By Prosper Gibolo
Nakapiripirit district athletics team has pitched camp at Namalu primary school for one week intensive training for truck and field training ahead of Uganda Primary School Sports Association (UPSSA) National Kids Athletics Championship 2025 in Kabale District.
A 20-member team is composed of boys and girls athletes under 12 and under 14.
The team featuring truck and field events athletes was selected during the recently concluded district competitions.
Christine Nadutu, the Nakapiripirit District Sports Officer says that the teams will undergo one week intensive training ahead of the National Championship slated for May-4th -14th.
She explains that to enhance preparation, the district has enlisted experienced games teachers from various primary schools across the district to work with the athletes during their week-training camp.
According to Nadutu, the training is involves a mix of physical conditioning, drills, and practice sessions tailored to the athletes’ individual needs and the events they compete in.
She is hopeful that this training will put athletes in better shape and by the time they travel to Kabale Municipality they will be ready to compete and win trophies.
Nadutu adds that the district is prioritizing the competition because it gives the athletes an opportunity of being identified by big clubs.
Pauline Musigire, the First Vice President of UPSSA in charge of technical and administration highlights that the 2025 championship, slated for the first-term holiday starting May 5, 2025, and basing from last years’ experience in Kitgum is expected to attract 8,000 athletes and 1,500 officials.
She notes that the Ministry of Education and Sports the preparations and training of officials for the event are in climax.
Musigire explains that the championships serve as a platform to identify athletes who could represent Uganda at the Federation of East African School Sports Competitions and other international events.
Kabale Municipal Grounds will host the 10 day Championship, which is expected to feature teams from all the 178 districts across Uganda, including Special Needs Education (SNS) athletes.
Grace Munyambabazi, Principal Education Officer for Kabale Municipality, affirms their readiness to host the championship, stating it is an opportunity to shine and demonstrate Kabale’s capacity to host national events.
She says that the event would boost the local economy by increasing demand for food, accommodation, and transport, while showcasing Kabale’s cultural heritage and sporting potential.
The UPSSA National Athletics Championships have historically been a launching pad for Uganda’s athletics stars.
Hosting the event in Kabale is expected to inspire a new generation of young athletes, foster unity, and contribute to sports development in the region.
