By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
After a turbulent disciplinary process, Mbale Progressive Secondary School has successfully appealed its suspension and is now cleared to participate in the USSSA Boys’ Football competition for 2026.
The Bugisu Zone Secondary Schools Sports Association (Excom) has lifted the suspension, which initially stemmed from a controversial semifinal match with Nkoma Secondary School.
The drama began when Nkoma narrowly defeated Mbale Progressive 1-0 in the zonal football semifinal. Mbale Progressive lodged a petition against Nkoma, accusing them of using ineligible players, which was followed by a counter-petition from Nkoma alleging similar violations by Progressive. Upon investigation, both schools were found guilty of fielding ineligible players.
While Nkoma accepted responsibility and was disqualified, Mbale Progressive faced harsher sanctions: a one-year suspension, compounded by accusations of disrespect towards the committee, including claims of bribery.
Despite the ruling, Progressive was not ready to accept the decision. They appealed the verdict to the national secretariat, which called for a review of the case.
In a fresh ruling, the national secretariat decided to lift the one-year suspension, replacing it with a financial penalty of UGX 1,000,000.
However, Isiah Sasaga the USSSA chairperson Bugisu Zone told our reporter today Friday that the committee showed leniency by reducing the fine to UGX 500,000, which the school promptly paid.
He says the payment, deposited on 18 February 2026 at Centenary Bank, was seen as a gesture of remorse, indicating Progressive’s commitment to upholding fair play and sportsmanship.
This ruling marks a fresh start for Mbale Progressive, clearing the way for the school to compete in this year’s USSSA Boys’ Football competition. With their suspension behind them and their fine settled, all eyes will now be on their performance on the pitch as they seek redemption and aim for success in the tournament.
