Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association hosted Susan Swern earlier this week at its Old Kampala head offices as discussions continue on introducing pickleball to school sport ahead of the 2026 national championships.
Swern, representing the Global Pickleball Federation under Operation Paddle Lift, visited on Tuesday shortly after USSSA president Justus Mugisha confirmed pickleball among new demonstration disciplines planned for the upcoming championships.
She was received by USSSA chief executive officer Chris Mugisha Banage alongside capacity building head Patrick Okanya. Discussions focused on collaboration to grow the sport locally, especially through schools where participation levels are highest.
Okanya highlighted the unusual step taken by USSSA in approving the sport for demonstration before formal engagement with global governing bodies. He said, “Pickleball is the first sports discipline to be given a chance to do demonstrations at the Nationals before interaction with international bodies. This shows how supportive the Association is in trying to introduce the sport to as many people as possible.”
He added that technical support rather than funding is the immediate priority. “Our request is not cash money, but support with equipment, human resource, and educational materials if available, to aid the promotion of the game across the country.”
Banage said the association is ready to work with Pickleball Uganda Federation to drive student participation nationwide. “We are ready to work with Pickleball Uganda Federation as we engage a big number of students across the country, which could make the work easier as long as masses find the game appealing and are ready to take it on.”
Swern welcomed the reception and praised local leadership for embracing the sport. “I am grateful for the hospitality and impressed by the commitment and willingness shown by USSSA leaders in taking on pickleball and spreading it across the country.”
She was accompanied by federation representative Regina Nakibuule and secretariat members. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to expand pickleball globally through equipment support, training resources and grassroots programmes.
Pickleball is scheduled for demonstration at the 2026 USSSA National Championships, a step officials see as key to building early awareness and participation in schools.
