Buganda Schools Championship: Kitende Sent Back for More Revision as Highway Kiganda Earns a Surprise Semifinal Slot

On Mar 13, 2026

By Kayiira Jackson

St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende once again suffered quarterfinal heartbreak in the 2026 Buganda Schools Football Championship after falling 5–3 on penalties to Standard High School Zzana (STAHIZA) following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The intense encounter played on Friday evening at Kawanda Secondary School saw STAHIZA take an early lead inside the opening ten minutes through Bashir Kabagambe. However, Kitende fought back before the halftime break when Nabil Kajumba rose highest to nod home a well-taken header that found the top corner.

Both sides returned for the second half determined to find a winner, but despite Kitende creating several dangerous attacking moves, the game remained deadlocked at 1-1 after regulation time.

The match was eventually decided by a tense penalty shootout where STAHIZA held their nerve to win 5-3, sealing their place in the semifinals and condemning Kitende to a second consecutive quarterfinal exit in the Buganda Schools championship.

Elsewhere, Green Light Islamic Secondary School also advanced to the semifinals after edging St Andrew Kagwa Gombe High School Kawaala 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in normal time.

Buddo Secondary School booked their spot in the last four with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kyadondo Secondary School, extending Kyadondo’s frustrating run after falling short again in a fourth consecutive tournament over the past two years.

Meanwhile, Highway Secondary School Kiganda continued their impressive run in the competition after eliminating Merryland High School Entebbe. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw in normal time, with Daniel Muwanguzi giving Merryland the lead in the eighth minute before Ronnie Yakisa equalized for Highway in the 16th minute. Highway later triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

Highway Kiganda, guided by experienced coaches Edward Golola and Simon Ddunga, are emerging as one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

The championship now heads into the semifinals on Saturday at Kawanda Secondary School, where STAHIZA will face Green Light Islamic, while Buddo SS will battle Highway Kiganda for a place in the final.