Mugisha slams age fraud allegations in school football

Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) President Justus Mugisha has strongly condemned the spread of disinformation regarding school football, following false social media claims that Kitende striker Santos Manyiel Marial falsified his age during the 2025 USSSA National Football Championship.

The allegations — which claimed that Santos is only 14 years old — circulated widely online after he missed a crucial penalty in St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School, Kitende’s shootout loss to Buddo SS in the final. A viral photo labeled “Kitende’s 14-year-old striker” fueled debate and speculation.

Mugisha dismissed the claims as false, harmful, and irresponsible.

“We are very disappointed by these unsubstantiated allegations. They not only damage the reputation of the student and his school, but they also undermine the integrity of school sport in Uganda,” he said.

USSSA clarified that Santos was born on August 20, 2005, making him 19 years old and fully eligible to participate in the U-20 competition.

“His age is supported by a Student’s Pass issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a mandatory requirement for all international students participating in USSSA events,” the association stated.

Mugisha emphasized that USSSA maintains rigorous verification processes to ensure fairness and compliance, especially concerning international student documentation.

“Spreading misinformation without verifying facts is not only reckless but dangerous,” Mugisha warned. “It harms young players and erodes public confidence in school sports.”

He acknowledged that age cheating has plagued school football, with some institutions previously penalized for using ineligible players. Notably, Buddo SS and Jinja Progressive Academy have been disqualified in past editions for such offenses.

“As the national body overseeing secondary school sport, USSSA is committed to transparency, fairness, and strict enforcement of our competition rules,” Mugisha affirmed.