Overview:
Young athletes will receive training across multiple disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Netball, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, Chess, and Scrabble.
- Event: Future Stars Holiday Training Camp
- Dates: 7th to 17th December 2025
- Disciplines: Football, Swimming, netball, chess, scrabble, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Badminton, Basketball
- Other sessions: Fitness & wellness, career guidance, mental health awareness, first aid & CPR training, safe guarding in sports
- Venue: Gayaza Junior School & Gayaza High School
- Theme: “Tomorrow’s champions through Sports”
- Fees: Ug.Shs 400,000 per head
It is this time of the year when the educational institutions are closing business for the long extended holidays for term three.
During this holiday, parents and their children mingle as they merry-make, reflecting about the previous year diligent chores, celebrate the long awaited festive season and usher in the virgin new year in style.
A well-calculated plan-out for these children is sports involvement where fresh tactics (skills) can be taught to them, new friendships made and as such establishing the vast networks.
It is upon this rich background that a multi-sports residential training camp code-named ‘Future Stars’ for children aged 7 to 17 years has been planned at Gayaza.
This is a ripe opportunity to explore and sharpen their sporting talents throughout the camp’s 10 days’ duration.
The camp was officially launched on Tuesday at Gayaza Junior School and Gayaza High School, with support from the Wakiso Sports Department.
Brian “Omutegeke” Ssenyonga, the Sports Officer at Wakiso District Local Government, presided over the launch as chief guest.
This program is coordinated by Simon Mugabi, CEO of the Uganda Badminton Association and Vice President of Badminton Africa in charge of development.
While at this Future Stars Camp, participants will train under Uganda’s top professional coaches while building friendships with peers from across the country.
The camp focuses on nurturing discipline, teamwork, confidence, resilience, leadership, and other life skills both on and off the field.
Catalogue of sports:
Young athletes will receive training across multiple disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Netball, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, Chess, and Scrabble.
Speaking at the launch, Mugabi said the camp is strategically designed to nurture talent, instill discipline, and promote healthy lifestyles in children.
Mugabi noted that the partnership with Gayaza Junior School and Gayaza High School ensures access to quality facilities in a safe environment.
“I was the first person to organize a holiday camp back in 1991. As Vice President for Development at Badminton Africa, I know how important such camps are for identifying and developing young talent. Children have the time to play, enjoy, and learn,” Mugabi said.
He added that the initiative, guided by the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions Through Sports,” aims to build a strong foundation for future Ugandan athletes through structured training, mentorship, and holistic development.
Wakiso District Sports Officer Ssenyonga encouraged parents to embrace the program.
“As Wakiso Sports Department, we are part of this initiative because it offers every child the complete package needed for sports development,” he said.
Head teachers Sarah Kizito Tebugulwa of Gayaza Junior School and Robinah Kizito Katongole of Gayaza High School welcomed the camp as a timely and impactful program that will contribute to sports development in the country.
“This long holiday is the perfect time for parents to give their children a chance to discover and grow their talents as we prepare them for the future,” said Sarah Tebugulwa.
“Beyond nurturing talent and keeping the mind and body fit, this is the best way to keep our children meaningfully engaged in a safe and secure environment,” added Robinah Katongole.
In addition to sports training, the camp will offer essential educational, fitness and wellness sessions, including career guidance, Mental Health Awareness, First Aid and CPR Training, and Safeguarding in Sports.
Following the launch, officials inspected sports facilities at both schools, confirming their readiness to host the Future Stars 10-Day Multi-Sport Residential Holiday Training Camp.
