The 2026 National Netball Novices Championship threw off on Friday, March 6, at Lubiri Secondary School, drawing excitement from schools across the country.
Organised by Netball Uganda, this year’s tournament has attracted eleven teams, three more than participated in the previous edition held in Kawanda.
The teams have been divided into two pools. Group A features defending champions Buddo Secondary School, Kawanda Secondary School, Kisozi High School, hosts Lubiri Secondary School JORI Kalangaalo, and Lubiri High School.
Group B consists of St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende, Baptist High School, St. Francis Busunjju, Kakungulu Memorial School, and Dynamic Secondary School – Ssinde.
Defending champions Buddo Secondary School made a strong statement in the tournament opener, defeating Kawanda Secondary School 28–18 to begin their title defence on a positive note.
Buddo maintained their impressive form in their second match of the day, overpowering hosts Lubiri Secondary School 39–7 on a wet evening in front of a large and vocal home crowd.
St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende also enjoyed a commanding start to their campaign.
They thrashed Kakungulu Memorial School 38–1 in their opening Group B encounter before returning later in the day to secure a 25–13 victory over St. Francis – Busunjju.
Meanwhile, Baptist High School registered a 16–11 win over Dynamic Secondary School – Ssinde before settling for a 21–21 draw with St. Francis Busunjju.
Elsewhere, Kisozi High School recorded the most emphatic result of the day, dismantling Lubiri High School 48–4.
The competition continues on Saturday morning with the remaining group stage matches.
The semi-finals will be played in the afternoon, with the tournament final scheduled for the evening.
Full day one results
1. St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary – Kitende 38-01 Kakungulu Memorial
2. Buddo Secondary School 28-18 Kawanda SS
3. Baptist High School 21-21 St. Francis Busunjju
4. Kisozi High School 48-04 Lubiri High School
5. Buddo Secondary School 39-07 Lubiri SS
6. Baptist High School 16-11 Dynamic SS
7. St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School – Kitende 25-13 St. Francis Busunjju
