Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School Kira Opens Modern Basketball Court to Strengthen Grassroots Sports Development
Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School Kira officially marked a major milestone in its sports development journey on Friday, 27th February 2026, following the launch of a newly constructed state-of-the-art basketball court during a lively and well-attended ceremony. The event signified the school’s continued commitment to promoting holistic education through the integration of academics, discipline, and structured talent development.
The colourful function, held under the theme “Dribble Your Way to Greatness,” attracted pupils, parents, school administrators, invited guests, and prominent figures from Uganda’s basketball community. The ceremony was hosted by renowned sports presenter Sera Yaweh of Next Media Services (NBS Sport), whose energetic moderation added excitement to the historic occasion.
Among the distinguished guests were representatives from the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), led by Vice President in charge of Administration, Hudson Ssegamwenge, who officiated as Chief Guest. National Basketball League champions Namuwongo Blazers together with JT Jaguars also graced the launch, demonstrating strong support for grassroots sports development within primary schools.
The official commissioning of the facility was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolising the school’s growing investment in modern sports infrastructure. Shortly after the unveiling, the newly completed court hosted an entertaining exhibition match between Namuwongo Blazers and JT Jaguars, thrilling pupils and guests with a display of professional basketball skills and teamwork. The exhibition match offered young learners a rare opportunity to witness elite-level basketball firsthand, inspiring many to pursue sporting excellence.
While addressing guests, Mr. Ssegamwenge commended the leadership of the Sir Apollo Kaggwa Schools for prioritising talent nurturing alongside academic achievement. He noted that investment in quality sports facilities at primary school level plays a critical role in identifying and developing future national athletes. He further applauded the schools’ active participation in national competitions such as the FUBA Primary Schools League and the Father Grimes National Schools Chess Championship, emphasising the importance of providing learners with opportunities beyond classroom learning.
The Headmistress, Hajjat Faridah Bukirwa, expressed appreciation to the school management for supporting programmes that promote learner growth in multiple areas. She encouraged parents to actively support their children’s participation in co-curricular activities offered under the school’s Talent Development Programme, which includes football, basketball, chess, music, dance and drama, home economics, taekwondo, art and craft, badminton, netball, volleyball among others.
She further highlighted Thunderbolt Sports Academy as the school’s official platform for specialised basketball and football training, aimed at strengthening skills development, discipline, and character among young learners. Parents were also encouraged to embrace competitive exposure through the Kampala Junior League, which provides structured competition opportunities for emerging young athletes.
A memorable highlight of the day came when pupils interacted with professional basketball players and received autographs from their sporting role models. Notable players present included Ivan Muhwezi of Namuwongo Blazers, a former captain of City Oilers Basketball Club who represented Uganda at the 2016 U18 African Championship in Kigali. Other players in attendance included Michael Makiadi, Shakirah Nanvubya, Henry Ssebagala, Moses Mugisha, and James Okello, one of Uganda’s most decorated basketball players and the 2019 Uganda Sports Press Association Male Basketball Player of the Year.
Over the years, the Sir Apollo Kaggwa Schools, together with City Parents’ Primary School Rubaga, have built a reputation for delivering quality education that promotes both academic success and talent development. Established in 1996, the Sir Apollo Kaggwa Schools continue to emphasise discipline, character formation, and learner participation in co-curricular activities, while City Parents’ Primary School Rubaga, founded in 1999, remains recognised for its balanced approach to education.
With branches including Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School Kisaasi, Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School Mengo, Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School Nakasero, Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School Kitintale, Sir Apollo Kaggwa Boarding Primary School Old Kampala, Winston Day and Boarding Primary School Kawempe, Fairways Primary School Kireka, Kyengera Parents’ School Mugongo, and Kyengera Parents’ School Kyengera, the Sir Apollo Kaggwa Schools fraternity continues to expand opportunities for young learners through improved learning environments and modern sports facilities.
The launch of the new basketball court at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School Kira therefore stands as a strong statement of intent, nurturing young talent, promoting active lifestyles, and preparing learners to excel both academically and in sport as Uganda continues to invest in the future of grassroots athletics.