Taibah launches 2025 annual independence sports tournament

The 2025 Taibah Annual Independence Sports Tournament has officially been launched and will take place this weekend, September 27–28, at the school’s grounds in Bwebajja, Wakiso District.

Now in its fifth edition, the tournament continues to grow in stature. According to school principal Oskar Semweya, the event is designed to give young people a platform to showcase their talents not only within the school but also across the region.

This year’s competition will feature 1,600 pupils from 20 schools, competing in football, basketball, volleyball (for both boys and girls), and netball. Notably, girls’ football has been introduced for the first time.

“The team is well-prepared and in high spirits. We conducted several activities throughout the year, including theatre and inter-class sports in the second term, where we selected the teams to represent the school,” Semweya explained. He added that the school has invested sh30 million in organizing the tournament.

Highlighting the balance between academics and sports, Semweya noted: “We mix academics with sports. Last year, four of our students scored 20 points at A-level, while many others excelled in Cambridge exams. We are preparing pupils for the future, exposing them to a variety of sports such as swimming, chess, and table tennis.”

Head teacher Annet Nannyonjo explained that the tournament was born out of dissatisfaction with the management of sports at zonal level. “We pulled out of the zonal competitions and started a separate tournament for international schools to ensure fairness. What began with four schools has now grown to 20,” she said, adding that sports instill discipline, teamwork, and focus, which translate into better academic performance.

Student president Sean Kiwumulo expressed confidence that Taibah will defend its titles. “We are ready to go beyond defending the boys’ U15 and U20 football trophies, as well as the girls’ basketball accolades we won last year,” he said.

Last year, Bethel College dominated basketball (U15 and U20) and netball, while Vikas International triumphed in volleyball.

Other confirmed participants this year include Elite High, Greenhill Academy, Kisubi High, Pearl of Africa, Trinity Senior, and UBAYII Islamic Secondary, alongside newcomers Aga Khan, Agrolinks Academy, and Pearl of Africa Entebbe.

The tournament is proudly sponsored by Taibah School, DFCU Bank, Doctors Hospital, SWT, and Craydel.