USSSA Elite Championship 2026: Dates, Sports & Draw Details
BOMBO, Uganda – The Janan Secondary School in Bombo is set to become the epicenter of school sports competition as the 7th USSSA Elite Championship commences and culminates on . The multi-sport event will feature action in basketball (both 5×5 and 3×3 formats), volleyball, handball, football, netball, and rugby, bringing together some of Uganda’s top school athletic programs.
The draws for all competitions were finalized on , at the GNS Plaza Hotel in Mengo. USSSA Executive officials, including Alfred Okanya, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, and Godlive Apolot, presided over the proceedings, alongside Emmanuel Kasakya, the competitions director, and Bosco Omario, director of marketing, communications, and ICT.
“We are humbled to have the championship back, which is a precursor for the schools’ sports calendar in Uganda. The host school (Janan S.S) is ready,” remarked Okanya, underscoring the importance of the Elite Championship as a launching pad for the year’s school sporting events.
Football Draws Set Stage for Intense Competition
The football competition will be structured around two groups for the boys. Group A features Buddo S.S, Mehta S.S, Kyadondo S.S, Fort Portal S.S, and the host school, Janan S.S Bombo. Group B promises a challenging lineup with St Mary’s Boarding School – Kitende, Bukedea Comprehensive School, Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, Standard High School Zzana, and Kawempe Muslim S.S vying for advancement.
On the girls’ side, Group A will see competition between St. Noa Girls Zana, Nkoma Girls, Bukedea Comprehensive School, and St Catherine Girls Kazo. Group B is comprised of Kawempe Muslim S.S, Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, Sheema Girls School, Standard High School Zzana, and Panyadoli Self Help SS.
Basketball Competition to Showcase 3×3 and 5×5 Talent
Basketball will be a prominent feature of the championship, with competitions in both the fast-paced 3×3 format and the traditional 5×5 game. The 5×5 boys’ draw includes Janan S.S, Buddo S.S, Mengo S.S, Seroma Christian High School, and Kiira College Butiki. The girls’ 5×5 competition will feature Ndejje S.S, Buddo S.S, Janan S.S, and Seroma Christian High School.
The 3×3 basketball competition will follow a round-robin format to determine the top teams. The girls’ 3×3 draw mirrors the 5×5 lineup, with Ndejje S.S, Buddo S.S, Janan S.S, and Seroma Christian School all participating.
Multiple Venues to Accommodate Championship Schedule
To accommodate the extensive schedule of events, matches will be held across several venues. Janan SS boasts two pitches, supplemented by facilities at Buyego grounds, Bombo Barracks, Nkondo community grounds, and the Standard High Zzana Ndejje campus playground. This distributed approach aims to ensure smooth operations and provide ample playing space for all participating teams.
The championship is expected to draw significant attention, building on the success of previous editions. The first USSSA Elite Championship was held in 2019, and the event has grown in stature and competitiveness each year. This year’s edition promises to be no exception, with schools reporting to Janan SS, Bombo on , in preparation for the opening matches.
Several schools enter the competition with notable recent successes. Buddo SS is the reigning national football champion, while Bukedea Comprehensive holds the title of FEASSA champion. St. Mary’s Kitende, a dominant force in the past with victories in 2019, 2020, and 2022, returns after a two-year absence, eager to reclaim their position at the top. In the girls’ football competition, St. Noa, the current national champion, will look to extend their winning streak.
Beyond football, recent champions in other sports include Bukedea Comprehensive in Volleyball (Boys), St. Elizabeth in Volleyball (Girls), Jinja Progressive Academy in Football (Boys), St. Noa Girls in Football (Girls), Buddo SS in Netball, Gombe SS in Handball (Girls), Bombo Army in Handball (Boys), Buddo SS in Basketball 3×3 (Boys), Buddo SS in Basketball 3×3 (Girls), Busoga College Mwiri in Rugby 7s (Boys), Nkoma SS in Rugby 7s (Girls), Buddo SS in Basketball 5×5 (Girls), and Buddo SS in Basketball 5×5 (Boys).