A wave of excitement has engulfed Sacred Heart Secondary School as final preparations reach a crescendo ahead of the 2026 USSSA National Ball Games II.
The host venue in Gulu City came alive on Wednesday morning with the arrival of teams from across the country, marking the official start of activities for one of Uganda’s most prestigious school sporting showcases.
The day’s program continues with the draws and a technical meeting, setting the stage for competition that officially gets underway on Thursday, July 9, and runs through July 17.
This year’s edition is poised to deliver a grand spectacle, assembling approximately 12000 student-athletes competing across an expansive roster of 27 disciplines—an indication of the tournament’s continued growth in scale and diversity.
In a significant evolution of the Games, five disciplines—KhoKho, Kabaddi, Golf, Darts, and Pickleball—will debut, adding fresh intrigue and widening the competitive landscape.
The established lineup remains equally compelling, featuring U17 Football and Basketball, U20 Basketball 3×3, DanceSport, and Woodball, alongside U14 CAF Football.
Beach sports such as Beach Soccer and Beach Volleyball will also take center stage, complemented by Lacrosse, Chess, Ludo, and Scrabble.
Further depth is provided through Volleyball, Netball (Girls), Cricket, Handball, Athletics & Cross Country, Rugby 7s, and Futsal, as well as Baseball, Softball, and Baseball 5—ensuring a comprehensive and dynamic sporting programme.
With the convergence of elite school talent, new disciplines, and heightened organizational ambition, Gulu stands on the brink of hosting a landmark edition of the USSSA Ball Games II—one that promises not only fierce competition but also a celebration of youth sport at its finest.
