Written By | Alex Mbamanya
UPSSA executive during the moment of silence for the King of Tooro
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Mubende
The Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA) national ball games in Mubende have been officially opened today at a ceremony held at the Mubende Army SS grounds.
Mubende Deputy RDC Abubakar Birungi, who represented State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, presided over the function and highlighted the importance of sports — particularly for the young generation, which he said must be supported.
UPSSA President William Bwambale called for a moment of silence in respect for the late Tooro King, who passed away on Thursday evening.
Young kids perform in a traditional Kiganda dance
Speaking at the function, Bwambale asked the Ministry to allow them to change the calendar and schedule ball games in Term One and kids' athletics in Term Two, for reasons he said relate to financing challenges that have limited many local governments from representing at the national level.
On the issue of limited financing, Bwambale said the 40 million shillings the Government sends to local governments every year is still insufficient, adding that an additional challenge for most local governments is that the funds arrive late.
Assistant Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports Sam Odong said he had taken note of the two requests and would forward them to top management for action. He however warned accounting officers at local governments to allow sports officers access to these funds rather than withholding them pending accountability.
Mubende LCV Chairman Michael Muhereza Ntambi challenged other local government heads to consider soliciting additional funds to supplement the 40 million shillings, so as to sustain sports activities in their areas.
The function was preceded by young athletes marching through Mubende town, led by a brass band, followed by traditional dance performances and the singing of the national anthems.
The games have attracted 5,240 athletes from 156 local governments and cities, competing in handball, netball, volleyball, football, and the newly introduced disciplines of woodball and Kho Kho.
The games, which began on Wednesday, will conclude next Friday.
