TEAM UGANDA READY TO REPRESENT UGANDA IN FEASA GAMES 21ST EDITION.

By Justine Nalubega

At a glamorous event, Team Uganda was officially flagged off to Bukedea, in the eastern part of the country, to participate in the 21st edition of the Federation of East African Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games. The flag-off ceremony was officiated by the State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Owgang, on Wednesday afternoon, August 14, 2024, at the Mandela National Stadium Hall in Namboole. A total of 1,690 Ugandan students will participate in this year’s FEASSA Games, marking the largest contingent ever sent by a single country in the history of the event. Saidi Musa Kati from Kibuli SS and Amirah Bukenya from Nabisunsa Girls Secondary School have been named captains for the boys' and girls' teams, respectively. This year’s FEASSA Games will take place at Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School in Bukedea District, within the Teso sub-region. Hon. Peter Owgang, the State Minister for Sports, highlighted the importance of discipline and hard work as the key to future success for Uganda’s young athletes. “Sports were once viewed as merely a leisure activity, but today, they provide a means of livelihood. However, to excel and thrive in these games, discipline and hard work are essential,” emphasized the Minister.

"We are committed to developing athletes for the future—future global stars. That’s why I stand firm in my belief that school competitions should be reserved exclusively for students of the correct age," emphasized the Minister. Teams from across the East African region are scheduled to arrive this Friday, August 16th, at Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School. This year’s edition will feature teams from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. In the previous event, Uganda emerged as the overall champion, successfully defending their title with an outstanding performance during the 10-day championship held in Huye and Gisagara districts in Rwanda's Southern Province. However, the President of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), Justus Mugisha, expects stiff competition for the overall trophy this time around. “It’s going to be a tough contest. We expect to win, but it will be a close call. Kenya has prepared well, and we need to approach every game as if it’s the final,” said USSSA President Justus Mugisha.