Rukiga, Uganda – Kihanga Girls Primary School won the netball title, while Nyabireerema Primary School emerged victorious in football during the Rukiga District National Ball Games and Special Needs Education (SNE) Championships, earning the right to represent the district at the national level.
The district competitions, held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, featured thrilling matches as schools battled for supremacy. Kihanga Girls Primary dominated Katungu Primary School in a resounding 29-6 victory in the netball finals.
The football finals between Nyabireerema Primary School and Buzooba Primary School ended in a tense 3-1 penalty shootout victory for Nyabireerema after a goalless draw in regular time, securing their place as district champions.
Speaking as the guest of honor at the trophy presentation ceremony, Nkamushaba Jackline Rwecurenga, the Vice Chairperson of Rukiga District, urged the winning teams to uphold discipline as they prepare for the national tournament.
She emphasized that school-going children possess numerous talents that, if nurtured, could benefit them significantly in the future.
Twinomuhwezi Davis, the acting sports officer for Rukiga District, revealed that 73 primary schools participated in the championship, starting from school-level competitions and progressing through zonal and sub-county levels.
Six schools each in football and netball qualified for the district finals, competing in yesterday’s matches held at Mparo Town Council in Rukiga District.
The football teams at the district level were Buzooba, Mparo Mixed, Kinyamozi, Kantare, Karorwa, and the eventual winners, Nyabireerema Primary School.
On the netball side, the competing schools included Nyeikunama, Ryabirengye, Katungu, Shooko, Wise Parents, and the champions, Kihanga Girls Primary School.
Francis, one of the organizers, confirmed that the two winning schools would represent Rukiga District at the national championships in Yumbe District from August 25 to September 8, 2025.
Ndyabegyera Christopher, the Principal Inspector of Schools in Rukiga District, commended the district’s education sector for promoting sports and pledged continued support to ensure the growth of sports in the region.
He stated that the district is striving to become a model for school sports development and praised the participating schools for their dedication despite limited resources.
Oscar Akampurira, the Rukiga District Speaker, lauded the teachers for their excellent training and preparation of the teams, expressing confidence that the winners would perform well at the national level in Yumbe.
He also assured that the district had secured the necessary funds for the teams’ travel, thanks to the collaboration between technical staff and political leadership.
The victories of Kihanga Girls Primary and Nyabireerema Primary mark a significant achievement for Rukiga District, highlighting the potential of young athletes in the region.
