Executive Summary
The FY 2024 – 2025 marked a significant period of growth and consolidation for the Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA). The association strengthened grassroots development, expanded domestic competitions, enhanced school participation, intensified international preparations, and increased the visibility of lacrosse across Uganda and East Africa. Major achievements included the expansion of the Uganda National Lacrosse League, successful school championships, participation in regional competitions, and preparation for international qualifiers, safeguarding initiatives, and increased stakeholder engagement.
1. Introduction
The Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) is the governing body responsible for the development, promotion, and administration of lacrosse in Uganda. During FY 2024 – 2025, the association focused on expanding participation, strengthening governance structures, supporting youth development, and positioning Uganda for international competition, particularly the African qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s and Men’s Lacrosse World Championship through the African Sixes Lacrosse Championship to be held in Johannesburg South Africa December 2026.
2. National Team Development and International Preparation
2.1 Women’s National Team Training Program
One of ULA’s major priorities in this period was preparing the Uganda Women’s National Lacrosse Team for the African qualification campaign for the 2027 Women’s Lacrosse World Championship.
Key Activities
- Weekly training sessions at NEC Grounds Bugolobi.
- Technical development under qualified coaching staff.
- Talent identification and player assessment.
- Strategic preparations for continental qualifiers in 2026.
The qualification pathway was particularly competitive because Africa was allocated only one slot for the championship, requiring Uganda to compete against regional rivals including Kenya, South Africa, Ivory Coast and Ghana. ULA maintained consistent preparation programs throughout the year to improve Uganda’s chances of qualification.
3. Domestic Competitions
3.1 Uganda National Lacrosse League (UNLL) 2025
Following the successful revival of the league in 2024, the Uganda National Lacrosse League returned in May 2025 with increased participation and improved organization.
Key Achievements
- League expanded from 5 teams in 2024 to 8 teams in 2025.
- Introduction of additional institutions and community clubs.
- Increased player participation nationwide.
- Enhanced visibility of the sport as Uganda prepared for the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
Participating Teams
- Metropolitan International University
- Kasese Vikings
- FCA Warriors
- Blink Kobs
- Bombo Army Secondary School
- Buroni Panthers
- Jinja Nile Zulus
- MUBS Lacrosse Club
The expansion of the league demonstrated growing interest in lacrosse and the success of ULA’s development initiatives.
3.2 League Development and Sponsorship Drive
During 2025, ULA actively sought partnerships and sponsorship opportunities to support league operations.
The association promoted sponsorship packages aimed at:
- Venue management.
- Equipment procurement.
- Team uniforms.
- Match officiating.
- Competition administration.
The league was structured to run across multiple venues and regions, increasing national reach and participation opportunities.
4. Schools Lacrosse Development
4.1 High School Lacrosse Super Sixes Championship
The 3rd Edition of the High School Lacrosse Super Sixes Tournament was successfully held in April 2025 at Empower International School in Mpigi District.
Boys’ Category
Participating schools included:
- Empower International School
- Kigezi High School
- Bombo Army Secondary School
- St. Mary’s High School Zirobwe
- Kinaawa High School
Empower International School emerged champions after defeating Kigezi High School in the final.
Girls’ Category
Participating schools included:
- Empower International School
- Bombo Army Secondary School
- St. Mary’s High School Zirobwe
- Nabisunsa Girls Secondaray School
Bombo Army Secondary School won the girls’ championship, ending St. Mary’s Zirobwe’s reign as defending champions.
4.2 USSSA National Championships Support
ULA provided technical support to schools participating in the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Ball Games II Championships.
Support Provided
- Coaching assistance.
- Equipment mobilization.
- Technical officiating.
- Competition preparation.
The association viewed the championship as a crucial platform for talent identification and youth development. Outstanding teams were also considered for participation in regional FEASSA competitions.
4.3 USSSA National Champions
The year’s school championship culminated with:
Boys Champions
- Empower International Academy
Girls Champions
- Bombo Army Secondary School
These victories confirmed the growing competitiveness of school lacrosse programs in Uganda.
