Primary school sports in Uganda are set for a major boost following a decision to expand the number of disciplines contested by primary schools at the Federation of East Africa School Sports Associations (FEASSA) Games.
The development was agreed during a high-level meeting held recently at the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA) offices in Old Kampala. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Education and Sports, USSSA and UPSSA to discuss ways of enhancing participation and opportunities for primary school athletes at the regional competition.
The meeting was chaired by Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Sports. Also in attendance were USSSA President Mugisha Justus and UPSSA First Vice President Musigire Pauline, alongside officials from both associations and the ministry.
Among those present were USSSA President Emeritus Patrick Okanya, USSSA Executive Committee member and FEASSA Technical Head Ayub Khalifa, USSSA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Mugisha Banage, directors Bosco Omaria, Emmanuel Kasakya and Angela Aguti. Representatives from the Physical Education and Sports department and the UPSSA executive committee also attended the meeting.
For years, primary schools participating in the FEASSA Games have competed in only four disciplines: football, netball, volleyball and athletics. However, beginning with the 2026 edition, three additional sports have been introduced to the programme.
The newly added disciplines are basketball, handball and cross-country, increasing the total number of sports available to primary school participants from four to seven.
Speaking during the meeting, Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya emphasized that schools will receive official communication regarding the changes through established government structures.
“A communication will be made to schools through their respective local governments, Chief Administrative Officers and District Education Officers,” he said.
In addition to the expansion of disciplines, stakeholders also agreed on a revised awards structure for the FEASSA Games.
The competition will now feature three overall championship trophies, recognizing achievements in the secondary schools category, primary schools category and Special Needs Education (SNE) category.
Officials believe the move will further motivate schools and encourage greater participation across all levels of education.
With the expansion of events expected to increase the number of participants and logistical requirements, sports leaders have called for enhanced financial support to ensure the successful implementation of the new programme.
USSSA President Mugisha Justus stressed the need for collaboration between sports associations and the Ministry of Education and Sports to secure additional resources for primary school teams.
“We have to work together with the Ministry through the Commissioner to increase financing for these teams,” Mugisha said.
The decision marks a significant milestone for school sports development in Uganda and the East African region. By introducing additional disciplines at the primary school level, education and sports leaders hope to nurture talent at an earlier age and create stronger pathways for athletes to progress through national and regional competitions.
The inclusion of basketball, handball and cross-country is expected to broaden participation, strengthen grassroots sports development and align primary school competitions more closely with the diversity of events offered at higher levels of school sports.
As preparations for the 2026 FEASSA Games continue ahead of August showdown in Tanzania, schools across the country will be looking forward to taking advantage of the expanded programme and the new opportunities it presents for young athletes.
