St. Kagwa Bushenyi gains Ankole, District backing in bid to host 2027 USSSA National Ball Games I

By Emmanuel Sekago

St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School’s bid to host the 2027 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Ball Games I and Athletics Championship has received backing from the entire USSSA-Ankole Zone and Bushenyi District leadership, with the school and its partners expressing readiness to welcome thousands of student-athletes, coaches and officials to the region.

The school is confident that, working alongside its co-hosting institutions and local stakeholders, it can deliver a successful national championship that promotes sports excellence, discipline, teamwork, talent development and holistic education.

St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School is partnering with St. Kagwa Boarding Primary School, Bweranyangi Girls Secondary School and Bushenyi PTC as it seeks to bring the prestigious school sports competition to Bushenyi for the first time.

Speaking to wallnetnews digital about the bid, St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School Sports Director Ajuna Asheri said the institution was prepared to work closely with USSSA, the Ministry of Education and Sports and other stakeholders to ensure a successful event.

“St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School is committed to promoting sports excellence, discipline, teamwork, talent development, and holistic education. In partnership with our co-hosting institutions, St. Kagwa Boarding Primary School, Bweranyangi Girls Secondary School, and Bushenyi PTC, we are prepared to work closely with the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and other stakeholders to organise successful 2027 USSSA National Ball Games I/Athletics Championship,” Ajuna said.

He noted that Bushenyi District offers a conducive environment for hosting the national event, citing its strategic location, accessible transport routes, peaceful environment and available sports facilities.

The school has pledged thorough preparation, effective coordination, safety, hospitality and quality sports facilities for all participating schools and officials.

Speaking to WallNetNews Digital, St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School Head teacher Mr. Kamugisha PK said the school had submitted its bid for three major reasons: confidence in the capacity of its facilities and partner institutions, the opportunity for Bushenyi to host a national championship, and the chance to inspire learners through interaction with talented athletes from across Uganda.

“We believe that our schools and partner institutions can provide the facilities and organisation required, and Bushenyi region has never hosted these games before. Bushenyi is ready for the opportunity to host a national championship and showcase its capacity,” Kamugisha said.

He added that hosting the championship would give learners an opportunity to interact with talented players from different parts of the country, learn from their experiences and become inspired to pursue excellence in both sports and education.

The head teacher said the school was ready to work with the relevant authorities to demonstrate its preparedness and address any gaps identified during the inspection process.

The school believes Bushenyi has several advantages that make it a strong candidate to host the 2027 championship.

These include good road connections to neighbouring districts, a generally moderate climate, a peaceful environment and a network of schools, colleges and sports facilities that could support the competition.

The district is also expected to benefit from the potential involvement of local leaders, educational institutions, health workers, security agencies, businesses and surrounding communities.

Hosting the games would create opportunities for local businesses and service providers through accommodation, catering, transport and other services needed by visiting teams.

Beyond the sporting action, visitors would have an opportunity to experience Bushenyi’s culture, hospitality and cuisine, including attractions such as the popular Kabagarame Pork Market.

The school further views the championship as a platform for talent development, sports promotion and national unity, bringing together young people from different regions through competition and shared experiences.

With effective planning and coordination, the institution believes Bushenyi can provide a safe, welcoming and productive environment for participating teams.

St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School says it will draw on its experience in hosting zonal and district-level competitions as it prepares for the more demanding requirements of a national championship.

The school acknowledges that a national event requires a higher level of preparation, accountability, coordination and teamwork, and has pledged to work with its partners to ensure that the necessary standards are met.

The institution has expressed readiness to present its facilities and organisational plans to USSSA, receive recommendations from the inspection team and implement practical improvements wherever gaps are identified.

It also intends to work with partners and stakeholders to establish clear timelines and responsibilities to ensure that outstanding requirements are addressed promptly.

The backing from USSSA-Ankole Zone and Bushenyi District leadership is expected to strengthen the school’s efforts as the hosting selection process progresses.

The school has also placed the health, welfare and comfort of participants among its key priorities.

Working with its co-hosting institutions, St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School has pledged to provide nutritious, balanced and hygienically prepared meals for athletes, officials and support staff, alongside safe drinking water.

The catering arrangements will include adequate carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables to support athletes’ energy requirements, recovery and overall well-being.

Special attention will be given to Executive Committee (EX-COM) members and other invited guests, with the school committing to respect dietary needs and ensure proper care throughout the event.

The institution says these arrangements will form part of a broader plan to create a safe and supportive environment in which participants can focus on their competitions.

St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School has assured USSSA, the Ministry of Education and Sports and other stakeholders of its full cooperation throughout the preparations.

The school is ready to present its facilities, explain its plans and receive recommendations from the relevant authorities. Where improvements are needed, it says it will work with partners to identify solutions, assign responsibilities and establish timelines for implementation.

The institution’s ambition is to host a championship that reflects the values of USSSA, the Ministry of Education and Sports, Bushenyi District and Uganda.

With the backing of the USSSA-Ankole Zone and Bushenyi district leadership, the school hopes to turn its bid into an opportunity to showcase Bushenyi’s capacity, promote school sports and strengthen the region’s contribution to Uganda’s sports development.

For St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School, hosting the 2027 USSSA National Ball Games I and Athletics Championship would be more than organising a sporting event; it would be an opportunity to celebrate young talent, promote national unity and demonstrate the hospitality, discipline and excellence for which the institution seeks to be known.