Bukedea Comprehensive School vs Jinja Secondary School: Who will win the Bid to Host USSSA-National Ball Games One 2025?

By Emmanuel Sekago

The race to host the 2025 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Ball Games One has narrowed down to two contenders from the Eastern region: Bukedea Comprehensive School and Jinja Secondary School.

Both schools recently completed inspections by the USSSA/PES committee, led by USSSA 2nd Vice President Okot P’Bitek and Asiimwe Brenda Sharon, the Physical Education and Sports Officer from the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The inspection focused on assessing the schools’ infrastructures, accommodations, and overall readiness to host the prestigious games next year.

Neither Bukedea Comprehensive School nor Jinja Secondary School has previously hosted the USSSA-National Ball Games One, making this an exciting first-time bid for both. Each school brings unique strengths to the table, but only one will win the coveted hosting rights.

Jinja Secondary School, a government institution founded in 1948, has a long history in the region and has previously hosted the USSSA National Boys Football competitions (formerly known as the Copa Coca-Cola Games).

The school offers education at both ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels, with day and boarding options, and is renowned for its success in various sports, including football, cricket, rugby, netball, volleyball, and track. Jinja SS boasts a rich sporting heritage, having won one National Copa Coca-Cola trophy, ten regional trophies, and ten district trophies, making it a formidable contender in this bid.

Bukedea Comprehensive School, on the other hand, is a relatively new institution, established in 2018. Despite its young age, it has quickly made a name for itself as a boarding and vocational school on the Mbale-Soroti Highway, with both ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels and various technical programs.

In 2024, the school co-hosted the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games with Amus College School, an event that attracted over 3,500 participants from five countries and was officially opened by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

This successful hosting experience has bolstered Bukedea’s confidence in vying for the USSSA-National Ball Games One.

In an interview with Wallnet News, Isaac Balimusagayo, the Headteacher of Jinja Secondary School, rallied support from alumni, urging them to back the school’s bid for hosting rights.

He acknowledged the strong competition from Bukedea Comprehensive School but expressed optimism about Jinja City’s facilities and the school’s ability to deliver a successful event in 2025.

“We’re calling on all Jinja SS alumni to join us in pushing for this bid. With Jinja City’s resources and infrastructure, we’re confident that we can host a memorable and successful competition,” he stated.

Jonas Gumisiriza, Director of Bukedea Comprehensive School, also spoke to Wallnet News, emphasizing the school’s proven capacity to host large events, such as the FEASSA Games.

“We have already shown that we can successfully host regional events of this magnitude,” Gumisiriza stated. “Bukedea Comprehensive has the facilities and the support needed to handle the USSSA Ball Games One. We’re excited about this opportunity to showcase our commitment to sports and youth development in the Eastern region.”

Jinja SS has a well-established reputation as a center of sporting excellence in the region and beyond. The school is situated in a city with strong support infrastructure, such as hotels, medical facilities, and other amenities that are crucial for hosting large-scale events. This could give Jinja an edge, as USSSA and PES look for host schools that can handle accommodations and other logistical requirements.

Bukedea Comprehensive School, while newer, has proven its capability by hosting the FEASSA Games in 2024. With a strong track record, the school has showcased its ability to attract and manage large crowds and multiple teams from across the region.

In terms of facilities, Bukedea has committed to making the necessary improvements and has shown that it has the support of the local community, which is crucial for ensuring a successful event.

As the USSSA National Ball Games One hosting bid draws to a close, the decision between Bukedea Comprehensive School and Jinja Secondary School will likely come down to the schools’ respective abilities to meet USSSA’s specific requirements, including sports facilities, accommodation, and logistical readiness.

Jinja’s reputation, facilities, and city infrastructure present a compelling case, while Bukedea’s recent hosting experience and community support offer a fresh perspective and commitment to youth sports in the region.

Both schools remain optimistic, and the decision, ultimately, lies in the hands of the USSSA committee as they assess the final bid presentations.

The Eastern region eagerly awaits the outcome, as the winning bid will not only showcase the selected school but will also bring attention to the region as a growing hub for sports and youth development.