Lira, Uganda | Lira Town College has reached 98% preparedness to host the 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association National Boys’ Football Championship, school authorities have confirmed.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Headteacher Levi Abongo said the institution is ready to receive teams from across the country for the tournament slated from May 10 to May 20.
Abongo said inspection teams from the Ministry of Education and Sports and USSSA, alongside other sports stakeholders, had assessed the venue and expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness.
He explained that accommodation arrangements have been finalized, with the school set to host 168 participants on campus and an estimated 1,600 visiting players and officials from over 68 schools nationwide. The available facilities, he noted, are modern and adequate to handle the expected numbers.
On welfare, Abongo said catering services are fully organized, while sanitation facilities are being polished to meet required standards ahead of kickoff.
To ensure smooth competition, he said 10 football grounds have been secured across Lira City. These include three playgrounds at Lango College, two at Dr. Obote College and additional venues at Boroboro, St. Katherine Secondary School and Mentor Secondary School, among other schools. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Lira Town College playground.
Abongo described the championship as a major economic opportunity for the city, noting that boda boda riders, hotel operators, transporters, and traders stand to benefit from the influx of visitors. He encouraged the business community to register early and secure space.
He further revealed that the hosting effort has received strong backing from Lira City Council leadership, including the mayor, the Resident City Commissioner, and district security committees. Several organising committees have also been put in place to handle logistics, security, and technical aspects of the games.
Abongo called on residents to actively support the event and showcase the hospitality of the Lango subregion.
The championship, also known as the U20 National Boys’ Football Championship, is expected to attract teams from across Uganda, positioning Lira City as a focal point for schools’ football and regional economic activity.
