USSSA confirms Uganda's bid for 2030 ISF Schools Football World Cup
Hosting the 2030 games will follow Uganda's co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
USSSA President Justus Mugisha addresses athletes at the closing ceremony of the National USSSA Ball Games II in Gulu City. PHOTO: Gabriel Esiku
Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) President Justus Mugisha has revealed Uganda's bid to host the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Schools Football World Cup in 2030.
Mugisha, while speaking to thousands of athletes at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Ball Game II and Athletics championships at Sacred Heart Girls SS in Gulu City recently, echoed USSSA's proposal to host the international competition in the country for the first time.
He expressed confidence that Uganda has the infrastructure to host the prestigious tournament, but anticipates government backing to stage the global event.
"We are confident that, with government support, Uganda will be able to deliver this massive championship that brings together over 10,000 athletes, including 64 boys' and 64 girls' teams," he said.
According to Mugisha, the bid centers around the use of major infrastructure, specifically Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in the Kampala area, the newly built Hoima City Stadium, Akiibua Stadium, and Gulu's Pece Stadium. Hosting the 2030 games will follow Uganda's co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
In relation to the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, slated for August 12 to 23, Mugisha called upon Uganda's representatives to build on the success of the previous national championships.
"I request all those who have qualified to give their best at the FEASSA Games and make sure they make Uganda proud," he added.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports Rev. Canon Dr. Duncan Mugumya, who represented State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang. Mugumya praised the impact of school sports on Uganda's recent international success and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting school sports programmes.
ASSHU President Hajjat Zulaika Nabukeera also commended USSSA for introducing more sporting disciplines, saying the expanded programme had created opportunities for more students to discover and showcase their talents.