By Ritah Atukwatse
Ntungamo
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Tournament for the Ankole Zone ended on a high note at Rubaare Secondary School in Rushenyi County, Ntungamo District, with a stern warning issued to students against engaging in witchcraft and related harmful practices.
The district inspector of schools, Mr. Robert Tuzaarirwe, who also served as the chief guest at the event’s closing ceremony, applauded the discipline exhibited by both students and teachers throughout the three-day tournament. The competition attracted participation from 84 secondary schools across the Ankole region.
Mr. Tuzaarirwe commended the event organizers and school administrators for managing the large gathering of students without any cases of indiscipline.
“Students who focus on developing their talents are less likely to fall into the traps of witchcraft, rituals, and involvement with night dancers. Those who stay active in co-curricular activities build strong character and a bright future,” he emphasized. “It is unfortunate that some of the students involved in suspected witchcraft were found not to be engaging in any extracurricular programs.”
He urged students to embrace sports and other co-curricular activities as avenues for personal growth, discipline, and future opportunities.
The tournament featured various sporting disciplines including football, netball, volleyball, handball, woodball, and dance sport, with both boys and girls under the age of sixteen participating.
Mr. Onesmus Karamuzi, the Deputy Headteacher of Rubaare Secondary School who represented the Headteacher, also encouraged students to continue nurturing their talents, noting that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, which is crucial for future career success.
The top-performing schools in the tournament were recognized and awarded trophies and medals. The following were declared winners in their respective categories:
Football (U-16 Boys) Kitunga High School, Ntungamo District, Handball (Girls) Kyeizooba Girls – Bushenyi District, Handball (Boys) Ntare School – Mbarara City, Netball Kibatsi High School – Ntungamo District, Volleyball (Girls) Buremba Secondary School – Kazo District, Woodball (Boys) Kyamate Secondary School – Ntungamo District, Woodball (Girls) Mbarara High School – Mbarara City, Dance Sport (Girls) Sheema Girls – Sheema District Dance Sport (Boys) Kitunga High School – Ntungamo District
However, the award for the Girls’ U-16 Football category was withheld due to a dispute. Boni Consilli Girls, who had won 2–0 against Sheema Girls Secondary School, were accused of fielding ineligible players. Officials announced that a rematch will be organized to determine the rightful winners of the category.
All the winning teams will go on to represent the Ankole Zone at the national-level championships to be held in Tororo District.
