USSSA Elite Games: ‘We’re Still big’, Buddo Reminds Kitende as They defend the Trophy for the Fourth Time
By Kayiira Jackson
BOMBO — Buddo Secondary School extended their dominance in schools’ netball after edging rivals St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende 35-31 to retain the USSSA Elite Games championship for a fourth consecutive year.
The decisive round-robin clash, played at Janan Secondary School Bombo, saw Buddo avenge past battles in style, reaffirming their status as the team to beat ahead of the 2026 national and regional campaigns.
Buddo set the tone early, commanding the first quarter 10-5 with a disciplined and well-organized backline that frustrated Kitende’s attacking rhythm. The Jessy Assimwe-coached side maintained composure despite a spirited response from their opponents in the second quarter.
Kitende fought back strongly, narrowing a five-goal deficit to just two by halftime. They claimed the second quarter 11-8, with the scoreboard reading 18-16 in Buddo’s favour at the break.
The third quarter was tightly contested, ending in a 7-7 stalemate as Buddo held a slender 25-23 advantage heading into the final stretch.
Kitende appeared poised to snatch control after a bright start to the fourth quarter. However, missed chances — including two costly errors by Nabbowa Dillaya — shifted momentum back to Buddo midway through the period. The defending champions capitalized on the slip-ups to regain control and seal a 35-31 victory at the final whistle.
The triumph marks the second time Buddo have beaten Kitende at national level, the first coming during the 2025 nationals final in Tororo.
Beyond the victory, Buddo’s tactical discipline and game management stood out, offering optimism as they prepare for upcoming national and regional assignments in 2026.
In the final standings of the four-team tournament, Buddo claimed gold, Kitende settled for silver, Namagabi Secondary School secured bronze, while hosts Janan finished without a win.
The tournament officially climaxed on Sunday in Bombo, capping off yet another chapter in the growing rivalry between Uganda’s netball powerhouses.