KAKAMEGA, KENYA — The sleepy highland town of Kakamega awoke to the rhythm of drums, the chatter of arriving delegations, and the unmistakable sound of youthful energy as Uganda’s athletes touched down for the 2025 Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games.
It wasn’t just the excitement in the air that was palpable — it was also the crisp, chilly wind that greeted the Pearl of Africa’s representatives. With morning temperatures dipping to 14°C and a lingering mist draping the town’s rolling hills, the welcome was both refreshing and challenging for athletes accustomed to Uganda’s generally warmer climate.
Arrival Day: A Journey Into the Highlands
The Ugandan delegation’s convoy, made up of buses bearing school banners and flags, wound its way into Kakamega from Kisumu International Airport, navigating lush landscapes and forest-lined roads. The journey was a blend of anticipation and curiosity.
For many athletes, it was their first time in western Kenya, a region known for its high-altitude conditions and passionate sports culture. Along the route, locals paused to wave at the passing buses, some shouting encouragement in Swahili and English: “Karibuni!” (Welcome!)
As the convoy entered Kakamega town, a small reception committee of Kenyan schoolchildren and local officials lined the streets, waving Ugandan flags in a show of regional unity. Traditional dancers performed to the beat of isikuti drums — a reminder that in East Africa, sport and culture are inseparable.
Weather Shock, But Not Spirit Shock
The cold air was the first thing most athletes noticed as they stepped off their buses. Breath visible in the morning mist, some immediately zipped up jackets and pulled beanies over their heads.
“We knew it might be cooler, but this is like training at dawn in the Rwenzori Mountains,” laughed one football player from St. Mary’s Kitende. “Still, we came here to compete, so the weather won’t stop us.”
Coaches, too, were quick to adapt. Training schedules were revised to avoid the chilliest early hours. Morning drills would now begin at 9 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., while evening sessions were shifted slightly earlier to make use of the day’s warmer spells. Nutritionists also adjusted meal plans, emphasizing warm beverages, hearty stews, and calorie-dense snacks to keep energy levels stable in the cooler climate.
The Significance of FEASSA
The FEASSA Games are more than just a sporting event — they are a showcase of East African secondary school talent and a stepping stone for many young athletes aiming for professional careers. The competition attracts the best school teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, and sometimes guest appearances from other African nations.
Uganda has historically been a dominant force at FEASSA, particularly in athletics, netball, basketball, and football. The country’s schools, especially powerhouses like St. Mary’s Kitende, Buddo SS, Kibuli SS, and Kawempe Muslim, have a history of producing athletes who go on to represent Uganda at the African Games, Commonwealth Games, and even the Olympics.
This year, the stakes are even higher — the 2025 edition of the FEASSA Games will serve as a scouting ground for the African Youth Games scheduled later in the year. Performances here could determine who earns a spot on national youth teams.
Uganda’s Medal Ambitions
Uganda’s delegation includes over 500 athletes across multiple disciplines. The confidence is high, and not without reason:
- Football: The boys’ and girls’ teams are reigning FEASSA champions and are determined to defend their crowns.
- Athletics: Uganda’s middle and long-distance runners are tipped as favorites, inspired by legends like Joshua Cheptegei and Peruth Chemutai.
- Basketball: St. Mary’s Kitende boys’ team and Buddo SS girls’ team are both defending champions, having dominated in last year’s edition in Arusha.
- Netball: Kawempe Muslim SS’s netball squad is unbeaten in regional play for the past two years.
- Table Tennis & Tennis: Emerging stars from Kampala’s international schools are aiming to make a statement.
“We’re not here to participate; we’re here to win and learn,” said a confident athletics coach. “Every medal we win is a story we’ll take back home.”
The Kakamega Factor: Altitude and Chill
At nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, Kakamega’s altitude adds another dimension to the competition. The thinner air can challenge athletes not used to such conditions, particularly in endurance events. While this can be an advantage for Kenyan teams accustomed to training in similar environments, Uganda’s coaching staff has prepared athletes with interval training and simulated high-altitude sessions back home.
