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Kawempe Muslim, Kawanda SS Lift Important Trophies as UMEA Games Climax in Mbale | Voice of Bugerere
By Kayiira Jackson
Kawempe Muslim Secondary School and Kawanda Secondary School delivered standout performances as the 2026 Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) Solidarity Games climaxed in Mbale City.
Kawempe Muslim underlined their dominance in girls’ football, clinching a record-extending seventh title after defeating hosts Nkoma Secondary School 2-0 in a composed final. Their continued success cements their status as the powerhouse of girls’ football in the competition’s history.
Kawempe Muslim celebrating their goal scored against Nkoma
In netball, Kawanda Secondary School reclaimed their crown in dramatic fashion, overcoming Kadugala Secondary School in a thrilling final to return to the top. Last year’s champions, Greenlight Islamic Secondary School, settled for third place after falling short in the title race.
Kawanda SS netball champions
Despite the brilliance of Kawempe and Kawanda, it was Gombe Secondary School that once again emerged as the overall champions of the games, amassing five gold medals. Kibuli Secondary School followed closely as runners-up with four gold medals, highlighting their consistency across multiple disciplines.
Gombe SS the overall winners
In boys’ football, Kyaddondo Secondary School edged Masaka Secondary School 1-0 in a tightly contested final to lift the title, while Buziga Islamic secured third place.
Volleyball saw continued dominance from Kinaawa High School – Mugongo and Mbogo Mixed, who extended their winning streaks in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively.
The annual games attracted 47 schools, featuring 122 teams and a total of 1,591 student participants competing across football, netball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, badminton, scrabble, and chess.
Hosted by Nkoma Secondary School under the theme “Faith, Unity and Excellence through Sports,” the 2026 edition once again showcased the growing competitiveness and talent within school sports.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
FOOTBALL BOYS
Champions: Kyaddondo SS
2nd Place: Masaka SS
3rd Place: Buziga Islamic
FOOTBALL GIRLS
Champions: Kawempe Muslim A
2nd Place: Nkoma SS
3rd Place: Kawempe Muslim B
NETBALL
Champions: Kawanda SS
2nd Place: Kadugala SS
3rd Place: Greenlight Islamic
HANDBALL BOYS
Champions: Gombe SS
2nd Place: Kawanda SS
3rd Place: Mbogo Mixed
HANDBALL GIRLS
Champions: Gombe SS
2nd Place: Kawanda SS
3rd Place: Kibuli SS
VOLLEYBALL BOYS
Champions: Mbogo Mixed
2nd Place: Namagabi SS
3rd Place: Masaka SS
VOLLEYBALL GIRLS
Champions: Kinaawa High School Mugongo
2nd Place: Namagabi SS
3rd Place: Mbogo High School
BADMINTON BOYS
Champions: Kibuli SS
2nd Place: Kinaawa High School Kawempe
3rd Place: Kinaawa High School Mugongo
BADMINTON GIRLS
Champions: Mbogo High School
2nd Place: Mariam High School
3rd Place: Kinaawa High School Mugongo
TABLE TENNIS BOYS
Champions: Kibuli SS
2nd Place: Ubuntu Hill
3rd Place: Nkoma SS
TABLE TENNIS GIRLS
Champions: Kibuli SS
2nd Place: Mbogo High School
3rd Place: Mbogo Mixed
CHESS BOYS
Champions: Kibuli SS
2nd Place: Gombe SS
3rd Place: Masaka SS
CHESS GIRLS
Champions: Gombe SS
2nd Place: Nabisunsa Girls
3rd Place: Kibuli SS
SCRABBLE BOYS
Champions: Gombe SS
2nd Place: Kisaasi Muslim
SCRABBLE GIRLS
Champions: Gombe SS
2nd Place: Kisaasi Muslim
OVERALL CHAMPIONS: Gombe SS
