USSSA Begins Preparations for Inaugural African School Games in Algiers

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) has officially begun preparations for Uganda’s participation in the inaugural African School Games, set to take place from July 5th to 13th, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria.

USSSA President Justus Mugisha, alongside Chief Executive Officer Chris Banage Mugisha and Ministry of Education and Sports Commissioner Duncan Mugumya (Physical Education and Sports Department), held a high-level planning meeting with Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) President Dr. Donald Rukare and Secretary Beatrice Ayikoru to kickstart the coordination process.

“We look forward to Team Uganda participating in the African School Games in Algiers later this year,” said Dr. Rukare in an interview with Wallnetnews Digital. “These games are a vital incubator for our young athletes as they prepare for the African Youth Games in Angola this December, the Youth Olympics in Dakar 2026, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026.”

Dr. Rukare confirmed that the UOC is working closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council of Sports, USSSA, and national federations to ensure Uganda’s successful representation at the games.

The African School Games are being organized in collaboration with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and the International School Sport Federation (ISF). The initiative aims to promote youth development, identify and nurture future African sporting talent, and uphold Olympic values across the continent.

The event received official backing in October 2024 from Algeria’s Head of State, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who described it as a critical platform for promoting peace, sustainable development, and youth empowerment through sport.

“Algeria is honoured to host such a prestigious event, which not only makes young people a focal priority, but is also a vector for peace and sustainable development for Africa,” President Tebboune stated.

Three Algerian cities—Constantine, Annaba, and Skikda have been selected to co-host the inaugural edition, as announced by the Algerian Federation for School Sports (FASS). FASS President Abdelhafid Izem confirmed that 22 sports disciplines will be featured, including athletics, basketball, football, and boxing.

An inspection visit by the FASS leadership to the three host cities found most facilities ready for use, though some renovation works were recommended to meet the standards of a continental competition.
The games are expected to bring together between 2,500 and 3,000 student-athletes from across Africa. The event is also seen as a launchpad for future participation in major international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.

The foundation for this landmark event was laid during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where ANOCA and ISF signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 31, 2024, to build the capacity of African youth through an integrated model of sports and academic development.

As Uganda prepares to take part in this milestone event, USSSA, in partnership with key government and sports stakeholders, is committed to ensuring a strong, well-prepared team that will proudly represent the nation on the continental stage.