UPSSA begins inspection of bidding districts for 2026 National School Games

The Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, will tomorrow Thursday, November 6, 2025, commence a five-day inspection of sports facilities in districts and municipalities that submitted bids to host the 2026 National Ball Games and National Kids Athletics Championships.

The inspection exercise, divided into two teams, will cover six administrative units across the Central, Eastern, and Northern regions.

The teams will assess the readiness of schools in terms of playing grounds, accommodation, health facilities, security, hotels, and other supporting infrastructure.

UPSSA President William Bwambale confirmed that the goal of the exercise is to help the Ministry and the Association identify the most suitable hosts with adequate and standard sports facilities ahead of the 2026 national schools sports calendar.

By the close of the bidding period, UPSSA had received submissions from Iganga Municipality, Mubende District, Masindi, Tororo Municipality, Butaleja District, and Moroto District.

The inspection team will be led by Gilbert Orikiriza, Desk Officer in charge of Primary Schools at the Ministry of Education and Sports, alongside National Sports Officers and members of the UPSSA Executive.

“We shall visit all bidding districts and municipalities to assess their facilities according to our set standards,” said Orikiriza.

“The best-prepared and most suitable host will be awarded the hosting rights. The final decision will be announced at the UPSSA Annual General Assembly scheduled for mid-November.”

Orikiriza expressed optimism about the growing interest from schools to host national competitions.

“Our field visits will verify whether the bidding schools have the necessary infrastructure—accommodation, safety for athletes, officials and spectators, accessibility, evidence of co-hosting arrangements, and collaboration with local authorities,” he added.

He emphasized that the early inspection will give the selected host district or municipality ample time to prepare for the 2026 national primary school sports season.

These events are held on a rotational basis, and the enthusiasm from the bidding regions is encouraging. Should the games be awarded to any of these areas, it would offer local youth and communities a valuable opportunity to experience the excitement of national-level competition.