UMEA Solidarity Games Netball: ‘You Can try to Resist but We’re the Punishers’, Kawanda Send Defending Champions Back to Nansana as Kaddugala Storm Final
By Kayiira Jackson
Kawanda Secondary School and Kaddugala Secondary School will face off in a highly anticipated netball final at the ongoing 2026 Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) Solidarity Games in Mbale, following outstanding semifinal victories.
Kawanda SS booked their place in the final after eliminating defending champions Greenlight Islamic Secondary School–Nansana in a thrilling contest that stretched into extended extra time. Greenlight edged the first half 9-8, but Kawanda rallied to level matters at 18-18 by full time.
The intensity carried into extra time, where both sides remained deadlocked at 22-22 and later 26-26. Kawanda, however, showed composure in the decisive moments to clinch a 28-26 victory and dethrone the reigning champions.
Kaddugala SS progressed to the final in convincing fashion, defeating Gombe Secondary School 23-15 in the semifinals. They took control early, leading 10-7 at halftime before sealing the win with a dominant second-half display.
Kaddugala’s road to the final included a narrow 21-20 win over Hamdan Islamic Secondary School in the quarterfinals, while Kawanda secured their semifinal spot with a 25-14 victory against Kyantamba SS.
In the other quarterfinal matches, Greenlight overcame Kibuli SS 18-15, while Gombe Secondary School advanced after beating Namagabi SS 28-23.
The stage is now set for an anticipated final between two in-form sides, with Kawanda SS aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2024, while Kaddugala SS will be seeking to crown their impressive run with championship glory.
The final is scheduled for Monday morning, April 6, at Malukhu Grounds in Mbale.
Quarterfinal Results
Greenlight 18-15 Kibuli
Kawanda 25-14 Kyantamba (Coach Mujabi)
Gombe 28-23 Namagabi
Hamdan Islamic 20-21 Kaddugala
Semifinal Results
Greenlight 26-28 Kawanda SS
Gombe SS 15-23 Kaddugala SS
Selected Previous Winners
2014: London College
2015: Kibuli SS
2016: Kibuli SS
2017: Kibuli SS
2018: Ngando SS
2019: Ngando SS
2023: Ngando SS
2024: Kawanda SS
2025: Greenlight Islamic