USSSA Ball Games II kick off in Tororo with over 9,000 student athletes

At least 9,500 students from across Uganda have converged at St. Peter’s College Tororo and Tororo Girls School to compete in the 2025 USSSA National Ball Games II and Athletics Championships.

The nine-day championship, running from July 10 to 19, 2025, features competitions in 18 disciplines, including Netball, Rugby 7s, Athletics, Basketball 3x3, U16 Football & Basketball, Handball, Volleyball, Mind Games, Beach Volleyball, Beach Soccer, Woodball, Ludo, Lacrosse, and Dance Sport.

Participating teams began arriving in the early hours of Friday, turning Tororo City into a vibrant hub of youthful energy and competitive spirit.

Having met all requirements, St. Peter’s College Tororo was granted hosting rights by Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), co-hosted by Tororo Girls School.

In the netball category, over 80 teams have been grouped into eight pools of nine and ten teams.

Teams arriving for USSSA Ball Games II in Tororo. PHOTOS: Gabriel Esiku

Defending champions St. Mary’s SS Kitende are in Group A alongside Jinja SS, Kibatsi, Kihanga, Kyotera Parents, Kakungulu Memorial, Amazing Grace, St. Joseph Vumba, Rubongi Army, and Ediofe Girls.

Last year’s finalists Buddo SS lead Group H, joined by Ibun Buzz, Maryland, St. Barnabas, Kalisizo, Chwa II Memorial, Nankabirwa Memorial, Kasawo SS, and Rock High.

St. Noa Girls SS Zana are drawn in Group D, facing competition from Boston High School, WOB SS, Sacred Heart, Sseke SS, Broadway, Ngando SS, and Bwera SS.

Coaches are already setting ambitious goals. Jane Adeke, assistant coach at Bukedea Comprehensive School, said: “Our main aim is to be among the top two in the pool. If we make it through, then we’ll set our sights on the trophy.”

Kitende head coach Nouriden Kato Hassan added: “We don’t talk much; we let our actions speak on the court. We respect every opponent and treat each match as a final.”

Among the many schools represented are Greenlight Islamic, Jinja Progressive, Rines SS, Mbale SS, Kimanya, Moroto High, Bulo Parents, Amus College, St. John Kauga, Baptist, Light College Katikamu, Benedict, St. Mary’s College Rushoroza, Kaddugala, St. Kizito, Gombe SS, and many more.

This year’s championship promises thrilling competition, youthful talent, and moments that could define the future of Uganda’s secondary school sports.