The 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Wakiso District/Zone Football and U-17 Netball Championships have officially commenced in emphatic fashion at Champions Stadium, Mwererwe, in Matugga, with Kyadondo Secondary School emerging as the early standard-bearers on a day marked by both competitive intensity and firm regulatory enforcement.
A total of 1,714 student-athletes are competing in this year’s Wakiso District championships, which double as qualifiers for the forthcoming national competitions.
The tournament features 45 boys’ football teams (900 athletes), 25 girls’ football teams (500 athletes), and 20 U-17 netball teams comprising 280 players, all representing a diverse pool of schools across the district.
The official opening ceremony, held at Champions Stadium, was presided over by Wakiso District Education Officer Prim Rose Nanyanzi, who formally flagged off what is already shaping up to be one of the most tightly regulated editions in recent history.
Indeed, strict adherence to USSSA rules and regulations has taken center stage from the onset.
In a decisive crackdown, two students and one teacher—from a school whose identity has been disclosed—were arrested by police for fielding ineligible players and engaging in impersonation.
In a related development, nine counterfeit pass slips were confiscated, although the suspects managed to flee the scene. The case has since been escalated to the police for comprehensive investigations.
Wakiso Sports Committee Chairman Gerald Katamba confirmed the incidents and underscored the uncompromising stance on discipline and compliance this year:
“Nine fake pass slips have been confiscated, and the matter is in the hands of the police for further investigation. In addition, two students and a teacher have been arrested for manipulative acts and ineligibility.”
On the field, Kyadondo Secondary School—fresh from clinching their maiden Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) football title—justified their billing as early contenders by edging Ndejje High School 1-0 in the official opening fixture.
In a tightly contested encounter, Masuud Rafael converted a late penalty in the final five minutes to hand Kyadondo SS a hard-fought victory over a resilient Ndejje side, reinforcing their status as the team to watch in this year’s championship.
The games, which kicked off on Wednesday, 8th April, will run through to Tuesday, 14th April, culminating at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
Looking ahead, the boys’ football national championship will be staged in Lira at Lira Town College from 10th to 20th May, while the girls’ football national championship is slated for Seroma Christian High School in Mukono from 29th April to 9th May.
Selected Day One Results:
Zana Mixed 3-1 Kampala Islamic Secondary School
Kyadondo SS 1-0 Ndejje High School
Greenlight Islamic 1-0 Light High School Sseguku
Buddo SS 7-0 Wampeewo Ntake
St. Mary’s Migadde 9-0 City Revival
Litende awarded a walkover after Andy Mwesigwa Education & Sports College failed to show up
