USSSA launches Weekend League for Teso Zone to boost grassroots talent

Association of Secondary Schools Headteachers Uganda (ASSHU), Teso region, has praised the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) decision to introduce weekend leagues for learners at the primary and secondary levels in the region, with the aim of talent pursuit.

Elpazi Ewalu Opolot, ASSHU chairperson for Teso region, commended the development at the launch of the Teso zone weekend league on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Ngora High School grounds, Ngora district.

"The introduction of the weekend league will be a platform to keep students actively engaged in sports while building confidence, teamwork, and competitive spirit among young athletes," said Opolot.

According to Opolot, weekend leagues will provide learners with an additional platform to compete, develop their talents, and remain active beyond the regular school sports calendar.

The official launch was officiated by USSSA First Vice President Margaret Apolot, who was accompanied by Ivan Kintu, the manager of weekend leagues.

Apolot commended the USSSA Teso zone leadership for pioneering the weekend league concept and urged schools and other stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative.

"The more our students play, the better they become. The USSSA Weekend League is about creating opportunities, discovering talent, and growing school football together. When schools commit to sport, students thrive. That's the vision behind the USSSA Weekend League.

"Let's make weekends count, play more, discover more, and grow together through school football," Apolot said.

USSSA Teso zone chairperson Rev. Nelson Okau welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of school sports in nurturing learners.

USSSA First Vice President Harriet Apolot Eliru launches the Weekend League for the USSSA Teso Zone

According to Okau, the Weekend League is designed to provide learners with regular competitive opportunities, keep them engaged during weekends, and create a pathway for identifying and nurturing emerging sporting talent at the grassroots.

The launch featured opening fixtures in both the secondary and primary school categories. In the secondary school encounter, hosts Ngora High School fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat against TEPA in an evenly contested opening match. In the primary school category, Ngora Boys also started their Weekend League campaign with a 2–1 loss to Toto Asio.

The Ngora launch adds to USSSA efforts to expand structured school sports activities beyond the traditional competition calendar and bring organized sporting opportunities closer to learners across different communities.

USSSA donated four footballs to support the participating schools and strengthen access to essential sports equipment. The donation is intended to support regular training and competition as the Weekend League gets underway in Ngora District.