Kawanda Secondary School delivered a performance of grit, endurance, and composure to eliminate defending champions Greenlight Islamic Secondary School – Nansana, booking a place in the final of the netball competition at the ongoing 2026 Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) Solidarity Games in Mbale.
In what proved to be the most electrifying contest of the evening, Kawanda edged Greenlight 28–26 after extended extra time, following a fiercely contested battle that had remained delicately poised from start to finish.
Greenlight held a slender 9–8 advantage at halftime, but Kawanda clawed back to level matters at 18–18 by the end of regulation time.
The drama intensified in extra time, with both sides refusing to yield. The deadlock persisted at 22–22 after the first period and 26–26 at the end of the second, forcing extended extra time.
It was in this decisive phase that Kawanda demonstrated superior nerve, sealing a hard-fought 28–26 victory to dethrone the reigning champions and advance to the final.
Awaiting them is a formidable Kaddugala Secondary School side, which booked its place in the title decider with a commanding 23–15 semi-final triumph over Gombe Secondary School.
Kaddugala asserted control early, taking a 10–7 lead at halftime before extending their dominance to comfortably close out the match.
Their path to the final has been equally impressive. In the quarter-finals, Kaddugala edged Hamdan Islamic Secondary School 21–20 in a tightly contested encounter, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Kawanda, on the other hand, secured their semi-final berth with a convincing 25–14 victory over Kyantamba Secondary School in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in the quarter-finals, Greenlight had earlier overcome Kibuli Secondary School 18–15, while Kaddugala registered a 28–23 win against Namagabi Secondary School.
The stage is now set for a mouthwatering final between Kawanda and Kaddugala, scheduled for Monday morning, 6th April, at Maluku Grounds.
Kawanda will be aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2024, while Kaddugala seek to etch their name into the tournament’s history.
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
