Day: May 11, 2026

Lira, Uganda | Lira City is fully set to host the 2026 National Secondary Schools Football Boys’ Championship, with Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association finalizing preparations for the 10-day tournament running from May 10 to May 20, 2026, under the theme “For School Sports, For Better.” The event, organised by the Ministry of Education and Sports through Association of Secondary School Headteachers Uganda, will bring together 64 regional champion schools, 1,600 players, and more than 200 officials, making it one of the largest school sports gatherings in Uganda in recent years. According to organisers, team arrival and physical screening began on May 10 at Lira Town College, which is also the main host venue. By Tuesday evening, 17 teams had already reported, with verification exercises ongoing to ensure eligibility compliance. Competitions officially kick off on Monday, May 11,  across 10 prepared playgrounds within Lira City and surrounding areas, including eight main pitches and two backup grounds to manage weather disruptions. The official opening ceremony, initially planned for May 12, was rescheduled to May 13 due to the presidential swearing-in event. The ceremony will feature a city procession under police escort and cultural performances highlighting the heritage of the Lango sub-region. The opening match will see hosts Lira Town College face Old Kampala Secondary School in a highly anticipated fixture expected to draw large crowds. Lira Town College headteacher Levi Abongo confirmed that preparations are about 95% complete. The school has upgraded its main pitch, installed FIFA-standard goalposts, and set up satellite grounds at Lango College, Dr. Obote College and Lira Modern Primary School. Accommodation is also ready, with classrooms converted into dormitories while officials are hosted in local hotels, including Lira Hotel, Margarita Palace Hotel, Pauline Hotel, and Good News Hotel. Support infrastructure has been strengthened with two 10,000-litre water tanks, solar floodlights, a 100KVA generator, and medical standby services, including ambulances and Red Cross personnel. Security has been tightened with joint deployment across all venues, and players will be accommodated in secured, fenced schools under 24-hour protection. Entry to all matches will be free of charge. Organisers expect significant economic benefits for Lira, projecting over UGX 400 million in earnings for boda boda operators, hotels, restaurants, and local traders. USSSA 2ND Vice President Okot P’Bitek urged residents of Lango and surrounding districts to warmly welcome visitors and avoid price inflation, emphasizing that the event presents a rare opportunity to showcase Northern Uganda as peaceful and hospitable. He also noted that the championship is expected to boost sports development and leave a lasting legacy in infrastructure and national visibility for the region. With final preparations complete, Lira is now set to host one of Uganda’s most anticipated school football championships. Source

Lira, Uganda | Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development in Lira marks another significant milestone in student governance with the swearing-in of the 2026/2027 Guild Leadership, headed by the newly elected Guild President, Lameck Ongora. The event, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, at the Legacy Guest House main hall in Lira City, saw the outgoing Guild President, Mr. Opio Jasper Jones, hand over the mantle to Mr. Lameck Ongora, who will lead the student body for the 2026/2027 academic year. The event was graced by the Lira District LCV Chairperson, RCM Okello Orik, as the chief guest, Centre Coordinator Lira, Ms. Achola Oliver, Patron Mr. Odur Denis Oremo, and other members of staff. In his farewell speech, Mr. Opio Jasper Jones, the outgoing Guild President, shared some challenges he encountered while still in office, as he asked for forgiveness from those whom he wronged and also forgave those who wronged him, expressing gratitude to his team and the student community for their unwavering support. Opio requested the administration body to provide opportunities to the students who studied in the institution by recruiting them as lecturers. On assuming office, Mr. Lameck Ongora said that the mantle he received marks the journey of leadership until the last day he will be handing over the same office. He thanked the outgoing leaders for the tremendous work they did, stating that it remains a challenge for them to start from where they left off. He pledged to build upon the foundation set by his predecessor, focusing on inclusivity, academic excellence, and innovation calling for unity among students and reiterated his commitment to enhancing student engagement within the Institution. Speaking at the event, the Centre Coordinator Lira, Ms. Achola Oliver, commended the outgoing leadership for their dedication and urged the new guild team to uphold Nsamizi’s values. She also highlighted some of the challenges, stating that they are lacking adequate study space and facilities to accommodate students, but concluded that they are still acquiring some land, which hopefully they will get, as she also requested the Lira District Local Government, through the LCV Chair, to secure them some portion of land. RCM Okello Orik, Chairperson LCV Lira District, credited Nsamizi for being the most outstanding training institution in the Lango Region that is building social workers, as he encourages most of his staff at the institution and other students to study hard. Based on the request for land, Okello pledged to consider their needs in case they find some space within the district. The event concluded with a symbolic exchange of documents and insignia, marking the formal transfer of power. The Guild Handover Ceremony is an annual tradition at Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development, fostering leadership continuity and student representation in governance. As the new guild assumes office, students look forward to a progressive and engaging academic year ahead. Source