Kawanda Secondary School have marked a sensational return to their Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) netball glory days, edging Kaddugala Secondary School 31–30 in a tightly contested and captivating final to secure their second historic UMEA title in Mbale.
Kawanda asserted early dominance, taking control from the onset with narrow leads of 9–7 and 16–15 in the first and second quarters respectively.
Kaddugala, however, mounted a spirited comeback, drawing level at 23–23 by the end of the third quarter to set up a dramatic finale.
In a nerve-wracking final quarter, Kawanda held their composure to clinch a slender 31–30 victory, sealing their second UMEA netball crown—adding to their maiden triumph in 2024 in Masaka.
Their path to the final was equally dramatic. In the semi-finals, Kawanda eliminated defending champions Greenlight Islamic Secondary School – Nansana in a pulsating encounter that required extended extra time.
Greenlight led 9–8 at halftime before the game ended 18–18 in regulation time. Both sides remained deadlocked at 22–22 and 26–26 in the first and second halves of extra time respectively, before Kawanda finally broke through to win 28–26.
Kaddugala Secondary School, meanwhile, had a commanding run to the final. They dispatched Gombe Secondary School with an emphatic 23–15 victory in the semi-finals, having led 10–7 at halftime.
In the quarter-finals, Kaddugala edged Hamdan Islamic Secondary School 21–20 in a tightly contested clash.Kawanda reached the semi-finals after a convincing 25–14 win over Kyantamba Secondary School.
In other quarter-final results, Greenlight overcame Kibuli Secondary School 18–15, while another fixture saw a 28–23 victory against Namagabi Secondary School.
The final was held on Monday afternoon, April 6, at Maluku Grounds in Mbale, bringing the tournament to a fitting and exhilarating conclusion.
Individually, Kawanda’s Daphine Namagembe was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Sharon Nansereko of Kaddugala SS claimed the Best Shooter accolade, while Promise Namuddu from Kyantamba SS was recognized as the Best Defender.
Fauzia Kakayi of Hamdan Girls Secondary School earned the Best Mid-court Player award.Selected
Previous Winners:
2014: London College
2015: Kibuli SS
2016: Kibuli SS
2017: Kibuli SS
2018: Ngando SS
2019: Ngando SS
2023: Ngando SS
2024: Kawanda SS
2025: Greenlight Islamic Secondary School
2026: Kawanda SS
