Kawanda Secondary School Reclaim UMEA Netball Crown After Thrilling One-Point Victory

Uganda Muslim Education Association netball witnessed another unforgettable chapter on Monday as Kawanda Secondary School edged Kaddugala Secondary School 31–30 in a gripping final at Maluku Grounds in Mbale to reclaim the UMEA championship.

The dramatic triumph earned Kawanda their second title in three years, reaffirming their emergence as one of the dominant forces in school netball after first lifting the trophy in 2024.

The championship encounter lived up to its billing from the opening whistle, with both schools producing a contest of remarkable intensity and quality. Kawanda made the brighter start, displaying excellent teamwork and composure to establish an early advantage. Their disciplined play and accurate shooting enabled them to edge the opening quarter 9–7 before maintaining their slender lead with a 16–15 advantage at halftime.

Kaddugala refused to be discouraged by the narrow deficit and returned from the break with renewed determination. Their defensive resilience and improved attacking movement gradually shifted the momentum in their favour as they battled back point by point. By the end of the third quarter, the scores were locked at 23–23, setting the stage for a thrilling final period that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

With the championship hanging in the balance, both sides exchanged goals in a tense and fiercely contested final quarter. Every possession carried enormous significance as neither team was willing to surrender. Kawanda, however, demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, converting crucial chances while defending resolutely to secure a dramatic 31–30 victory and spark jubilant celebrations among their players, coaches and supporters.

Kawanda’s journey to the championship was far from straightforward. Their semi-final against defending champions Greenlight Islamic Secondary School produced one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters. Greenlight held a narrow 9–8 halftime lead before regulation time ended with the teams level at 18–18. The deadlock persisted through both periods of extra time, with the scores tied at 22–22 and later 26–26, before Kawanda finally found the decisive breakthrough to claim a dramatic 28–26 victory.

Kaddugala also produced an impressive run to the final, underlining why they deserved a place in the championship match. They comfortably defeated Gombe Secondary School 23–15 in the semi-finals after leading 10–7 at the halftime interval. Earlier in the knockout stages, Kaddugala had survived a stern examination from Hamdan Islamic Secondary School, edging a fiercely contested quarter-final 21–20.

Kawanda’s own quarter-final performance offered an early indication of their title ambitions. They produced a commanding display to overcome Kyantamba Secondary School 25–14, comfortably securing their place among the final four. Elsewhere in the quarter-finals, Greenlight defeated Kibuli Secondary School 18–15, while another last-eight fixture ended with a convincing 28–23 victory over Namagabi Secondary School.

The tournament concluded in spectacular fashion at Maluku Grounds in Mbale, where supporters were treated to several days of outstanding school netball. The quality displayed throughout the championship reflected the continued growth of the sport within UMEA schools, with emerging talent showcasing exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship from the preliminary rounds through to the final.

Individual excellence was also recognised during the closing ceremony.Kawanda’s Daphine Namagembe was deservedly named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after inspiring her team throughout the competition. Sharon Nansereko of Kaddugala received the Best Shooter award, while Promise Namuddu from Kyantamba was honoured as the Best Defender. The Best Mid-court Player accolade went to Fauzia Kakayi of Hamdan Girls Secondary School for her consistently outstanding performances.

Kawanda’s latest triumph further enriches the history of the UMEA Netball Championship, joining a distinguished list of previous winners that includes London College, Kibuli Secondary School, Ngando Secondary School and Greenlight Islamic Secondary School.

Having now lifted the trophy in both 2024 and 2026, Kawanda have firmly established themselves among the competition’s modern powerhouses. Their latest success is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing talent, building a winning culture and maintaining excellence in school sports.