Rubongi Army Secondary School has won the boys’ Kho-Kho title at the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association ( USSSA ) Ball Games II 2026 in Gulu City.
The finals took place on Wednesday, 15 July. Rubongi Army faced Serere Secondary School. It was their first time competing at the nationals. They won.
In the girls’ final, Kyambogo College School beat St Elizabeth Secondary School to take the crown.
What Is Kho-Kho?
Kho-Kho is one of India’s oldest traditional tag games. It is now growing fast across the globe.The game is simple. Two teams of 12 players compete. Nine players are on the field at a time.
Here is how it works:Chasers try to tag defenders.Three chasers are on the field.One chaser is “active” and runs. Two chasers sit but can pivot to change direction.The active chaser can only run in one direction.To switch direction, they tap a sitting teammate and shout “Kho!”
Matches have two innings. Each inning has 9 minutes of chasing and 9 minutes of defending. The team with the most tags wins.
Fans love the sport. It is super fast. Players need speed, stamina, and smart thinking. The most exciting part is the diving. Players dive bravely to tag opponents or escape tags. Matches are full of energy and suspense.
Kho-Kho in Uganda
Kho-Kho came to Uganda in 2022 after COVID-19. It started in Butambala District with 35 coaches.
Today, the sport has spread wide. It is now active in Bunyoro, Teso, Sebei, and 87 districts across the country. Uganda has already achieved big things.In January 2025, Uganda Women’s team won bronze at the first Kho-Kho World Cup in New Delhi, India.
Reactions from Rubongi Army S.S
Mugisha Living, Deputy Head Teacher Co-curricular at Rubongi Army S.S, expressed pride in the team.
He said: “On behalf of the school administration, I extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to our students, coaches, teachers, parents, and the entire school community for this remarkable achievement.
“This historical victory reflects the discipline, hard work, and determination that define our school. Our players and coaching staff have shown exceptional commitment. They have raised the Rubongi Army S.S flag on the national stage.”
He also thanked the Head Teacher, Major Zaina K. Nalukenge, for her support.He added: “She always supports ideas of bringing new games into the school and sponsoring them till the nationals.”
Why This Victory Matters
This win is a milestone for Rubongi Army S.S. The school is now a national champion in a growing global sport.
The school community is celebrating this historic moment. They are also reaffirming their commitment to nurturing talent. The goal is to produce well-rounded students who excel both in class and in co-curricular activities.
Kho-Kho Goes Global
Kho-Kho is no longer just an Indian sport. It is going global.
The sport made its Asian Games debut in 2022.
It was a demonstration sport at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
India won the first-ever Kho-Kho World Cup in January 2025.
With Uganda’s women winning bronze at that World Cup, the country is now a serious contender on the international stage.
