New course by USSSA aims to boost sports infrastructure management in Uganda

Managing sports facilities is a critical issue in Uganda, and the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) has recognised this challenge by introducing the Sports Facilities Management Course (SFMC).

This initiative aims to equip stakeholders with the skills to better manage and maintain sports infrastructure.

The SFMC was one of several courses offered as part of the Capacity Building and Training Programs, conducted at various centres across the country, including Lubiri Secondary School, Ntare School in Mbarara, Ngora High School in Soroti, Sacred Heart Secondary School in Gulu, St. Mary’s College Rushoroza in Kabale, and Ndejje University in Luweero.

These sessions at Ndejje University provided a platform for participants to learn about effective sports facility management, promoting sustainability and maximizing the potential of available resources. This initiative reflects USSSA’s commitment to enhancing sports development at the grassroots level through proper training and resource management.

USSSA President Justus Mugisha, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Capacity Building and Training Programs held at Lubiri Secondary School, emphasized the importance of maintaining sports infrastructure, especially in schools.

“After realising that some of the sports facilities are owned by schools, we decided to train different people on how they can keep this infrastructure intact. The schools sometimes don’t have the knowledge and capacity to look after them well. After undergoing this training, we are going to see something different,” Mugisha remarked.

A total of 542 participants, including teachers, students, and pupils, took part in the various courses offered at the six centers under the USSSA capacity-building program. Mugisha noted that this widespread participation reflects the association’s effort to reach every part of the country and ensure inclusive access to sports development programs.

The courses covered a range of areas, including refereeing (football and volleyball), coaching (football, netball, and volleyball), umpiring (netball), media training, and sports facilities management.

Additionally, participants were trained in safeguarding, focusing on equipping them with the knowledge and skills to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in sports activities.

The capacity building and training programs, which began two years ago, have grown into a remarkable success story, prompting federations to request Level Two training for participants. This advanced training has also been integrated into the programs, further enhancing their impact.

The initiative has garnered interest from across the East African region, with various sports heads visiting Uganda to attend workshops and observe how these programs are implemented. This regional collaboration highlights the program's significance and influence beyond Uganda’s borders.

Mugisha, who also serves as the President of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA), expressed pride in Uganda’s leadership role in school sports.

“As Uganda, we are always aiming to be number one as far as school sports is concerned, and we have achieved this status. It’s from this note that our neighbors requested to come to Uganda and see what we are doing so that they can also copy it. Being FEASSSA President, I want all countries to develop at the same level,” Mugisha stated.