UPSSA Out of Darkness, To Work in Light after Approving the New Appealing Constitution

Twenty nine years down the road, Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association have been operating without a legal constitution guiding them apart from the draft. 

But after working under darkness, the UPSSA who have also introduced a new log, they have approved a new constitution with simple amendments in their Annual General Assembly held on Thursday at GNS Plaza Kampala. 

The AGM which was massively attended by the Primary Schools delegates from all over Uganda, was graced by the Ministry of Education officer in charge of physical education, Orikiriza Gilbert who represented the Commissioner, he was flanked by the USSSA president Justus Mugisha and the Association’s CEO Christopher Mugisha. 

Gilbert revealed to this website that since 1995, UPSSA has been using a draft constitution that wasn’t taking the association anywhere. 

“Basically, Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association has not had an approved constitution for the last 29 years.” Education officer revealed.

“What they had was just a draft of 1995. So today their constitution has been adopted and approved and election guidelines that are leading us to the new office bearers have been put in place.” He said. 

Again in the same assembly, they adopted the election guidelines that will drive them to elections slated to carry on from late February to late March 2024.

“At the national level, the ministry has already nominated and appointed the returning officer, Mr. Patrick Okanya who is a man of integrity and who we hope shall run these elections without favoritism.” Said Oriikiriza Gilbert, Education Officer in charge of Physical education and sports who represented Commissioner. 

The current UPSSA president, Musigire Pauline thanked USSSA for the great assistance towards their pursuit to have a constitution. 

“It has been a long journey coming out with the constitution, we have been running without it, it has been a shame and today, we boldly say we have it in place. USSSA has facilitated everything and we are very grateful. It is a very big step we have achieved, and USSSA again is behind us.” Says Musigire Pauline, the current UPSSA president.

The constitution is not of big difference from that of USSSA, they will have 19 zones like those of USSSA, five regions, they will have a secretariat, elections begin from district level. 

They will be holding tournaments for under twelve and fourteen and special needs.

The executive committee will comprise of; President, Vice president one,two and three, secretary for women affairs, Immediate past president, 14 committee members [Buganda 3, Eastern 3, western 3, northern 3, Kampala 2], UPSHA representative Ex-official.

One to be the president and 1st vice president of the Association must have been at the National Executive Committee for at least one term but the rest of the positions can be taken without limitations. 

However, according to this constitution, no member shall hold the same position for more than two terms. 

The national elections shall be held on 23rd March 2024.