BY MASEJERE SULAIMAN
MUKONO – Bishop Hannington Mutebi has challenged young athletes to view sports as a vehicle for character transformation rather than just a race for medals, as the 2026 National Ball Games officially opened at Seroma Christian High School on Friday.
The week-long tournament has attracted a massive field of 6,558 athletes from across the country, competing in 11 disciplines including football (girls), basketball (5×5), rugby, handball, badminton, and U-17 netball.
Officiating as the guest of honour, Bishop Mutebi emphasized the link between physical activity and life skills. He noted that the discipline required on the field directly translates to success in adulthood.
“As we participate in sports, we learn discipline, how we relate with others, and confidence. Doctors emphasize that if you want to keep good health, you must exercise,” the Bishop told the gathered students.
He further encouraged the participants to compete with an eye on the future, noting that top performers would secure slots in the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) games and other continental and global stages.
The Commissioner for Physical Education reaffirmed that the Ministry of Education and Sports fully integrates these games into its official annual calendar. However, he issued a stern warning to match officials and games masters regarding professionalism.
“I want to inform you that this program is officially in the ministry calendar, and I encourage officials to do the right thing at the right time,” he said, emphasizing the need for fair play and the elimination of “age-cheating” and technical errors.
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Vice President, who also chairs the organizing committee, highlighted that this year’s games showcase significant progress in local capacity. He noted that many of the referees and technical personnel officiating the matches are products of recent USSSA training and certification programs.
The Resident Director of the host institution, Seroma Christian High School, extended gratitude to partner schools including Our Lady of Africa, Seeta University, Seeta High School, and Hilton for providing the necessary support and facilities to manage the large influx of athletes.
The games, which serve as a primary scouting ground for national junior teams, feature: Ball Games: Basketball (5×5), Netball (U-17), Rugby, Handball, and Girls’ Football. Racket Sports: Badminton and Table Tennis.
As the competitions move into the group stages, scouts and sports enthusiasts expect a high level of talent as schools battle for national glory and a chance to represent Uganda on the regional stage.