By 
In a remarkable testament to the power of grassroots sports development, Wasswa Aslam Balikanda, a 17-year-old student from Amus College School in Bukedea, has been selected to officiate at the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship, set to kick off on April 23 in Accra, Ghana.
Hailing from Bugembe in Jinja District, Wasswa’s rise is a shining example of what structured mentorship and opportunity can produce. His journey to continental recognition began in 2022 when he joined the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Capacity Building Training Program, a platform designed to groom young talent not just in playing, but in officiating and sports leadership.
Since then, Wasswa has consistently demonstrated poise, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game. His whistle has guided some of the country’s most competitive school football stages including the 2024 Boys’ National Championships in Masaka, the FEASSA Games and the National Ball Games in Soroti. Earlier this year, he took another leap when he officiated at the CAF Schools CECAFA Zone qualifiers, putting him firmly on the radar of continental football officials.
Wasswa’s appointment to the Ghana tournament is more than a personal milestone, it’s a significant nod to the success of the USSSA Capacity Building Program which continues to nurture future referees, coaches, and sports administrators from within Uganda’s school system.
He is not the first from his school to reach this level. Jabeth Elly Ojilong, also from Amus College, officiated at the 2024 edition of the CAF Africa Schools Championship in Tanzania. Uganda’s trailblazing figure in the competition, however, remains Jackie Nambasa of Uganda Martyrs, who made history as the country’s first official at the inaugural tournament.
Wasswa’s inclusion in the Ghana-bound officiating team affirms the growing reputation of Uganda’s school sports ecosystem and highlights the transformative role of structured development programs. From local pitches in Jinja to continental football in Accra, his journey is a story of vision, mentorship, and perseverance, a true fruit of the seeds sown by USSSA.
