The Blessing of Presidential presence at the 21st FEASSA Games

By Emmanuel Sekago

The 21st edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) games, held at Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School, marked a historic moment for Uganda. With His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni gracing the event, this year’s competition was more than just a gathering of talented young athletes—it was a demonstration of national pride and unity. For the seventh time hosting the FEASSA games, Uganda not only showcased its ability to organize such a grand event but also broke the long-standing curse by finally winning the overall trophy on its home soil.

Uganda’s history with the FEASSA games has been bittersweet. Despite hosting the competition six times before, the overall trophy has always slipped away, often falling into the hands of rival Kenya. However, the presence of President Museveni at the opening ceremony this year seemed to turn the tide. His blessing, symbolic of national unity and support for sports development, played a significant role in lifting the spirits of the athletes and the entire nation. For the first time, Uganda clinched the overall trophy, securing 37 medals in total, including 12 golds, 14 silvers, and 11 bronzes. This victory was not just a triumph in sports but a testament to the power of leadership and the importance of support from the highest levels of government.

The success of the games can also be attributed to the exceptional hosting by Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School. These two schools, both private institutions, set a new standard for sporting infrastructure in Uganda. Their facilities were nothing short of international class, providing the perfect environment for athletes to excel and for spectators to enjoy the games. The meticulous planning and execution by the schools, particularly in the areas of welfare, security, and hospitality, were commendable. The meals were timely and of high quality, thanks to the dedicated cooks, and the security ensured that participants and the community felt safe and supported.

The local communities of Bukedea, Mbale, and Kumi played a crucial role in the success of the games. Their overwhelming support and hospitality towards the participants and visitors created a welcoming atmosphere that left a lasting impression. The business community, too, reaped the benefits of the influx of visitors, with booming sales and increased customer flow. It is no wonder that there is a growing call from these communities to host similar competitions in the future.

The President’s words during the opening ceremony underscored the importance of investing in sports infrastructure as a means of promoting local economies and fostering regional development. His commendation of Speaker Anita Among for her role in developing the stadium and her overall contribution to the community highlighted the significance of leadership in achieving progress. The stadium in Bukedea, developed at a reasonable cost and within a short time, should indeed serve as an example for other regions in Uganda to follow.

In his address, President Museveni also offered valuable advice to the young athletes, urging them to view sports as a viable career path and a source of livelihood. His emphasis on the broader significance of East African integration beyond sports was a timely reminder of the role that events like the FEASSA games play in fostering unity and cooperation among the nations of the region.

State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, echoed these sentiments by advising athletes to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. His words were a reminder that while winning is important, the true spirit of competition lies in respect, integrity, and camaraderie.

In conclusion, the 21st FEASSA games were a resounding success, not just because of the medals won, but because of the unity and pride they fostered among Ugandans. The presence of President Museveni, the exemplary hosting by Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School, and the overwhelming support from the local communities all contributed to making this year’s edition of the games one for the history books. As Uganda looks ahead to future competitions, the lessons learned from this year’s success will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for continued excellence in sports.