Maiden AGM Puts UPSSA on New Path to Growing Uganda’s Sports Talent

By Kayiira Jackson 

The Uganda Primary Schools Sports Associations (UPSSA) has held its maiden Annual General Assembly (AGM), with delegates approving a budget of Shs734 million for the 2026/27 financial year as the association seeks to strengthen primary school sports across the country.

The assembly was held on Thursday at Sports View Hotel, Kireka, and brought together members of the UPSSA executive committee and delegates from different parts of Uganda.

The meeting was attended by Obiayi Ombere Raymond, Chairperson of the National Association of Municipalities and District Education Officers, National Sports Officers Association (NASOA) president Mustapha Nsubuga, and Orikiriza Gilbert, an Education Officer for Physical Education and Sports, who represented the Commissioner as the guest of honour.

Established in 1991 as the Uganda Primary Schools Sports and Games Association, the organisation was rebranded as the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Associations (UPSSA) in 2024 under the leadership of president William Bwambale.

The maiden AGM provided an opportunity for the association to account for its activities, review its progress and lay out plans aimed at improving the administration and development of primary school sports.

Orikiriza Gilbert welcomed the development, saying the association’s focus on primary school sports was critical to building a strong foundation for talent development.

“I am happy that we have had this and looking forward, it’s going to be one of the best associations that we trust because it’s the base of the pyramid. Nurturing talents from primary level gives a broad base for community and education institutions activities,” Gilbert said.

NASOA president Mustapha Nsubuga also hailed the AGM as a sign of growth and improved accountability within UPSSA.

“As sports officers, we were happy that UPSSA has hosted their maiden AGM. To us, it’s a sign of growth. They have showed us the accountabilities for the past years, they showed us their plans and we believe their future is very bright,” Nsubuga said.

Bwambale said the AGM was aimed at putting the association’s operations on a clearer and more organised path.

“Previously we have been doing things but not in a proper line, but today we have hosted our AGM to discuss the way forward and streamline our works that see us progress in a clear line,” he said.

During the assembly, the executive committee presented an action report highlighting several achievements, including the introduction of an online registration portal, establishment of a functional office at GNS Plaza in Kampala and acquisition of a working constitution.

The association also announced a shift in the classification of young athletes. Instead of relying on measurements such as height and weight, UPSSA will categorise athletes according to age, particularly the Under-12 and Under-14 groups.

Looking ahead, the association plans to establish a fully functional secretariat, recruit a Chief Executive Officer, increase its media visibility and mobilise more financial support from partners, local governments and the central government.

Bwambale commended the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and the Ministry of Education and Sports for their support and guidance, while also thanking delegates for their contribution to discussions on the association’s future.

The approval of the Shs734 million budget for the 2026/27 financial year marks a significant step in UPSSA’s efforts to strengthen its structures and expand primary school sports, which the association considers a critical foundation for Uganda’s wider sports development and talent-identification system.