FEASSSA Games: Ugandan schools raise safety concerns

Schools taking part in the 22nd edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games in Kakamega have lauded the hospitality and high-altitude environment in Kenya.

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Students, teachers, and journalists from across the region told Mozzart Sport they appreciated the warm welcome from organizers and locals.

However, they said the goodwill seems to vanish once the teams step onto the pitch, especially in football, where Ugandan schools have raised serious security concerns.

On the opening day, the referee in the Madira Girls versus Kawempe Muslims clash had to be evacuated on a motorbike after the final whistle as angry fans threatened him.

That followed questionable decisions that spectators felt denied the Assassins a chance to win.

Sunday also witnessed drama when the highly anticipated match between St Mary’s Kitende (Uganda) and St Joseph’s Boys Kitale (Kenya) was abandoned in the 72nd minute.

Angry spectators stormed the pitch demanding answers after St Joseph were denied what they felt was a clear penalty.

At Mukumu Boys High School grounds, the opening game between Highway Secondary and Musingu High was briefly stopped for six minutes after the assistant referee reported harassment from fans who even threatened to beat him.

Such incidents have sparked outrage among visiting teams, who now question Kenya’s readiness to host the regional showpiece.

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“When we hosted the games last year in Uganda, everyone enjoyed. Everything was smooth. But here we have to sit on benches on alert because anything can happen,” said Sam Kamulinde of Bukedea Comprehensive Academy.

Kawempe Muslims head coach added: “Kenyans told us they fear no one, even the police are afraid of them. If such comes from our hosts, we must be terrified. One even told us he can slaughter us, and that was during our first game. We keep wondering what is happening here.”

St Mary’s Kitende coach Hassan Zungu, whose side’s match was abandoned, called for calm.

“Fans should treat others the same way they want to be treated when they visit other countries. We need to take sports as a unifying factor.

The organizers have done well, but some fans want to spoil it for Kenya. Let the organizers bring more security to protect the matches.”

Despite the tension, FEASSSA President Justus Mugisha praised Kenya’s planning and hinted at giving Kakamega another opportunity to host if fans improve their behavior.

“I want to thank the Government of Kenya because this time around they have topped in numbers with more than 1,800 students, 200 more than any other country.

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Congratulations Kenya for the infrastructure put in place. After the tournament, Kenya will continue to benefit from these facilities,” Mugisha, who also chairs the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), told Mozzart Sport.

“I want to promise you, if these games end well and fans behave, we are likely to give you another chance to host,” he added.