The cooler temperatures may favor some Ugandan athletes, especially long-distance runners, who find it easier to sustain pace without overheating. However, sports like football and rugby could see more muscular injuries if players don’t warm up properly in the cold.
Cultural Exchange: Beyond Competition
FEASSA has always been about more than just sport. The Ugandan delegation is set to perform at the opening ceremony with a mix of traditional dance and modern choreography, showcasing Bakisimba rhythms alongside youthful urban moves.
Ugandan athletes will also have opportunities to engage in school-to-school exchanges — sharing meals, attending cultural nights, and even learning some Swahili phrases from their hosts.
“When we leave, we don’t just take medals home — we take friendships,” said a team official. “That’s what FEASSA is really about.”
Local Economy Boost
The arrival of delegations from six nations has turned Kakamega into a hive of activity. Hotels, guesthouses, and homestays are fully booked. Restaurants are expanding menus to cater to the diverse tastes of visitors, with Ugandan favorites like matoke and chapati making appearances alongside Kenyan staples like ugali and sukuma wiki.
Street vendors near the competition venues are stocking up on scarves, flags, and snacks, knowing that the mix of chilly mornings and passionate sports fans is a recipe for strong sales.
Media, Live Streams, and Betting Interest
With the growing popularity of school sports in East Africa, several matches — especially football and basketball — will be streamed live, drawing viewers from across the region and beyond. Regional broadcasters are also running daily highlights, featuring interviews with standout athletes.
For sports fans who enjoy tracking outcomes, Betsure’s football page will be covering selected football fixtures from the FEASSA Games. While youth sports betting remains a niche, interest in analyzing form, goals, and tactical trends is growing — particularly for those tracking future stars.
Opening Ceremony: The Stage is Set
The opening ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow at Bukhungu Stadium, promises to be a colorful affair. Delegations will parade in national colors, cultural troupes will perform, and dignitaries from across the East African region are expected to attend. The Ugandan flag bearers have already been briefed on their role, with the honor going to a pair of multi-sport athletes who embody the country’s sporting values.
Training in the Chill: Scenes from the Camp
This morning, as a drizzle fell, the Ugandan football boys’ team jogged around a muddy training pitch, their breath visible in the air. Coaches barked instructions in both Luganda and English, urging players to keep their tempo high. Nearby, the athletics squad practiced baton exchanges under the covered stands, their spikes clicking against the concrete.
The netball team, wearing matching hoodies, ran through passing drills in an indoor gymnasium to avoid the damp court outside. Despite the weather, the mood in camp was upbeat — laughter was as common as shouts of encouragement.
Challenges Ahead
The Ugandan delegation faces not just the competition but also the logistical and physical challenges of playing in a different environment. Early morning dew can make pitches slippery, potentially affecting ball control in football and rugby. Afternoon showers could delay athletics events.
Then there’s the psychological factor — the pressure of defending titles, the weight of national expectations, and the knowledge that scouts may be watching every move.
“We tell the athletes: focus on the process, not just the result,” said the head of the delegation. “If you give your best every game, the medals will follow.”
The Road to Glory
Over the coming days, Uganda will open its campaigns in football, basketball, and athletics — the three sports expected to generate the most headlines. Strong starts will be crucial, especially in group-stage formats where goal difference or time splits can determine progression.
The athletics finals, set for the second weekend, are expected to be a highlight, with Uganda and Kenya’s runners once again renewing their historic rivalry in front of packed stands.
Final Word
Chilly winds may have greeted Uganda’s athletes in Kakamega, but they arrived carrying the warmth of a nation’s hope. For the 2025 FEASSA Games, the stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the atmosphere electric.
If history is any guide, Uganda’s delegation will not just compete — they will inspire. Whether it’s through medal-winning performances, cultural exchange, or simple acts of sportsmanship, these young athletes have the chance to write a chapter that will be remembered long after the closing ceremony.
For now, the focus is clear: embrace the cold, adapt to the altitude, and let the spirit of East African sport shine.
