwa) 31

St Mary’s Kitende (Ug) 30 Oyugi Ogang (Ken) 24

Football

Boys U-20

Amus College (Ug) 0 Buddo SS (Ug) 1