The 21st edition of the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Association (FEASSA) Games was officially launched yesterday, Sunday, August 18, by President Yoweri Museveni at Bukedea Comprehensive School.
The President, who was the guest of honour, arrived at the venue to a warm reception from thousands of attendees, including dignitaries, sports enthusiasts, and students.
In his address, Museveni lauded the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Anita Annet Among, who is the proprietor of Bukedea Comprehensive School, for her vision and commitment to sports development.
“I thank Hon. Anita Among for facilitating the construction of the BCS stadium. I encourage other officials to take this as an example,” President Museveni remarked, urging other leaders to follow suit and invest in similar initiatives across the country.
He also acknowledged Hon. Patrick Isiagi, owner of Amus College, for his collaborative efforts in setting up these remarkable sports facilities.
The event also marked the grand opening of the newly constructed Bukedea Comprehensive Sports Park, a facility with an indoor arena, a high-class swimming pool, and a football stadium.
The FEASSA Games are being held at Bukedea Comprehensive School with Amus College as co-hosts, and have brought together secondary and primary schools from across East Africa.
President Museveni also used the occasion to highlight the significance of regional integration through sports, underscoring that the East African integration extends beyond mere athletic competition.
“The East African integration is more than just sports. It’s fundamentally about securing our livelihoods,” he said, calling for a deeper sense of unity among East African nations.
The official opening was followed by a thrilling football match between co-hosts Bukedea Comprehensive School and Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Secondary School.
The match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Bukedea Comprehensive, saw goals from Reagan Ssekisambu and Yusuf Ssebumpeje, setting a spirited tone for the games.
The FEASSA Games will run until August 27, and will feature a wide range of sports disciplines including football, rugby (7’s and 15’s), basketball (3×3 and 5×5), handball, netball, athletics, swimming, hockey, volleyball, goalball, tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
