36 Pupils to Represent Oyam District at National Kids Ball Games in Mubende

19 August 2026, 9:47 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Oyam District will proudly be represented by thirty-six pupils at the 2026 National Kids Ball games and Special Needs Education (SNE) Championship which will be held at Mubende Army Secondary School in Mubende District from August 24 to September 4.

The team was selected after a three-day competition held at Oyam District Bomb Ground, which concluded today. The contingent includes eighteen boys under 14 years for football, nine girls for volleyball, and nine pupils for netball.

Assistant RDC Oyam, Tenywa Ayub, who officiated as Guest of Honour, urged headteachers to strictly follow government policies and guidelines while supervising teachers, stressing that the world is highly competitive and schools must improve performance to attract parents. He encouraged parents to allow their children to participate in co-curricular activities, warning that failure to take pupils to national competitions could have negative consequences. He commended referees and the selection team for their fairness and urged school authorities to provide learners with adequate practice time and materials. Ayub emphasized that football is not only for fitness but also a source of income, citing Allan Okello as an example, while reminding learners to remain committed to their academics even as they pursue sports.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Oyam, Felix Majembe, highlighted that schools should not only be recognized for academics but also for nurturing talents through co-curricular activities. He called upon education stakeholders to encourage learners to participate in sports and congratulated all selected players who will represent Oyam District at the national level in Mubende.

Hon. Hannah Ongom, the representative of older persons (female) in Oyam District Local Government and Secretary for Education, Health, Community-Based Services, and Commerce, appreciated teachers for nurturing pupils’ talents in football, volleyball, and netball. However, she expressed concern that Oyam may not be represented in the National Music, Dance, and Drama Festival due to financial constraints. She appealed to the CAO and RDC offices to support the DEO through local revenue to facilitate such activities, ensuring Oyam does not miss out as in previous years.

She also urged learners selected for the ball games to conduct themselves well during the national competition.

Vice Chairperson of Oyam District, Ceaser Apali, representing the District Chairperson’s office, commended primary schools for participating in the ball games. He encouraged pupils who did not succeed to remain focused and prepare for next year’s competitions, assuring that the district leadership will support the team representing Oyam at the national level.

District Education Officer (DEO) Oyam, David Adea, called upon the selected learners to participate actively and showcase the value of Oyam District. He emphasized that those chosen will remain in the district for further training and reminded them that they are representing the district, not just their schools or sub-counties.

Adea noted that through sports, learners develop leadership skills, resilience, fitness, and discipline.

This strong representation demonstrates Oyam District’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting co-curricular activities alongside academics, as the pupils prepare to compete at the national stage in Mubende.