UMEA Solidarity Games 2026: Kawempe Muslim, Masaka SS Lead Charge as Kakungulu Seal Round of 16 Spot in Mbale
By Kayiira Jackson
Kawempe Muslim Secondary School and Masaka Secondary School underlined their title credentials with dominant performances as the race for knockout places intensified at the 2026 Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) Solidarity Games in Mbale.
Kawempe Muslim SS topped Group D with a return of 10 points, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity to comfortably advance to the round of 16. Close behind them, Kasawo SS secured second place with seven points to also progress.
Defending champions Masaka SS were equally impressive in Group A, finishing top with 10 points. Kakungulu Memorial followed closely with nine points to claim the second qualification slot, as both sides booked their places in the knockout stage.
Amid the dominance of the top contenders, Kibuli Secondary School also stamped their authority by sealing a round of 16 berth with an unbeaten run in Group F. Kibuli registered three wins and a draw, accumulating 10 points without conceding a single goal.
On day two, Kibuli thrashed Nakaloke SS 6-0 in a commanding display, with Reagan Nyanzi netting a brace while Joshua Aronda, Ian Mutagubya, Isaac Kizza, and Hussein each added a goal. They later played out a goalless draw with Hamdan Islamic Secondary School to confirm their place at the top of the group.
Their strong run had started on day one, where they edged Bilal Islamic 1-0 before dispatching Mende Kalema 3-0. Bilal Islamic, showing marked improvement, finished second in the group with five points to join Kibuli in the next round.
Elsewhere, Bulo Parents dominated Group B with 10 points, while Buziga Islamic followed with seven to qualify. In Group C, Mbogo Mixed Secondary School also reached 10 points to finish top, with Namagabi SS securing second place with five points.
With four group stage matches still to be played, attention now shifts to the round of 16 fixtures, which are expected to be released tomorrow morning. The knockout games will be played ahead of the quarterfinals later in the day, as the competition edges closer to its climax.
The semifinals and final are scheduled for Monday, April 6, at Mbale City Stadium, where the champions of this year’s UMEA Solidarity Games will be crowned.
Selected Results
Bulo Parents 3-0 Kisaasi Muslim
Mbogo Mixed 1-0 Namagabi SS
Kawempe Muslim 2-0 Kinaawa High
Kibuli SS 1-0 Bilal Islamic
Masaka SS 1-0 Bombo Muslim
Bulo Parents 2-0 Bugembe Islamic
Buziga Islamic 5-0 Kinaawa High
Kawempe 3-0 Busabaala Islamic
Kasawo SS 4-0 Kigumba SS
Nkoma SS 3-2 Abu Aisha
Kibuli 3-0 Sseke SS
Masaka SS 0-0 Nakaseke SS
Mende Lufuma 1-0 Nakaloke
Abu Aisha 3-0 Sseke SS
Buziga Islamic 5-0 Kisaasi Muslim
Bulo Parents 0-0 Buziga Islamic