Okanya credits USSSA Weekend League for reviving school sports in upcountry Districts

By Emmanuel Sekago

Emeritus Patrick Okanya has applauded the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Weekend League, describing it as an exciting initiative that is opening up more playing opportunities for upcountry schools that have previously struggled with limited competition time.

Speaking to WallNetNews Digital, Okanya said the programme is providing schools with a regular platform to compete while also creating opportunities for referees trained under the USSSA Capacity Building Programme to improve their officiating skills through practical match experience.

“The Weekend League is such an exciting opening, especially for upcountry schools that have been having limited playing time. It has also given an opportunity to the USSSA Capacity Building referees to polish up their officiating. We commend the districts and zones that have pioneered the programme,” Okanya said.

Okanya made the remarks while checking on the progress of the Weekend League in Pallisa District, where both secondary and primary schools are participating in volleyball, netball and football competitions.

The initiative is steadily attracting community interest, with residents embracing the weekend fixtures as an opportunity for entertainment while supporting young talents from their respective schools.

The growing enthusiasm has also encouraged some participating schools to register more than one team in particular sports, with the intention of giving as many learners as possible an opportunity to play and develop their talents.

This development reflects the importance of grassroots school competitions in widening participation, identifying emerging talent and strengthening sports development beyond the traditional major championships.

One of the weekend football encounters saw Kaukura Seed Secondary School face Lemon Pallisa Secondary School in a closely contested match, with both sides settling for a goalless draw despite their efforts to find the breakthrough.

The Pallisa activities underline the potential of the Weekend League to strengthen school sports at district and zonal levels while giving young athletes consistent competition opportunities.

Beyond the matches, the programme is also serving as a practical training ground for USSSA-trained referees, helping them gain confidence, experience and the necessary exposure to handle school competitions.

With communities already embracing the initiative and more schools bringing multiple teams on board, the Weekend League could become an important pillar in expanding school sports participation across Uganda, particularly in districts where learners have traditionally had fewer opportunities to compete.