USSSA eyes growth in table tennis after landmark coaching course

The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) is optimistic about registering more schools for table tennis at the 2026 national games, following the successful completion of a seven-day international coaching course at Elite High School in Entebbe.

Christopher Mugisha, USSSA Chief Executive Officer, hailed the training as a breakthrough for the sport.

“We are so glad as USSSA to have received this kind of training in Uganda, especially targeting table tennis, where we had been registering fewer schools taking part,” Mugisha said.

The course was organized by the International Table Tennis Association (ITTA) in partnership with the International Schools Sport Federation (ISF) through the ISF Academy, the Uganda Table Tennis Association, and USSSA. Mugisha noted that the 30 teachers who graduated as certified coaches will serve as ambassadors in their schools, ensuring the game reaches grassroots levels.

The program attracted participants from across the country and was supervised by international instructors Keitseng Kealebogs from Botswana, Christina Chee of Malaysia, and Romain Fermon, ISF Academy Director.

Fermon commended Uganda’s partnership with ISF, praising the country’s commitment to developing school sports.

“This is the first training of its kind, and we are grateful to the leadership of USSSA for the warm hospitality. We look forward to more collaborations and to bringing more international sports federations on board,” he said.

Patrick Okanya, USSSA Head of Capacity Building, described the training as a historic milestone. “This course is not only the first in Uganda or Africa, but also the first of its kind in the world. As USSSA, we are proud of this opportunity and look forward to its positive impact,” Okanya said, urging coaches to spread the sport across all 19 zones.

Sammy Odong, Assistant Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, encouraged graduates to uphold professionalism and integrity as they promote table tennis.

“As you go out, maintain the values of the game and integrity. Be creative and innovative, and use the available resources to grow table tennis,” he advised.