5. Regional and International School Competitions
5.1 FEASSA Games Participation
A landmark achievement in 2025 was lacrosse’s inclusion as a demonstration sport at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSA) Games held in Kakamega, Kenya.
Uganda’s Performance
- Empower International Academy won the boys’ division.
- Bombo Army Secondary School won the girls’ division.
- Nabisunsa Girls School registered notable victories.
The tournament showcased Uganda’s strength in school lacrosse and strengthened regional cooperation between Uganda and Kenya in the development of the sport.
6. University and Club Development
6.1 MUBS Success at the Musingu Open Championship
In January 2025, MUBS Lacrosse Club represented Uganda at the inaugural Musingu Open Championship in Kakamega, Kenya.
Results
- Men’s Team – Champions.
- Women’s Team – Runners-up.
The strong performance highlighted the quality of Ugandan university lacrosse and strengthened sporting relations between Uganda and Kenya.
6.2 Busitema University Open Championship
In March 2025, Busitema University hosted its inaugural Open Lacrosse Championship.
Significance
- Attracted teams from Uganda and Kenya.
- Expanded competitive opportunities for universities.
- Promoted lacrosse in Eastern Uganda.
MUBS dominated the competition, winning both the men’s and women’s divisions.
7. Safeguarding and Capacity Building
Throughout 2024-25 FY, ULA prioritized athlete welfare and governance through capacity-building programs.
Key Activities
- Implementation of World Lacrosse safeguarding courses.
- Training for coaches and officials.
- Promotion of safe sporting environments.
- Enhancement of child protection standards.
These initiatives strengthened professionalism and compliance with international lacrosse standards.
8. Community Engagement and Promotion
8.1 Olympic Day Celebrations
ULA participated in Uganda’s Olympic Day celebrations as part of efforts to increase public awareness of lacrosse.
Outcomes
- Increased visibility of the sport.
- Community engagement opportunities.
- Recruitment of new participants.
- Promotion of Olympic values.
The growing interest was further boosted by confirmation that lacrosse will be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
9. Governance and Strategic Development
9.1 Membership and International Relations
During 2025, ULA continued strengthening its relationship with World Lacrosse and other continental bodies.
Strategic Priorities
- Preparation for international competitions.
- Expansion of participation nationwide.
- Development of safeguarding systems.
- Attraction of sponsors and development partners.
- Increased regional collaboration.
The association also initiated planning for the 2026 competition calendar by inviting schools, universities, and clubs to host sanctioned events.
10. Key Achievements in FY 2024 – 2025
Competitive Development
- Expansion of the Uganda National Lacrosse League from 5 to 8 teams.
- Successful organization of school championships.
- Increased regional competition opportunities.
Youth Development
- Continued growth of school lacrosse programs.
- Successful High School Super Sixes Tournament.
- Strong participation in USSSA competitions.
International Growth
- Participation in FEASSA Games.
- MUBS victory at the Musingu Open Championship.
- Preparations for Women’s World Championship qualifiers.
Governance and Welfare
- Safeguarding training for coaches and officials.
- Strengthened partnerships with World Lacrosse.
- Enhanced strategic planning for future growth.
Community Engagement
- Olympic Day participation.
- Increased media coverage and public awareness.
- Expanded opportunities for sponsorship and stakeholder involvement.
All these developments contributed to making 2024/25 one of the most productive years in the recent history of the Uganda Lacrosse Association.
Conclusion
The Uganda Lacrosse Association achieved substantial progress during this period through expanded competitions, strengthened school programs, enhanced international preparation, and improved governance systems. The growth of the Uganda National Lacrosse League, strong performances in regional competitions, successful school championships, and continued national team preparations collectively demonstrated the increasing maturity of lacrosse in Uganda. As the association moves toward 2026 qualifiers and the LA 2028 Olympic cycle, it is well positioned to continue expanding participation, improving performance standards, and strengthening Uganda’s status as one of Africa’s leading lacrosse nations.
