By Weswa Ronnie
MANAFWA
Manafwa District has been handed a conditional opportunity to host the 2026 Zonal Ball Games I after Butiru Christian Comprehensive Secondary School received provisional hosting rights from the Bugisu Zone Secondary Schools Sports Association.
The decision follows an official inspection conducted under the zone’s rotational hosting system, which brings together seven districts: Mbale City, Mbale District, Bududa District, Namisindwa District, Bulambuli District, Sironko District and Manafwa District.
While inspectors confirmed that accommodation, feeding, security, water, and electricity systems meet minimum standards, major concerns were raised about the condition and spread of the playing fields.
The school presented nine proposed venues, but most are located 5–10 kilometers apart. Several fields were found to have uneven surfaces, incorrect dimensions, rocky patches, and poor grass cover, earning an overall rating of 2 out of 5. Inspectors warned that the current state of the grounds poses safety risks to student-athletes.
Parking space at the host school was also deemed inadequate for buses, and access to certain fields, particularly Sisuni Seed, could be disrupted during heavy rains. Although the school has a sickbay supported by Butiru Health Center III, officials recommended better medical stocking and deployment of a full-time nurse during the tournament.
Mr Mukumu Issa, the head of delegation on Saturday told media that in this exercise, “As a result, Butiru Christian SS has been granted 30 days to address the identified shortcomings, particularly upgrading and standardizing the playing fields “. A follow-up inspection will determine whether full hosting rights will be confirmed.
The message from the Zonal Executive Committee is firm: hosting the 2026 Ball Games I remains possible for Manafwa, but only if safety, accessibility, and facility standards are urgently improved.
