Otuke ranks 15th in national special needs competitions

The Otuke district has made a remarkable achievement in the recently concluded national kids athletics and special needs education championship.

The district finished 15th out of 89 districts when they convened at Kigezi High Primary School in Kabale Municipality from May 4 to 14, 2025.

Otuke’s 46 athletes included 20 special needs athletes and 26 from the mainstream category. They both demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.

Notable performers include Akello Lydia of Okwang P7, who won gold and bronze medals, respectively. Okello Edmond from Okwongo P7 also won a gold medal.

Ekemo Eddy Silas from Abilonyero P7 returned home with a silver medal.

Others include Ojok Isaac of Acanpii P7, who won silver, and Okello Stephen of Acane P7, who won bronze.

The district officials praised the athletes, coaches, and teachers for their outstanding performance.

Otuke DEO Acheng Lucy stated that “disability is not inability” and emphasized the importance of determination.

“You have shown that with determination, anything is possible. Each medal you earned is not just a symbol of victory but a testament to your resilience and passion.”

The DEO also thanked the district sports officer, Obira James, for his outstanding dedication and passion for sports.

Onyek Patrick, representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Otuke, added, “These outstanding results are a reflection of the support from our coaches and teachers.”

He said the commitment of the sports officials in nurturing youth talents has been invaluable. “Let this success inspire more students and parents to engage in sports, fostering teamwork and confidence.”

Otuke LC5 chairperson Francis Abola congratulated the athletes, coaches, and all involved, stating that sports foster character and community.

The district’s achievement is noteworthy, especially given the barriers that children with disabilities face when participating in sports.

Based on existing research, inclusive sports programs can benefit kids with disabilities by encouraging critical thinking and upending preconceived notions about disabilities.

Below are the overall performances: Special Needs Education Categories.

Hearing Impairment: Pader district dominated this category.

Visually Impaired: Mukono district topped the U-12 and U-14 age groups.

Physically Impaired: Busia district won the U-12 category.

Agago district secured the U-14 category.

Mainstream competitions.

U-12 category: Arua City won the girls’ title and the overall trophy.

Koboko Municipality took the boys’ title.

U-14 category: Pader district claimed the boys’ title.

Agago district won the girls’ division while Terego district was crowned overall winner.

Additionally, God’s Favor Nursery and Primary School emerged as champions in the Kabale Municipality Athletic Championships, winning both the girls’ and boys’ categories.