USSSA Ball Games 2026: ‘See You When You See Me’, Defending Champion Showed Exit Door as Monday Gets Ready for Semis
By Lawrence Mubiru
The 2026 USSSA National Football Championship in Lira has entered its most brutal and unforgiving stage, with four schools now standing just one victory away from the final in what promises to be explosive semifinal battles.
After days of shocks, goals and heartbreaks, the championship has now transformed into a war of pride, ambition and survival where every mistake could end a dream.
The quarterfinals delivered massive statements as defending champions Buddo SS were sent crashing out by the fearless Kyadondo SS in a tense 1-0 victory. The result confirmed that this year’s tournament has no room for history or reputation, but only performance and hunger.
St Mary’s SS Kitende then shook the entire competition with a ruthless 6-0 destruction of Numasa SS, a result that sent a chilling warning to every remaining opponent. Kitende looked sharp, clinical and merciless — qualities of a team desperate to reclaim national dominance.
Bukedea Comprehensive Secondary School survived a tense quarterfinal after battling to a 1-1 draw before holding their nerves to win 4-1 on penalties. Meanwhile, Amus College School fought their way past stubborn London College Nansana with a narrow but precious 1-0 victory.
Now, the stage is set for two semifinal encounters filled with pressure, emotion and the hunger for glory.
Amus College School will face St Mary’s SS Kitende in a clash expected to test courage, discipline and mentality. Kitende come into the game as one of the tournament favorites after their devastating attacking display, but Amus have shown resilience and tactical maturity throughout the championship.
For Amus, this is more than just a semifinal. It is an opportunity to announce themselves among Uganda’s football giants and prove they belong at the highest level of school football. Every player knows that victory would take them into history.
But Kitende are equally desperate. After several failed attempts in recent years, the Wakiso giants are determined to finally return to the summit of Ugandan school football. Their experience, squad depth and attacking firepower make them dangerous, though the pressure to deliver could also weigh heavily on them.
The second semifinal between Kyadondo SS and Bukedea Comprehensive Secondary School promises another fierce contest between belief and experience.
Kyadondo have emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. Their disciplined performances and elimination of defending champions Buddo SS have transformed them into serious title contenders. Despite being considered newcomers at this stage, they are now playing with confidence, freedom and growing belief.
Bukedea, however, remain one of the most feared sides left in the competition. The reigning East African champions carry the weight of expectation after years of heavy investment in football and sports development. With experience and quality in their squad, they believe this could finally be the year they conquer the national title on home soil.
With a place in the final at stake, the semifinals are expected to produce tactical battles, emotional moments and intense football drama. At this stage, there is no second chance, no room for fear and no space for mistakes — simply do or die.
Quarterfinal Results
Amus College 1-0 London College
Buddo SS 0-1 Kyadondo SS
Bukedea Comprehensive 1(4)-1(1) Masaka SS
St Mary’s Kitende 6-0 Numasa SS
Semifinal fixture:
Kyadondo SS vs Bukedea Comprehensive School at 11am | Lira Town College
Amus College School vs St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School at 11am | Dr Obote College