Elite Games 2025 Conclude in Spectacular Fashion

The sixth edition of the highly anticipated Elite Games, organized by the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), concluded on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with a grand closing ceremony attended by Ismail Mulindwa, Director of Basic and Secondary Education.

The event showcased the pinnacle of secondary school sports talent, providing a crucial platform for athletes ahead of regional competitions.

A Platform for Excellence The Elite Games, held across multiple disciplines, served as vital preparation for Ugandan athletes, as emphasized by USSSA President Justus Mugisha.

“We have won the FEASSA overall trophy three times in a row, and the Elite Games play a key role in our dominance in East Africa. These games give our athletes essential experience while our competitors remain idle,” Mugisha stated.

Director Mulindwa praised the athletes’ dedication and the schools’ commitment to talent development.

“I appreciate the efforts in preparing these athletes, and I have enjoyed witnessing the incredible performances by these schools,” he remarked during the closing ceremony.

Football Champions Jinja Progressive Academy dominated boys’ football, securing the gold medal. Isabirye William was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), Kibirango Eric emerged as the top scorer, and Wangala Rashid was awarded Best Goalkeeper. Amus College took silver, while Standard High School Zana earned bronze.

In girls’ football, St. Noah Girls’ School emerged victorious. Kasemire Imelda was named MVP, Kabene Slyvia finished as the top scorer, and Namuwaya Maimuna was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. Kawempe Muslim SS and Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga secured silver and bronze, respectively.

Basketball and Netball Glory Buddo Secondary School excelled in multiple disciplines, clinching gold in both boys’ and girls’ 5×5 basketball, as well as netball. Saidah Shamim Shaban (netball), Kamukama Brandon (boys’ 5×5 basketball), and Nakibuuka Doreen (girls’ 5×5 basketball) were named MVPs.

• Netball: Baptist High School took silver, and Greenlight Islamic Secondary School claimed bronze.
• Boys’ 5×5 Basketball: Seeta High School A’level Campus won silver, while Seroma Christian High School secured bronze.
• Girls’ 5×5 Basketball: Seroma Christian High School earned silver, and Amus College took bronze.

In the 3×3 basketball category, Amus College won gold in the boys’ division, with Aney Paul as MVP. Jinja College and St. Maria Gorreti Katende secured silver and bronze, respectively. Gombe SS claimed victory in the girls’ 3×3 basketball, with Nakuduude Cathy earning MVP honors. St. Maria Gorreti Katende took silver, and Amus College settled for bronze.

Volleyball, Handball, and Rugby Triumphs

• Volleyball: Bukedea Comprehensive School won gold in the boys’ category, with Oyirwith Patrick named MVP. St. Elizabeth Girls’ School claimed gold in the girls’ category, with Ankunda Olivia as MVP. Bukedea Comprehensive School took silver in the girls’ category, while Mariam High School earned bronze.
• Handball: Bombo Army SS dominated the boys’ category, with Pirwoth Gerald Philips named MVP. Mbogo Mixed SS and Wampeewo Ntake SS secured silver and bronze, respectively. Gombe SS clinched gold in girls’ handball, with Adong Daphine as MVP. Wampeewo Ntake SS and Kyeizoba Girls’ School took silver and bronze, respectively.
• Rugby 7s: Busoga College Mwiri emerged champions in the boys’ category, with Ikinyom Mario Prince named MVP. London College of St. Lawrence took silver. In the girls’ category, Nkooma SS secured gold, with Mukooya Enid named MVP.

Positive Feedback and Future Prospects The Elite Games received widespread praise from participants and administrators. Obote Felix, commenting on the USSSA website, lauded the event, urging organizers to “keep it up.”

With the continued success of the Elite Games, Ugandan secondary school athletes remain well-prepared for regional competitions, strengthening the nation’s presence in East African sports.