By John Baptist Opua
The 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Boys’ Football National Championship roared to life on Monday, 11 May, with Game Day One across playgrounds in Lira City.
A total of 64 schools have descended on the northern hub, drawn into 16 groups of four, setting the stage for two weeks of intense competition. Reporting and athlete screening were completed on Sunday, with all teams confirmed by 6:00 p.m.
National Organising Committee Chairperson Okot P’Bitek, also USSSA’s 2nd Vice Chairman, assured the public that preparations had passed inspection: “We are happy everything is in place to ensure the games proceed smoothly. Security has been strengthened with a Police outpost already opened, and the UPDF is assisting alongside sister agencies.”
Competition Chairperson Bosco Alot confirmed that all 16 pitches are ready, with standby training grounds available. He emphasised professionalism among referees, assessors, and coordinators, while warning against hooliganism: “We appeal to players and spectators to desist from all forms of misconduct.”
At the heart of the action, Lira Town College is hosting the championship. Head Teacher Mr. Levi Abongo said the school and city are prepared: “We have put everything in place. We encourage the public to take advantage of this opportunity and use it for business.”
With the whistle blown and the first matches underway, Lira City becomes the epicentre of school football, promising drama, talent, and community buzz as the national championship unfolds.
