Authorities in Kabale District have heightened security ahead of the 10-day National Kids Athletics and Special Needs Learners’ Championship, scheduled to take place from May 3rd to 12th, 2025.
The event is expected to attract teams from all 178 local governments across Uganda, including athletes in Special Needs Education (SNE). Kabale was selected to host the championship after scoring highest during an inspection conducted across competing districts.
Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and Chairperson of the District Security Committee, confirmed that security has been intensified with increased deployment of Police, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and Counter-Terrorism units. He emphasized that the security measures are intended to ensure the safety of both officials and participants.
“We have also deployed more intelligence officers, particularly around hosting centers, to guarantee the safety of the participants,” Nyakahuma said. He urged school heads of the hosting institutions to collaborate closely with security personnel to maintain a secure environment.
Nyakahuma also noted that the event is expected to boost the local economy by increasing demand for food, accommodation, and transport services. He encouraged Kabale residents to take full advantage of the opportunity.
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According to Alex Biryomumeisho, Chairperson of the Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (Kigezi zone), 210 local officials have already reported to officiate the games. These include finishing judges, starters, bookkeepers, timers, and record keepers.
Biryomumeisho added that 10 officials from the Uganda Athletics Federation and another 10 from the Uganda Paralympics Federation have arrived to train the local officials to ensure quality officiating during the competition.
Nelson Byomuhangi, Head Teacher of Kabale Primary School (Demo), one of the hosting schools, said the institution has installed additional lighting and hired extra security guards to enhance safety for the visiting teams.
Meanwhile, Kisoro District Sports Officer Edson Tumwizere confirmed that 24 athletes, 12 boys and 12 girls have been selected to represent Kisoro in the championship. The team will be led by District Education Officer Emmanuel Mwunvaneza.
Tumwizere also highlighted the need for improved sports infrastructure in the district, such as a stadium, to enable Kisoro to host future national competitions.
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Over 5,000 participants will be accommodated in several schools across Kabale town.
This year’s championship will feature athletes categorized into two age groups: under-12 and under-14. Events will include track and field competitions such as the 60-meter sprint, 4×1500-meter relay, 800 meters, long jump, five-step multiple jump, javelin, shot put, discus, and high jump, among others.
