Kabale Municipality is expected to host the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA) National Kids Athletics and Special Needs Education (SNE) Championships 2025, marking its return as host after a 34-year hiatus since 1991.
This hope was kindled on Thursday, January 9, 2025, during an inspection visit by Ministry of Education and Sports officials and the UPSSA technical team. The team evaluated potential venues after a stakeholders’ meeting at the Kabale Municipal Council Hall, attended by Municipal Council officials, including Deputy Mayor Kedrace Mutabazi, UPSSA leaders, and representatives from Greater Kabale.
The team visited facilities at Kigezi High School Primary Lower, Kabale Primary School, National Teachers College, and Kabale Main Stadium to assess their readiness to host the games.
Pauline Musigire, the First Vice President of UPSSA in charge of technical and administration, revealed that Kabale Municipality and Sironko District are the two applicants vying to host the championships. He says that the decision will be based on factors such as infrastructure, security, and overall preparedness.
Musigire highlighted that the 2025 championship, slated for the first-term holiday starting May 5, 2025, and basing from last years’ experience in Kitgum is expected to attract participation from at least 160 districts, involving 8,000 athletes and 1,500 officials. The Ministry of Education and Sports will oversee the preparation and training of officials for the event.
Alex Biryomumisho, Chairperson of UPSSA Kabale District and Kigezi Zone, emphasized the economic benefits of hosting the games. “This event will boost the local economy by increasing demand for food, accommodation, and transport, while showcasing Kabale’s cultural heritage and sporting potential,” he said. He, however, called for improvements in infrastructure to fully harness the region’s talent.
Grace Munyambabazi, Principal Education Officer for Kabale Municipality, affirmed the municipality’s readiness to host the championship, stating it is an opportunity to shine and demonstrate Kabale’s capacity to host national events.
Gilbert Orikiriza, Education Officer in charge of Physical Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, praised Kabale Municipality’s interest and commitment to hosting the games. He outlined the essential requirements, including a 400-meter track and facilities for learners with special needs.
Orikiriza stressed the ministry’s dedication to nurturing talent from the grassroots level, noting that the championships serve as a platform to identify athletes who could represent Uganda at the Federation of East African School Sports Competitions and other international events.
The UPSSA National Athletics Championships have historically been a launching pad for Uganda’s athletics stars. Hosting the event in Kabale is expected to inspire a new generation of young athletes, foster unity, and contribute to sports development in the region.
Kabale awaits the final decision from the Ministry of Education and Sports, optimistic about hosting this prestigious event.
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