USSSA and UPSSA merge to form Uganda Schools Sports Federation

The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA) have agreed to merge under a single umbrella body to meet international affiliation standards.

This landmark decision was reached during a two-day retreat attended by executive members from both associations.

The newly formed entity, the Uganda Schools Sports Federation (USSF), will oversee and coordinate Uganda’s participation in international school sports events.

The retreat was chaired by Rev. Can. Duncans Mugumya, Commissioner of Physical Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, who emphasized the importance of unity.

“When we participate internationally, school sports are viewed as one entity—not divided into primary and secondary. This move will help bridge gaps in representation and affiliation,” Mugumya noted.

He further highlighted that the merger will address persistent challenges such as double licensing and age cheating by enabling more effective athlete tracking from the grassroots level.

USSSA President Justus Mugisha praised the initiative as a timely boost for talent development. “This will facilitate seamless knowledge transfer between primary and secondary levels, enhance capacity building, and improve our readiness for international competitions,” he said.

UPSSA President William Bwambale also welcomed the move, pointing out that it levels the playing field for both associations. “USSSA had already made strides in international affiliations. With this new federation, we now have a unified platform that ensures both associations are equally relevant in advancing school sports,” Bwambale stated.

While USSSA and UPSSA will continue managing their domestic activities independently, each will nominate five representatives to the USSF electoral college.

These members will elect a president, with the runner-up assuming the role of vice president. Contributions from both associations will be consolidated into a draft constitution, which will be reviewed and ratified by the Ministry of Education and Sports through its Physical Education Department.