Heroes’ Welcome for Rines SS After Historic FEASSA Triumph
By Kayiira Jackson
Residents of Namusera village and the Rines SS community on Tuesday rolled out a heroes’ welcome for the school’s girls football team after returning from Morogoro, Tanzania, where they made history by winning their maiden FEASSA Games title.
The celebrations began at the Nile Bridge, where a convoy picked up the victorious team and escorted them back to Wakiso. Equipped with a public address system, the convoy announced the team’s achievement to communities along the route from Jinja to Wakiso, proudly declaring Rines SS the new regional champions.
The team arrived in Wakiso at about 3pm before embarking on a celebratory drive through Namusera and neighbouring villages. The procession eventually reached the school premises at around 5pm, where students, staff and residents gathered to welcome the champions.
Rines SS secured the FEASSA girls football crown after overcoming fellow Ugandan side Amus College School 4-3 on penalties in a tense final in Morogoro.
The triumph ended a decade-long wait for the coveted regional title and capped a remarkable year for Rines SS, which has now collected three major trophies — the Wakiso District title, the USSSA national crown and the FEASSA regional championship.
At the school, the team was received by director Robert Byamukama and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Masembe, who joined the school community in celebrating the historic achievement.
Byamukama praised the players for their determination and commitment, particularly their ability to deliver on foreign soil.
“I am grateful and thankful to you girls. I am demanding you nothing,” an overwhelmed Byamukama told the team.
He also applauded the technical team led by Nyanzi Bright Tadeo and Isma Mukiibi for keeping their word and guiding the team to the regional title.
“To the coaches, thank you for fulfilling your promises. Those people told me that they were going to bring the trophy and indeed they fulfilled the promise,” Byamukama said.
The director further pledged continued support for the team, promising to finance another campaign should the opportunity for a bigger tournament arise.
“I am ready to finance the team again if we have another bigger tournament,” he added.
The FEASSA triumph marked the third major trophy for Rines SS this year, following their success at district and national level, turning 2026 into a landmark season for the girls’ football programme.
With the players currently heading into the school holiday, Byamukama promised that the celebrations would not end with the welcome-home ceremony. He announced plans for a mega celebration once the students return to school.
The homecoming concluded with a celebratory dinner, where the players were treated to food, cake cutting and jubilant scenes as the Rines SS community celebrated a team that has transformed a ten-year dream into regional glory.