KATAKWI — The 12th National Technical School Games have kicked off in Katakwi District with reduced participation, as funding constraints forced several institutions to withdraw from the competition.
The five-day event, hosted at Katakwi Skills Development Centre, was expected to attract 42 public technical institutions from across Uganda. However, only 24 institutions turned up, leaving at least 18 unable to participate due to financial challenges.
The games have brought together 768 participants, including 462 males and 306 females, competing in disciplines such as football, netball, volleyball, athletics, woodball, draft, scramble, and Mweso.
Regional representation highlights the disparity caused by funding limitations. Eastern Uganda, which has 11 institutions, saw only eight participate. Northern region had five out of nine institutions, West Nile had just one out of three, Central region recorded six out of seven, while Western Uganda had only four out of 11 institutions represented.
The championships aim to promote physical fitness, nurture talent among vocational learners, and strengthen unity, discipline, and cooperation among institutions.
Participating schools include Katakwi Skills Development Centre, Barinyanga Technical School, Iyolwa Technical School, Mubende Community Technical School, Bbowa Skills Development Centre, Flaminio Vocational Training Centre, and Mbale Polytechnic, among others.
However, several institutions—including Kihihi Skills Development Centre, Kumi Technical School, Wera Technical School, Soroti Vocational Institute, and St. Kizito Soroti—failed to attend due to lack of funds for transport, feeding, and accommodation.
Joseph Aisu Edotun, Head of Trainers at Katakwi Skills Development Centre and Chairperson of Trainers in Uganda, acknowledged government efforts in supporting sports activities but expressed concern over inadequate funding.
“Many institutions could not participate due to financial constraints, especially transport challenges. This limits exposure and talent development among learners,” Edotun said.
He emphasized the need for increased funding and collaboration to ensure wider participation in future competitions.
Officials from the Vocational Schools Sports Association of Uganda (VSSAU) also highlighted resource constraints as a major challenge, noting that limited institutional contributions make it difficult to cover logistics such as accommodation, medical services, and sports equipment.
Kabatesi Ruqayyah, Head Trainer at Bbowa Training Centre, called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to increase funding and engage stakeholders to support technical school sports.
“We need more support to ensure all institutions can participate. These games are important for talent development at national and regional levels,” she said.
Katakwi LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo, who officiated as chief guest, urged the public to embrace technical education, describing it as a key driver of employment and economic growth.
“Technical education equips young people with practical skills within a short time, making them more employable,” Omolo said.
He also encouraged stakeholders to invest more in vocational training and sports development.
Sam Odongo, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, assured participants that government support for technical school games will continue.
In the opening football match, host Katakwi Skills Development Centre defeated Lumino Community Polytechnic 2–1, with David Livingston Adungo scoring twice in the 16th and 22nd minutes, while Mausi James netted a late consolation goal.
Despite the reduced turnout, organizers remain hopeful that increased funding and coordination will enhance participation and strengthen technical education sports in Uganda.
