USSSA distributes uniforms at 2025 schools football championship

Excitement continues to sweep through Ngora District as the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) makes a significant gesture by supplying uniforms to all participating teams in the 2025 National Boys' Football Championship, currently underway at Ngora High School.

The tournament, which runs from May 5 to 15, features 64 schools competing over 10 days. Each team has received two sets of branded jerseys—home and away kits—featuring the USSSA logo. This initiative has added colour and professionalism to the competition, boosting morale and school pride.

James Peter Okello, games teacher at Labira Girls SS in Kapelebyong District, expressed gratitude for the support: “Our school has struggled to acquire team jerseys in the past, so this generous gesture came at the perfect time. I feel truly blessed to be among the first beneficiaries. May God bless all those who made this possible.”

Francis Malinga, coach of Teso Progressive School, emphasized the broader impact: “Having nationally branded jerseys not only boosts players’ confidence but also instills a deeper love for the sport. It gives the competition a more official and spirited identity.”

Christopher Mugisha, USSSA Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the challenges the association has faced since Coca-Cola ended its 25-year sponsorship deal during the COVID-19 pandemic: “Without a commercial sponsor, organizing national championships has been difficult. Each school was previously required to provide its own uniforms, which was a major hurdle for many.”

Mugisha confirmed that the uniform support, which begins with this year’s championship, marks a turning point: “This is a major milestone. USSSA will now provide two sets of uniforms to each team qualifying for the National Boys' Football Championship in the U-20 category. We’re grateful to the schools for their resilience and participation despite the obstacles.”

The jerseys have been supplied by Graphics Systems Uganda, managed by Trushar Upadhyay, based in Luzira.

“We’re proud to support school sports,” said Trushar. “Our goal is to deliver high-quality kits on time and help elevate the standard of youth football in Uganda.”

Justus Mugisha, USSSA President, reiterated that since the pandemic, the association has been operating without a corporate sponsor, relying instead on support from the Ministry of Education and Sports and participation fees from schools.

“The end of Coca-Cola’s sponsorship was a setback, but we are committed to moving forward. This uniform initiative is just the beginning of renewed efforts to uplift school sports in Uganda.”