The 23rd edition of the FEASSA Games was officially opened at the Jamhuri stadium in Morogoro city, Tanzania on Sunday, 16th August 2026.
Professor Adolf Mkenda, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology was chief guest at the well attended event.
Prof. Mkenda represented the Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania who had been confirmed as chief guest.
“Today, Morogoro is more than a host of the 2026 FEASSA Games. It has become a meeting point of East African youth, a symbol of regional integration and growth. We are deeply honored that partner states have entrusted Tanzania with the responsibility of hosting these games. Sports speaks every language, respects every culture. It has extra ordinary ability to unite people of all races, religious beliefs and geographical background. Every match played, every race run, every goal scored, every point scored contributes to the East African spirit. Let us embrace the values of Olympic movement; Excellence, respect, teamwork and the joy of effort. Like Nelson Mandela said; Sports has the people to change the world” Professor Mkenda remarked.
The FEASSA President Justus Mugisha expressed overwhelming progress of these games since inception 22 years ago.
“From humble beginnings, FEASSSA has grown into the biggest schools tournament in the region, Africa and the entire world.” He highlighted.
This year’s championship has drawn 8000 visitors; 6000 of these are participants and over 2000 of them officials.
“We are gathered here in the beautiful city of Morogoro for the 23rd FEASSA Games. The United Republic of Tanzania has once again opened its arms to FEASSA for the fifth timeThe categories entail Secondary (U-19), Primary (U-15) and Special Needs Education (SNEs). This is not basically sports but the East Africa Integration in action. I thank the Government of Tanzania, Morogoro local government, FEASSA Executive committee members, local organizing committee, officials, participants, media and the general public. Morogoro has set a new standard. People are welcoming, happy, friendly and caring. To you the athletes, you are the ambassadors. Build friendships. Let the games build teamwork, teamwork, discipline and unity” Mugisha added.
The respective country delegation heads from Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi were accorded a special mention along the Government officials, Members of Parliament (MP’s), team officials, coaches, players, the media and general public.
Meanwhile, the East African Development Bank (EADB) announced a $ 90,000 offer to FEASSA.
EADB Country Manager, Mr. Stephen Wambura, said the FEASSA tournament is a great platform for the Bank to invest in the development of East Africa’s young sporting talent as part of the bank’s mission to contribute to sustainable development programs that create a lasting positive impact for the region.
“While our core mandate is financing development projects across key sectors of the economy, we recognize that sustainable development goes beyond infrastructure and enterprises. It also means investing in people, especially young people, who represent the future of our region. It is for this reason that EADB partnered with FEASSA as the title sponsor of the 23rd edition of the games and committed USD 90,000 towards the successful delivery of the tournament” said Mr. Wambura.
“Sports sponsorship is one of the key pillars of our Corporate Social Initiatives(CSI) agenda because we understand the transformative power of sports in shaping character, promoting healthy lifestyles and unlocking opportunities for young people in our region. Through this sponsorship, we are investing not only in the competition, but in the development of the next generation of East African leaders” he added.
The games (indoor and outdoor) started on Friday, 14th August 2026 and will run throughout the week until Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
Uganda is the defending overall champion.
