Rising cases of ineligible and overage players in school competitions have prompted a stern warning from education leaders in the Acholi sub-region, with headteachers now set to be held accountable for any irregularities.
Sr Hellen Lamunu, Chairperson of the Headteachers’ Association in Acholi and headteacher of Sacred Heart Secondary School, raised concern over what she describes as a growing trend of “expired players” being sneaked into school teams to gain an unfair advantage.
Speaking during a media briefing in Gulu on Sunday, she warned that such practices undermine the integrity of school sports and erode the values of discipline and fairness that co-curricular activities are meant to instill in learners.
Sr Lamunu emphasizes that headteachers will be held directly responsible for any misconduct involving their school teams.
She urges administrators to closely supervise games departments and ensure strict adherence to eligibility guidelines set by school sports governing bodies.
Her warning follows a rise in disputes during inter-school competitions, with some matches ending in protests and disqualifications after verification processes exposed ineligible players.
Education stakeholders say pressure to win trophies is pushing some schools to bend rules, often disadvantaging genuine student-athletes.
Denis Oryema, a games teacher at Sacred Heart Secondary School, says cases of ineligible players were widespread during the recently concluded regional games in Kitgum District. He urges fellow games teachers to prioritize integrity and trust, noting that this approach helped Sacred Heart Secondary School emerge as regional winners.
By URN
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