Unity is the Key to Success, Imaam Kasozi Tells Schools as Greenlight Retains ISSAU Crown
Unity, discipline, and commitment to shared objectives are the pillars that will guarantee the continued growth of Islamic education and sports in Uganda, renowned cleric Imaam Kasozi has said.
By Kayiira Jackson
Unity, discipline, and commitment to shared objectives are the pillars that will guarantee the continued growth of Islamic education and sports in Uganda, renowned cleric Imaam Kasozi has said.
Speaking as the chief guest during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Inter-Islamic Secondary Schools Association of Uganda (ISSAU) Games at Buziga Islamic Theological Institute on Friday, Imaam Kasozi praised participating schools for exhibiting exemplary discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
“I have witnessed good discipline and sportsmanship among the participating athletes, and I commend you for it. To achieve from this association, there is a need for all member schools to work towards its aims and objectives. Unity must be the catalyst in everything you do to achieve your goals,” he said.
His remarks crowned a week-long championship that blended competitive sport with intellectual and religious excellence, bringing together Islamic secondary schools from across Uganda.
On the pitch, Greenlight Islamic Secondary School-Nansana once again underlined its dominance after successfully defending the football title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts Buziga Islamic Theological Institute in a thrilling final.
A late second-half strike from Mark Dandali separated the two sides, earning Greenlight a third ISSAU football championship and making the school the first ever to win back-to-back titles in the competition’s history.
The 2026 edition featured 11 disciplines, reflecting the steady growth of the association. Basketball was introduced for the first time, joining football, volleyball and netball among the outdoor events, while indoor competitions included Public Speaking in English and Arabic, Poetry, Quiz, Qur’an Recitation and Hadith.
Qamar High School Bunamwaya made history by becoming the inaugural basketball champions, while hosts Buziga Islamic Theological Institute delighted home supporters by lifting the volleyball title.
In netball, Hamdan Islamic Secondary School Nakifuma edged Greenlight 12-11 in one of the tournament’s most dramatic finals.
The indoor competitions also produced outstanding performances. Bilal Islamic Secondary School Bwaise dominated Qur’an Recitation (Boys) and Public Speaking (Arabic), Bilal Islamic Institute Kakiri claimed the Girls’ Qur’an Recitation title, Madinah Islamic Secondary School Nsangi excelled in Quiz, Poetry and Public Speaking (English), while Greenlight Islamic Secondary School Nansana emerged champions in Hadith.
The tournament attracted seven schools for the indoor disciplines and ten schools for the outdoor competitions, highlighting the growing popularity and reach of ISSAU.
Beyond the medals and trophies, this year’s championship reinforced the association’s mission of nurturing students academically, spiritually and physically while promoting unity among Islamic schools.
With another successful edition concluded, ISSAU now looks ahead to building on the momentum of 2026, a year that will be remembered not only for Greenlight’s historic football achievement but also for Imaam Kasozi’s call for unity as the foundation for lasting success.