Ever since USSSA opted for mass sport participation, Uganda has kept on growing the number of representatives at regional, continental and international events.
On the official flag off for team Uganda to the 21st edition of the Federation of East African Schools Sports Association held on Wednesday 14 August 2024.
State minister for sports in Uganda Honourable Peter Ogwanga flagged off 1690 participants.
At the event that took place at Namboole hosted by Mandela National stadium, State minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang confirmed that the president of the Republic of Uganda HE. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will grace the opening ceremony.
I am flagging off, our national teams going to represent the country in this year’s FEASSA Games in Bukedea district. FEASSA bring together students from East African secondary schools to compete in different sports disciplines, “I advise you, the young athletes to go to Bukedea to compete, bring gold medals home and, not merrymaking.
“To the national organising committee, I urge you to observe the rules, protect the athletes and ensure that only eligible students participate in these games.”
“Previously, we have seen 35 year old athletes competing with 18 year olds. This defeats the fair play rule and must not be tolerated in this tournament.” Hon. Peter Ogwang said.
“My children I am sending you to represent Uganda, the games will be opened by the president of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, it will be a huge shame if we don’t do enough to keep Uganda flying higher than others.” He added.
The participants complies players from 60 school teams, team officials and organising officials.
The number has been raised by nearly 400 participants from the 1300 that represented Uganda in Huye Rwanda last year to make the record for most number of participants for any country.
USSSA president Justus Mugisha who also allies as FEASSSA top leader with honour commented,
“We have prepared well our athletes and am sure that they are ready to go for the fourth consecutive and the 5th FEASSSA title overall in total”
“I am proud that we the host these games here in Uganda at Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College and as it is confirmed for the president of Uganda is going to handle the official opening,”
“It is going to be the first time for these games to be opened by a president of any member country”
Teams are prepared to start moving to Eastern part of Uganda as the games scheduled to start on 16 August 2024 as official reporting while 17 August 2024 games shall take actions and they are expected to climax on 27th August 2024 with awarding of winners and official closing ceremony.
This years games have attracted teams from only Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Other member states of the Federation like South Sudan and Burundi are unable to take part.
