Uganda hosts East Africa Secondary Schools Championship and is set for Kabaddi World Cup in Iran

Dec 21, 2022 - 10:01
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Uganda hosts East Africa Secondary Schools Championship and is set for Kabaddi World Cup in Iran

UGANDA - Uganda hosted the East Africa secondary schools’ championship that run from 14th-16th December, 2022.

In the boy’s category, Uganda was represented by: Mulusa Academy, Kyadondo SS(Wakiso), Noah’s Ark, Matugga High while the girls were represented by Noah’s Ark, Matugga High, St. Peters and Kololo High.

Burudi was represented by Ruyaga Communal Lyce in the boy’s category while Zanzibar was represented by HaileSelassi SS in both the boys and girl’s category.

Kenya intended to take part but because of unavoidable circumstances, they didn’t show up.

According to Edgar Mujuni, the General Secretary Kabaddi Federation of Uganda, the championship is a showcase of how small sports disciplines can grow tremendously fast in terms of grassroots development.

“Our main target is to promote and grow Kabaddi is schools. This championship means a lot to Uganda as it gives us visibility on the African Continent,” Mujuni noted.

“The turn up of secondary schools was good and on the African scene, Kabaddi is a step in the right direction,” Mujuni added.

During the course of 2022, a lot of activities have been undertaken by the Kabaddi Federation of Uganda which include; the successful competition of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 1 and also the Kabaddi school’s championship.

Mr. Mujuni added that Season 2 of the Pro Kabaddi League will run from 5th -28th January 2023 everyday and will be televised live on Star Sports TV India, other fantasy apps and the federation is in talks with Uganda TV channels to also broadcast the games live to increase the interest and audience of Kabaddi. The East Africa Schools Championship was sponsored by the Indian Association of Uganda who have helped enormously in the development of Kabaddi, Bank of Baroda (particularly Aziz the man) and Dream Africa schools.

Mujuni also revealed that in order to promote the sport out of the central region, an Inter-regional Kabaddi championship will be held in 2023 either in Kampala or Hoima. Also, a primary school Under 14 championship will be held.

Meanwhile, Uganda is set to take part in the Junior World Kabaddi Championship which is scheduled to be held from February 26 to March 5, 2023. Islamic Republic of Iran will host the Junior World Kabaddi Championship for the second time.

The first Junior World Kabaddi Championship was held in November 2019 with the participation of 14 teams in Kish Island, where Iran’s national team claimed a well-deserved win of the championship.

Edgar Mujuni says a team of 21 players will represent Uganda at the Kabaddi World cup. However, when quizzed on the resources available, he said when you are involved in a small sport, you are less sure about just about everything. You have to be ready for plan A, B, C and even D. You risk being perceived as a beggar but anticipates National Council of Sports to avail some resources.

Mujuni has risked it all. One memory that does not go away was in 2019 when he staked his house as security to obtain Shs9m to aid the national team travel to Iran. In November 2019, Uganda was invited to Iran for the inaugural Junior World Kabaddi Championship in Kish Island. 13 U-20 teams took part as Iran defeated Kenya 42-22 in the final. Kenya and Uganda were the only African countries at the event that was also attended by Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Iraq, Denmark, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Kabaddi Federation of Uganda (KFU) is the governing body of Kabaddi in Uganda. Kabaddi, is a contact sport, native to the Indian subcontinent. The Kabaddi Federation of Uganda was founded in 2017 and its affiliated to International Kabaddi Federation since 2017. It organises both the men as well the women's national Kabaddi team and organises the Uganda Kabaddi League.

John Kusolo John Kusolo, a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. I am passionate about my work with a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best. I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. Socials: John Kusolo on facebook and Twitter.