Overview:
The official opening match, albeit a dead rubber contest witnessed hosts Lira Town College defeat PP Newton 2-0 on a slippery-watery surface. The tournament has reached its business end with match day four coming on Thursday, 14th May 2026 as the different schools fight for round of 32 slots.
On a rainy Wednesday afternoon at the Lira Town College playground in Lira City, the official opening ceremony of the 2026 USSSA Boys Football Championship was held.
Students and teachers from the 64 competing schools braved the muddy conditions as they majestically marched to the field of play for the opening festivities graced by the brass band and traditional performers.
State Minister for Primary Education Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu was the chief guest for the well-attended ceremony, which was pushed ahead by 24 hours following President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.
She was flanked by the Assistant commissioner, Physical Education and Sports, Sammy Odong, other ministry officials, USSSA top executive members led by the president, Justus Mugisha, members of the local organising committee and other secretariat officials.
Dr Kaducu made a bold call for teachers to actively engage the young students as she called for the fair-play spirit to prevail at all times throughout the duration of this championship, whose four semi-finalists will represent Uganda at the 2026 FEASSSA Games in Morogoro city, Tanzania.
I would like to congratulate Lira City for hosting these games. I also want to thank the Ministry of Education and Sports for supporting school sports and sports in general. I call upon teachers to help these young students nurture and develop their talents. I also appeal to everyone to uphold fair play throughout the competition. I officially declare these games open. Now you are here, make sure that you showcase the God given talent with discipline, games without discipline are not a game,
Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education
In his remarks, Odong appealed to the Government of Uganda for more funding of the country’s school sports teams for different international competitions.
I would like to congratulate Lira Town College for hosting these games. I humbly appeal to the Government to adjust the budget so that we can fully support all Ugandan teams representing the country at the international level
Sammy Odong, Assistant commissioner, Education and Sports
USSSA president Mugisha commended the Government for the full support, financial and otherwise.
Mugisha hinted at the format of this competition, where each of the 64 schools plays the same number of matches.
I welcome you all to this championship. I would like to thank the Ministry of Education and Sports for entrusting us with the responsibility of organizing these games. Unlike before, in this championship all teams will play the same number of matches. From the group stages, as some teams advance to the knockout rounds, others will continue to play classification games. This structure is not only meant to determine positions but also to support the development of players. During this championship, we are also conducting capacity-building programs, where students are being trained as coaches, referees, and media officers. From this championship, the top three schools will join Bukedea Comprehensive School to represent Uganda at the FEASSA Games in Tanzania from 12th to 22nd August. Uganda has been ranked as the second most organized country in Africa in school sports, and we are now ranked second in the world, behind China, by the International School Sport Federation.
Justus Mugisha, President – Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA)
We are proud, as Lira Town College, to host this championship. In the history of this school, this is the first time such an event has been hosted here. We are committed to providing hospitality, welfare, and adequate security. To the people of Lira, come out in large numbers and let these students feel the roar of Lira.
Levi Abongo, Head teacher Lira Town College
The official opening match, albeit a dead rubber contest, witnessed hosts Lira Town College defeat PP Newton 2-0 on a slippery-watery surface.
The tournament has reached its business end with matchday four coming on Thursday, 14th May 2026, as the different schools fight for Round of 32 slots.
The knockout round and classification matches commence on Friday, 15th May 2026 until Tuesday, 19th May 2026, with the final.
