USSSA Ball Games: Bishop Mutebi urges parental support

Bishop Hannington Mutebi has called for greater parental support in school sports as this year’s USSSA National Ball Games 1 kicked off.

Over 6,500 students gathered at Seroma Christian High School for the official opening ceremony over the weekend.

Speaking as chief guest, Mutebi highlighted the transformative power of sports in shaping young people’s futures.

“Sports give our children opportunities for greater heights, embrace it and let them actively take part,” he urged parents across the country. He added that sports instill values such as discipline, confidence, and life skills.

Ball01

The ceremony was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, led by Commissioner for Physical Education Rev. Canon Duncans Mugumya. Approximately 200 schools are competing in the multi-discipline championships.

Competition is underway across 11 disciplines, including girls’ football, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), netball, hockey, rugby, and badminton. Hosts Seroma opened their football campaign with a 2-2 draw against St. Charles Lwanga of Kalungu but failed to advance past the group stage after collecting just two points from three matches.

In basketball, St. Mary’s Kitende made an early statement in the girls’ 3x3 category with back-to-back wins over Seeta A and St. Michael Ssonde. St. Michael responded emphatically in the boys’ 3x3 division, thrashing Kira College Butiki 10-1.

In the 5x5 girls’ competition, Mengo SS bounced back from an opening defeat to Iganga SS to edge Great Aubrey 21-18, while hosts Seroma fell 22-12 to title contenders Buddo SS. In the boys’ 5x5 category, Mbogo Mixed, Seeta A, and St. Michael Ssonde remain unbeaten after three rounds.

Volleyball saw Standard High Zzana stun defending champions Bukedea Comprehensive in straight sets before repeating the result against Charity College.

Group stage action concludes today, with teams battling for knockout slots ahead of the elimination rounds beginning tomorrow. The finals will be held on Thursday at Seroma Christian High School.