Elite Schools Championship: Kawempe Put Nkoma in ‘New Curriculum Classroom’ as Zana Derby End in Dramatic Stalemate

On Feb 27, 2026

By Kayiira Jackson

Kawempe Muslim Secondary School made a commanding statement at the start of the 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Elite Games girls’ football competition, thrashing Nkoma SS 4-0 in a dominant opening display.

Shadia Nabirye led the charge with a brilliant brace, while Agnes Nabukenya and Dorcus Kisakye each added a goal to seal an emphatic victory for the Kampala-based side. Kawempe’s fluid attacking play and solid defensive organisation underlined their intent to challenge strongly for this year’s crown.

Earlier in the day, fans were treated to an electrifying Zana Derby as defending champions St. Noa Girls Secondary School were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by rivals Standard High School Zzana.

Lillian Asianzu gave Standard High School Zzana the lead with a well-taken finish in the 20th minute, stunning the champions and setting up a tense encounter. St. Noa struggled to break down a resilient opponent for much of the match.

However, debutant Immaculate Acen emerged as the heroine for St. Noa, scoring a last-gasp equaliser two minutes into added time to salvage a point and spare the defending champions an opening-day defeat.

Meanwhile, Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga edged Bukedea Comprehensive School 1-0 in a tightly contested fixture. Sanyu Grace Nambuya netted the decisive goal to secure all three points for the Lubaga-based side.

With emphatic wins and dramatic draws marking the opening round, the 2026 USSSA Elite Games girls’ football championship has already lived up to expectations, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.