Wakiso District has established a pioneering trainees association for students who have completed the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) capacity building programs.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Wakiso District Secondary Schools Sports Association (WAKISHA), seeks to provide practical experience and opportunities to budding sports officials across various disciplines.
The historic meeting, held at the Wakiso Resource Center, saw a convergence of student trainees from prominent schools including Standard High School Zzana, Boston High School, St. Augustines High School, Mbogo Mixed High School, Sacred Heart SS, Oxford High School, and Amity Secondary School.
These students, equipped with USSSA certifications in areas such as netball, football, athletics, and media, were convened to strategize and formalize their involvement in district sports activities.
Gerald Katamba, the WAKISHA Zone Chairman, presided over the meeting, emphasizing the initiative’s origins in a headteachers’ meeting held on February 15, 2025.
He highlighted the need to utilize the skills of these trained students, ensuring they gain valuable experience by officiating inter-class and school tournaments before the district-wide games commence on March 24, 2025.
The meeting was graced by Ssenyonga Brian Charles, the District Sports Officer, who commended USSSA for its capacity-building efforts. He encouraged the students to exhibit passion and integrity in their work, pledging the district’s support to WAKISHA and its initiatives.
However, Ssenyonga also challenged the district to diversify its sports focus, advocating for the promotion of disciplines like tennis and badminton alongside the dominant football.
Formation of the Trainees Association
A key outcome of the meeting was the formal establishment of the Wakiso District Students Sports Officials Association.
This association will serve as a platform for all students who have undergone USSSA capacity building training, providing them with opportunities to officiate and contribute to district and zonal championships.
The students elected a six-member Executive Committee to lead the association for the next year.
The elected officials are:
* President: Walusimbi Minshaawi
* Vice President: Kamakazi Liza
* Secretary: Habaasa Abdullatif
* Treasurer: Namubiru Janover
* Mobilizer: Akandwanaho Ismah
* Media Officer: Musinguzi John Wickliffe
Katamba also announced a planned refresher course for the trainees later in the year, reinforcing WAKISHA’s commitment to continuous development.
He further assured the trainees that they would be given priority in officiating all school sports championships, including the weekend leagues across Wakiso’s sub-zones.
