The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) competitions continued with intense action today, May 12, 2025, showcasing thrilling matches in football, rugby, and basketball for both boys and girls across various venues in Bukedea and Mbale districts.
Boys’ Football
In the boys’ football category, the quarter-finals and knockout stages were fiercely contested. Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) became the first school to secure a semi-final spot after a narrow 1-0 victory over Mentor Secondary School, with Okello scoring the decisive goal. Bukedea Comprehensive School also progressed after an exhilarating quarter-final clash against Kyadondo SS, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout victory, 8-7, after a tightly fought match. Kitende Secondary School demonstrated their dominance by comfortably beating Kimanya SS 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals, with goals from Farouk Tumwesigye, Ashiraf Kyakuwa, and Santos Agok. Other notable results included Jipra’s 3-1 win over St. Julian, further cementing their strong run in the tournament.
Girls’ Football
The girls’ football tournament reached the quarter-finals today, following the completion of the round of 16 on May 11. Matches were held across multiple pitches including Amus College, Bukedea Boma grounds, and the Bukedea Comprehensive stadium. Key fixtures included Kawempe Muslim facing Bishop Comboni College, Jinja Comprehensive battling King of Kings, and Jinja Progressive Academy taking on the tournament favorites St. Noa Girls. The competition has been marked by competitive matches and emerging talents, with the semi-finals and finals scheduled for May 13, 2025.
Rugby
The rugby 15s tournament also progressed today as part of the USSSA Ball Games 1. While detailed match scores for rugby are not fully reported, the competition remains active with schools competing vigorously in the knockout rounds. The rugby fixtures are among several other sports featured in the event, including hockey, table tennis, and netball.
Basketball
Basketball matches for both boys and girls have been part of the USSSA Ball Games 1, though specific results for today’s games are not detailed in the reports. The basketball competition is running concurrently with other ball games, showcasing young talent and competitive spirit across participating schools.
Other Sports
In addition to football, rugby, and basketball, the USSSA Ball Games 1 includes netball (U-16), hockey, table tennis, lawn tennis, volleyball (U-16), and badminton, highlighting a broad spectrum of school sports development in Uganda.
Summary
Today’s USSSA competitions delivered high drama and quality performances, particularly in boys’ football where Jinja Progressive Academy and Bukedea Comprehensive School advanced strongly towards the finals. The girls’ football quarter-finals showcased promising talent and intense competition, setting the stage for exciting semi-final clashes. Rugby and basketball tournaments continue to engage schools, contributing to the overall success of the 2025 USSSA Ball Games.
The semi-finals and finals for football and other sports are scheduled for May 13, 2025, promising more thrilling encounters as schools strive for national glory in Uganda’s premier secondary school sports event.