USSSA Ball Games 2026: Kaddugala SS Boosted by UPDF Ahead of National Netball Championship
By Kayiira Jackson
Kaddugala Secondary School’s quest for national netball glory has received a timely boost after the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Armoured Division extended support to the reigning USSSA Masaka Zone champions ahead of the 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Ball Games II.
The national championships are scheduled to take place at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Gulu City, where Kaddugala will be seeking to improve on last year’s 18th-place finish in Tororo and secure qualification for the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games due later this year in Morogoro, Tanzania.
The support, delivered on behalf of the Commander of the UPDF Armoured Division, Brigadier General Pande Kajuba, was handed over by the Division Public Information Officer, Lieutenant Teddy Anena.
While addressing the players, Lt. Anena challenged the students to balance sporting ambitions with academic excellence, emphasizing that education should remain their top priority.
“Education is your greatest asset. As you prepare to represent your school and Masaka Zone at the national championships, remain disciplined, stay focused on your studies, take care of your health and strive to excel both academically and in sports,” she said.
She further urged the girls to maintain discipline, avoid behaviors that could disrupt their education, including early pregnancies, and adopt healthy lifestyles as they pursue success both on the court and in the classroom.
Kaddugala Secondary School Headteacher Yahaya Sengabi welcomed the UPDF’s support, describing it as a timely intervention that will strengthen the team’s preparations for the national competition.
He praised the military for its growing role in supporting education and sports, noting that the partnership between civilians and the UPDF continues to foster community development.
“We sincerely appreciate the UPDF for standing with our school. Such support motivates our learners and demonstrates the strong partnership that now exists between the military and the civilian community,” Sengabi said.
As Masaka Zone champions, Kaddugala will travel to Gulu carrying high expectations and the ambition of reaching the podium. A strong performance would earn the school a coveted slot at the FEASSA Games, where East Africa’s top secondary school teams will battle for regional honours.
The handover ceremony was attended by Armoured Division Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Officer Lieutenant Peter Mucwa, Armoured Division Sports Officer, school administrators, teachers and students, who commended the UPDF for its continued investment in youth development through education and sport.