Under the theme “Faith, Unity and Excellence through Sports,” the 2026 Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) Solidarity Games girls’ football competition has officially got underway at Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale.
Two matches were played on the opening day, with Masaka Secondary School registering a commanding 3-0 victory over Kakungulu Memorial, while defending champions Kawempe Muslim Secondary School secured a similar 3-0 win against Kinaawa High School.
The day’s opening fixture featured Masaka Secondary School against Kakungulu Memorial.
Shakirah Nantumbwe broke the deadlock in the first half, giving Masaka a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Early in the second half, Namugenyi Atwiyah doubled Masaka’s advantage to make it 2-0.
She later completed her brace, netting the third goal just four minutes before the final whistle to seal an emphatic victory.
Nantumbwe was the standout performer of the match, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.
Her exquisite dribbling, blistering pace, and sharp eye for goal consistently troubled the Kakungulu defence and goalkeeper, who were forced into numerous saves and clearances.
She also came close to adding to her tally but was twice denied by the woodwork.
In the other match of the day, holders Kawempe Muslim Secondary School demonstrated their pedigree with a 3-0 triumph over Kinaawa High School.
Mildred Nambalirwa starred for Kawempe, scoring a brace, while Patricia Namugenyi added the third goal.
Nambalirwa’s first-half strike handed Kawempe a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, she completed her brace to extend the lead to 2-0.
Ten minutes later, Patricia Namugenyi put the result beyond doubt with a well-taken third goal, ensuring the defending champions began their campaign on a dominant note.
Kawempe Muslim Secondary School has maintained an impressive dominance in the competition, winning every edition since 2016, when Masaka Secondary School last lifted the title.
The tournament, which kicked off today, will culminate on Monday, 6th April, at Mbale City Stadium.
