Over 100 aspiring sports officials in the Bunyoro region have gained valuable skills following the successful completion of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Capacity Building Program.
The five-day program, held at Kabalega College Masindi from February 10th to 15th, equipped participants with the expertise needed to officiate various sporting disciplines.
The program attracted 104 participants from across the Bunyoro region, offering specialized training in three key areas: Football Refereeing, Netball Umpiring, and Volleyball Refereeing.
A significant portion of the participants, 54 individuals, focused on football officiating, reflecting the sport’s popularity in the region.
Netball Umpiring drew 31 participants, while 19 individuals opted for Volleyball Refereeing.
The closing ceremony saw participants awarded certificates of attendance, recognizing their successful completion of the intensive training.
Masindi Sports Officer, Mr. Isingoma Joseph, lauded the USSSA and the Ministry of Education for their commitment to developing the sports sector in the region.
He emphasized the program’s potential to not only improve the quality of sports officiating but also reduce costs for schools.
With newly trained officials available, schools can now conduct inter-class competitions and other sporting events without incurring external officiating expenses.
Aheebwa Nelson, a participant in the Football Refereeing course, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “We’ve long heard about this program being implemented elsewhere, but we’re thrilled it’s finally in Bunyoro. We deeply appreciate USSSA for bringing this initiative to our zone – it’s a great opportunity.”
His sentiments were echoed by many other participants who recognized the significant value of the training.
Mr. Wabyona Moses, Masindi District Sports Association Executive Committee Member and District Secretary, also participated in the program.
He assured the newly certified officials that they would have opportunities to put their skills into practice by officiating at the Masindi Municipality and District Games.
Mr. Wabyona stressed the importance of recognizing and utilizing local talent, stating, “It will look shameless if we don’t recognize our products.”
The USSSA Capacity Building Program represents a significant step forward in promoting sports development and capacity building within the Bunyoro region.
The skills acquired by the 104 participants are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the region’s sports landscape, contributing to the growth and professionalism of sports at the local level.
