Futsal has continued to strengthen its place within Uganda’s secondary school sports system following its introduction at the USSSA National Ball Games II Championship in 2025.
What started as a new addition has now developed into a fully recognized competitive discipline, with futsal officially confirmed on the 2026 USSSA calendar.
This progress underlines growing confidence in futsal as a development tool for young players and its relevance within modern school sports.
The 2025 Breakthrough
The USSSA Ball Games II Championship held in Tororo District in 2025 marked the first time futsal was played at national secondary school level. Its inclusion alongside basketball, volleyball, netball and football reflected USSSA’s intention to broaden sporting opportunities for learners.
USSSA President Justus Mugisha said the move was part of a wider strategy to keep school sports relevant and inclusive.
“USSSA is committed to creating opportunities for every learner to thrive through sport. Introducing futsal at national level is part of our effort to modernize school sports and respond to the changing interests of students,” Mugisha noted.
The competition was played in a round-robin format, allowing teams adequate exposure and match experience. Mukono Kings High School finished as the inaugural champions after an unbeaten run, ahead of Kakungulu Memorial School and Kyadondo Secondary School.
The tournament was widely viewed as a success, with good organization, competitive matches and growing spectator interest. It also highlighted futsal’s suitability for school settings, particularly where space is limited, while offering strong technical and tactical benefits to players.
Following the positive reception in Tororo, USSSA has confirmed futsal as one of the disciplines at the 2026 Secondary School National Ball Games II / Athletics / Mind Games Championship.
The event will be hosted at Sacred Heart Secondary School, Gulu, from 8th to 18th July 2026. Futsal will be contested in both boys’ and girls’ categories and is among the 24 sports listed for the championship.
Futsal Association Uganda Chairperson Jjunju Hamzah described the confirmation as an important step for the sport.
“School futsal forms the base of future national teams. Integrating the sport into Ball Games II gives it structure, visibility and credibility at the right stage of development,” Jjunju said.
The move from a debut appearance in 2025 to full inclusion in 2026 sends a clear signal to schools nationwide. It assures administrators and coaches that investment in futsal programmes is justified and sustainable.For students, the sport now offers a clear national pathway for competition and talent identification.
Jjunju added that futsal plays a key role in player development, especially in improving technical ability and decision-making, while complementing traditional football.
As preparations begin for the 2026 championship in Gulu, futsal enters a crucial phase of growth within school sports. Increased participation and improved organization are expected to build on lessons learned from the 2025 edition.
With continued cooperation between USSSA, the Futsal Association Uganda and schools, futsal is set to become a permanent feature in Uganda’s secondary school sports calendar.