Buganda Kingdom Schools Games Eye Landmark 2026 Edition After Strategic Review
Buganda Kingdom Schools Games Set for Bigger 2026 Edition as Registration Opens
By Kayiira Jackson
The Buganda Kingdom Schools Sports Committee has officially kicked off preparations for the 2026 edition of its annual championship, holding a technical meeting at Bulange on Thursday, February 19.
The meeting, attended by games teachers, members of the organizing committee, and media representatives, reviewed the performance of the 2025 edition and laid out a strategic roadmap for what officials promise will be a more competitive and professionally organized tournament.
Registration for the 2026 games opened immediately after the meeting, with schools required to submit players’ documents and albums by March 9. The official opening ceremony is slated for Thursday, March 12, at Kawanda Secondary School, with competitions running until March 15.
This year’s championship will feature a wide range of disciplines, including football, volleyball, handball, basketball, badminton, chess, Scrabble, rugby, table tennis, netball, and the traditional Buganda board game Omweeso — reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to both modern and cultural sporting heritage.
Eligibility guidelines remain strict, with athletes required to present valid Learners’ Identification Numbers. The age limit is capped at 20 years for secondary schools and 14 years for primary schools to ensure fair competition.
Participation fees have been set at UGX 300,000 for secondary schools and UGX 200,000 for primary schools.
Looking ahead, the committee announced a significant policy shift: beginning next year, hosting rights will be awarded through a competitive bidding process, with the best-qualified institutions earning the opportunity to stage the games.
Last year’s edition recorded a historic milestone, attracting 40 schools — including 17 primary schools — the highest participation since 2012.
Organizing Committee Chairperson Gerald Katamba expressed optimism about the upcoming edition.
“We try to improve the tournament in every edition, and I confirm this year’s edition will be better than last year’s,” Katamba said.
The meeting was presided over by Buganda Kingdom’s Principal Sports Officer, Hannington Musoke, who emphasized unity and professional growth through sport.
“We are all employed because of sports and therefore we are all here because of sports,” Musoke noted. “We are glad we now have feedback regarding last year’s edition, and we promise to improve. As committee members, we are fighting hard to build a visual identity, and branding is a priority to us.”
With early preparations underway and reforms already in motion, the 2026 Buganda Kingdom Schools Games promise to raise the bar both on and off the field.