Ten schools bid to host 2026 USSSA national games

Ten secondary schools have officially expressed interest in hosting the 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) national competitions.

By Tuesday evening, at the close of the application period, USSSA reported an overwhelming response, marking the highest number of bids since the federation began accepting hosting applications.

Christopher Mugisha Banange, Chief Executive Officer of USSSA, confirmed the surge in interest. He noted that this is the largest number of applications ever received for hosting the national championships and that the association is now preparing to assess the readiness of each applicant.

According to Mugisha, most applications came from schools in the Northern and Western regions of Uganda. Among the bidding schools are Sacred Heart Secondary School, which applied to host Ball Games I and II; Lango College for Boys Football; Forest Hill College for Elite Games; Mvara Secondary School for Ball Games I; Seroma Christian School for Ball Games I and II; St. Mary’s College Rushoroza for Ball Games I and II; Ntare High School for Ball Games I; St. Janan Secondary School Bombo Campus for Elite Games; Mvara SS for Ball Games I; and YY Okot Memorial School for Boys Football.

Banange highlighted the significance of Kitgum’s bid, noting that if successful, it would be the first time the Northern Region hosts the prestigious tournament. This would offer local youth and the wider community a unique opportunity to experience the USSSA Nationals on home ground.

USSSA 2nd Vice President Bitek P’ Okot praised the growing enthusiasm from Northern Uganda. He expressed his excitement about the number of schools in the north eager to host national games, emphasizing that these events are rotational and that the interest from the region is very encouraging. He added that Kitgum has never hosted the tournament before, and YY Okot Memorial’s bid could mark a historic milestone. Okot remarked that seeing YY Okot Memorial submit a bid is exciting and that if they are awarded hosting rights, it will be a proud moment for Kitgum.

The school’s proposal emphasizes sport, culture, and innovation, aiming to inspire young people and contribute to the long-term vision of USSSA competitions. Hosting opportunities span a wide range of national events, including the Elite Secondary School Games, National Ball Games I and II, National Boys Football Championship, National Swimming Gala, Athletics, and Mind Games.