Uganda secondary schools sports body Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association has outlined key guidelines and logistics ahead of the 7th Elite Games scheduled for 26 February to 1 March 2026 at Janan SS Bombo.
The championship will open with team arrivals on 26 February and conclude with awards and departure on 1 March.
The briefing followed a preparatory meeting held Friday at GNS Plaza in Old Kampala, chaired by CEO Christopher Mugisha. He was joined by executive committee member Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi representing president Justus Mugisha, competitions director Emma Kasakya and branding and communications director Omario Bosco.
Organisers confirmed the tournament will feature seven disciplines: football, basketball 5×5, basketball 3×3, rugby sevens, volleyball, netball and handball. Participation will be restricted to athletes aged 16 to 20, with all competitors required to be fully registered on the association’s online system.
Mugisha said the Elite Games are intended primarily as a testing platform ahead of national championships, which is why schools will be allowed larger squads and unlimited substitutions to assess player readiness.
During the meeting, St. Noa’s Secondary School games teacher William Ssentumbwe questioned why the event was not open to broader age categories. Mugisha responded that fixed age brackets are required under competition rules to ensure fairness, structured preparation and proper development pathways for student athletes.
On welfare arrangements, organisers confirmed schools will not need to carry mattresses, plates or cups, although teams may bring personal items they consider necessary. The Elite Games remain a key preparatory competition on the secondary schools sports calendar as teams fine tune squads ahead of major national events.
