The sixth edition of the highly anticipated Elite Games, organized by the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), concluded on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with a spectacular closing ceremony graced by Ismail Mulindwa, Director of Basic and Secondary Education.
The event showcased the pinnacle of secondary school sports talent, providing a crucial platform for athletes ahead of regional competitions.
The Elite Games, held across various disciplines, served as a vital preparatory ground for Ugandan athletes, as highlighted by USSSA President Justus Mugisha.
“We have so far won the FEASSA overall trophy three times in a row, and the Elite Games is among the tricks we use to conquer East Africa. Elite Games give our athletes enough leg work while our neighbors are sleeping,” Mugisha emphasized.
Director Mulindwa expressed his appreciation for the athletes’ dedication and the schools’ commitment to nurturing talent.
“I want to appreciate you for preparing these athletes as I have enjoyed the display by these schools,” he stated during the closing ceremony.
Jinja Progressive Academy emerged as the dominant force in boys’ football, securing the gold medal.
Their player, Isabirye William, was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, while Kibirango Eric clinched the top scorer award, and Wangala Rashid was recognized as the best goalkeeper, solidifying their team’s comprehensive victory. Amus College secured silver, and Standard High School Zana took home the bronze.
In girls’ football, St. Noah Girls’ School triumphed, with Kasemire Imelda earning the MVP award, Kabene Slyvia becoming the top scorer, and Namuwaya Maimuna excelling as the best goalkeeper.
Kawempe Muslim SS and Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga secured silver and bronze, respectively.
Buddo Secondary School showcased their prowess in multiple disciplines, securing gold in both boys’ and girls’ 5×5 basketball, as well as netball. Saidah Shamim Shaban (netball), Kamukama Brandon (boys’ 5×5 basketball), and Nakibuuka Doreen (girls’ 5×5 basketball) were recognized as MVPs.
In netball, Baptist High School claimed silver, and Greenlight Islamic Secondary School took bronze. In boys’ 5×5 basketball, Seeta High School A’level Campus secured silver, and Seroma Christian High School won bronze. In girls 5×5 Basketball, Seroma Christian High School received Silver, and Amus College received Bronze.
Amus College demonstrated their strength in 3×3 basketball, winning gold in the boys’ category, with Aney Paul receiving the MVP award. Jinja College and St. Maria Gorreti Katende took silver and bronze, respectively.
In the girls’ 3×3 basketball, Gombe SS emerged victorious, with Nakuduude Cathy named MVP. St. Maria Gorreti Katende secured silver, and Amus College took bronze.
In volleyball, Bukedea Comprehensive School won gold in the boys’ category, with Oyirwith Patrick named MVP. St. Elizabeth Girls’ School secured gold in the girls’ category, with Ankunda Olivia earning the MVP title.
Bukedea Comprehensive School also took silver in the girls category, and Mariam High School earned bronze.
Bombo Army SS dominated the boys’ handball, with Pirwoth Gerald Philips receiving the MVP award. Mbogo Mixed SS and Wampeewo Ntake SS secured silver and bronze, respectively.
Gombe SS clinched gold in the girls’ handball, with Adong Daphine named MVP. Wampeewo Ntake SS and Kyeizoba Girls’ School secured silver and bronze, respectively.
Busoga College Mwiri emerged as the champions in boys’ rugby 7s, with Ikinyom Mario Prince receiving the MVP award. London College of St. Lawrence took silver. In the girls’ rugby 7s, Nkooma SS secured gold, with Mukooya Enid named MVP.
The Elite Games received positive feedback from participants and administrators alike.
Obote Felix, in a comment on the USSSA website, praised the program, urging administrators to “keep it up.”
