Primary school athletes from Lamwo district and Kitgum municipality have been cleared and flagged off to participate in the ongoing National Primary Schools Athletics Championships in Tororo, with leaders expressing both optimism about performance and concern over the welfare of participants.
In Lamwo, district teams successfully passed the mandatory physical screening, a key requirement to verify athletes’ eligibility before competition.
According to District Sports Officer George Oweka, all athletes in the under-12 and under-14 categories for both boys and girls were cleared during the vetting exercise conducted on the opening day.
“Our athletes met all the requirements and are now fully cleared to compete,” Oweka confirmed.
The Lamwo contingent arrived in Tororo early Monday morning at around 6:30 a.m., joining hundreds of young athletes from across the country. This year’s championships have attracted a total of 169 teams representing districts, cities, and municipalities, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of the national event.
The physical vetting exercise, which began at the start of the championships, is expected to continue until May 12, 2026, ensuring that only eligible participants take part in the competition.
However, despite the successful clearance, concerns have emerged regarding the welfare of athletes, particularly in relation to feeding arrangements. Oweka noted that while centralized feeding is being provided, both the quantity and quality of food remain insufficient for the young competitors.
“These are growing children who require adequate nutrition to perform at their best. There is a need for improvement in both the quality and quantity of food provided,” he said.
Stakeholders warn that poor feeding could affect not only performance but also the overall well-being of participants during the competition, which brings together young talent from across Uganda.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Kitgum Municipality, a team of 24 pupils has been flagged off to represent the area at the same national championships.
The delegation includes participants in both under-12 and under-14 categories for boys and girls.
According to Latigo W. Calvin, Secretary for Health, Education and Community-Based Services, each category is represented by six pupils, making a total of 24 competitors.
“The team has been prepared to compete with discipline and determination. We expect them to represent the municipality with pride,” Latigo said during the flag-off ceremony.
The Kitgum team is accompanied by a coach, an official, and a team secretary who also serves as the head of delegation. Leaders emphasized that participation in national competitions plays a critical role in shaping young learners beyond academics.
Latigo highlighted the broader benefits of athletics, noting that such events provide exposure, build confidence, and help identify future sporting talent.
“These competitions are important for nurturing talent at an early stage. They give our children the opportunity to interact, learn, and grow both socially and competitively,” he added.
Across the region, education and sports officials see the championships as a vital platform for developing the next generation of athletes. However, they continue to call for improved logistical planning, particularly in areas such as feeding, accommodation, and overall welfare.
As the competitions get underway in Tororo, hopes remain high that the young athletes from Lamwo and Kitgum will not only compete strongly but also gain valuable experience that will shape their future in sports.
For now, attention remains divided between the excitement of national competition and the urgent need to ensure that the welfare of participants matches the scale and importance of the event.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.