By Enock Ndyamuhakyi
Kabale, Uganda – At least 230 officials have already reported in Kabale Municipality ahead of the highly anticipated National Kids Athletics and Special Needs Learners’ Championship, set to run from May 3rd to 12th, 2025.
The event will be held at Kabale Municipal Grounds and is expected to draw participation from teams representing all 178 local governments across Uganda, including Special Needs Education (SNE) athletes. The national event will be hosted in Kabale for the first time, following the district’s favorable performance during an earlier inspection.
According to Alex Biryomumeisho, Chairperson of the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (Kigezi Zone), 210 local officials have already arrived in Kabale to officiate the games.
These include finishing judges, starters, bookkeepers, timers, and record keepers. Additionally, 10 officials from the Uganda Athletics Federation and 10 from the Uganda Paralympics Federation have arrived to train local officials in high-standard officiating practices.
“Teams are expected to officially report on Sunday, although a few are arriving earlier,” Biryomumeisho said.
More than 5,000 student-athletes will be accommodated across multiple schools in Kabale town. Hosting institutions include Kigezi High School Primary, Kabale Primary, Kabale Secondary, Kabale Preparatory School, Hornby High School Junior, Jack and Jill Primary, and All Saints Kindergarten.
Others include Kabale Parents School, Ndorwa Primary, Kikungiri Primary, St Maria Goretti, St Maria Teresa, Bishop Asili Memorial School, Solberge College, Child Africa, St Jude Preparatory, and Nyabikoni Secondary School.
Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godfrey Nyakahuma assured the public that security measures have been strengthened ahead of the event. He confirmed increased deployment of police, UPDF personnel, and counter-terrorism units to ensure the safety of both officials and participants.
“We have also deployed additional intelligence officers around hosting centers,” said Nyakahuma.
“Heads of the host schools must cooperate closely with security teams to maintain a safe environment.”
Nyakahuma also noted the economic benefit of hosting the championship, encouraging Kabale residents to take advantage of the increased demand for food, accommodation, and transport.
Nelson Byomuhangi, the headteacher of Kabale Primary School (Demo), one of the hosting schools, shared preparations made to receive participants.
“We’ve installed additional lighting, hired more security guards, and improved water accessibility through national water supply, harvested rainwater, and spring sources,” he said.
The school has also fumigated classrooms and is coordinating directly with security authorities.
This year’s championship will categorize participants into two age groups: under 12 and under 14.
Competitions will include various track and field events such as the 60-meter sprint, 4×1500 meter relay, 800 meters, long jump, multiple jump (16-5), javelin, shot put, discus, and high jump.
ENDS/
