Rev. Dr. Mugumya Decries Marginalization of Sports in Ugandan Schools
Kabale, Uganda – May 5, 2025 – The Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, has strongly criticized schools and districts in Uganda that continue to sideline sports programs, saying the neglect undermines the holistic development of learners.
Speaking at Kigezi High School Primary during the closing ceremony for a training session involving 210 sports officials, Dr. Mugumya emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in school competitions. He specifically warned against the use of non-genuine participants, saying such actions compromise the credibility of national events.
“Sports are essential to education. We cannot allow some schools to treat them as optional. Any institution found using ineligible players will be disqualified,” Mugumya said.
The training session prepared officials for the upcoming National Kids Athletics and Special Needs Learners’ Championship, which will draw teams from all 178 local governments across Uganda. Participants will compete in categories for children under 12 and under 14, including athletes from Special Needs Education (SNE) programs.
The championship will feature a wide variety of track and field events such as the 60-meter sprint, 800-meter race, 4×1500-meter relay, long jump, javelin, shot put, discus, high jump, and more—with an estimated 5,000 young athletes expected to take part.
Dr. Mugumya called on schools to actively promote inclusive participation, especially for girls, and to engage fully in sports-related workshops and training programs.
“We must ensure equal opportunity in sports and create a nurturing environment for both boys and girls to thrive,” he concluded.
The ministry reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on cheating and emphasized that sports will remain a vital pillar in Uganda’s education system moving forward.
