Heavyweights Collide as 7th Elite Schools Championship Draws Held

By Kayiira Jackson 

The stage is set for an exciting battle of Uganda’s top school teams after the draws for the 7th edition of the Elite Schools Championship were conducted on Wednesday at the USSSA head offices at GNS Plaza in Kampala.

The draws for seven disciplines were presided over by the Head of Technical, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, in the presence of President Emeritus Patrick Okanya, Director Emmanuel Kasakya and representatives from participating schools.

Unlike football for both boys and girls, which will follow a group stage format, all other disciplines will be played on a round robin basis.

Boys Football

In the boys’ football category, defending champions Buddo SS have been placed in a tricky Group A alongside Mentor SS, Kyadondo SS, Fort Portal SS and tournament hosts Janan Secondary School.

Three-time giants St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende make a return to the championship after a three-year absence and headline Group B as seed one. They will compete against reigning FEASSA champions Bukedea Comprehensive School, Standard High School Zzana and Kawempe Muslim SS in what promises to be a highly competitive group.

The championship will kick off with Buddo SS facing hosts Janan Secondary School at 8:00am at the Janan SS Playground. At the same time, St Mary’s Kitende will battle Kawempe Muslim SS at Nkondo Grounds in the second opening fixture.

Girls Football

In the girls’ category, defending champions St Noa Girls Secondary School enter the tournament as seed one in Group A, where they will face Nkoma SS, Bukedea Comprehensive School and St Catherine Girls Secondary School Kazo.

Group B features Kawempe Muslim SS, Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, Sheema Girls and Panyadoli Self Help in another tightly contested pool.

Beyond football, the championship will also feature Netball (with seven confirmed teams), Volleyball for both boys and girls, Basketball in both 5×5 and 3×3 formats for boys and girls, Rugby Sevens, and Handball.

Teams are expected to report for screening on Thursday 26th February, with the tournament officially kicking off on Friday 27th February 2026. The championship will climax on Sunday 1st March.

With defending champions seeking to protect their crowns and returning powerhouses eager to reclaim glory, the 7th edition of the Elite Schools Championship promises a weekend of intense competition and high-quality school sport.