UMEA Solidarity Games set for April in Mbale

The 38th edition of the UMEA Solidarity Games will take place from April 2 to 6 at Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale City, according to Uganda Moslem Education Association (UMEA) Chairman Twahir Kitezala.

“Our delegation has already finished inspections of the host school and preparations are underway,” Kitezala confirmed.

“We have always organised these games, and they have always been successful. The idea behind these solidarity games is to bring all our Muslim schools together worldwide, so they can build relationships and grow together.”

Kitezala led an inspection team that included UMEA General Secretary Hussein Lwebawo, Technical In-Charge Ayub Kalifah, Badru Ndugwa, and Nkoma SS Headteacher Abubaker Kawanguzi.

“I am impressed by the renovations and new developments within and around the school. These improvements will not only enhance sports activities but also uplift the overall standards of our Muslim schools,” he said.

“The event will strengthen unity among the institutions while providing a platform for nurturing young sporting talent. These games help our youth learn discipline, teamwork, and confidence.”

Looking Back at the 2025 Edition

The 2025 UMEA Solidarity Games were hosted at Namagabi Secondary School in Kayunga District. Gombe Secondary School were crowned overall champions after a dominant performance across ten sports disciplines, securing four gold medals in chess and handball for both boys and girls. Kibuli Secondary School finished second, excelling in table tennis and badminton, while Kawanda SS came third with a strong showing in scrabble.

In boys’ football, Masaka SS successfully defended their title after a 0-0 draw against Kibuli SS, winning 6-5 on penalties. Peter Matovu of Masaka was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). In girls’ football, Kawempe Muslim A retained their crown with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nkoma SS, thanks to goals from Monica Nanono, Agnes Nabukenya, and Kevin Nanyunja. Nabukenya stood out as a key performer.

Other winners included Greenlight Islamic SS in girls’ netball, with Hamdan Islamic’s Alowo Rosemary voted MVP. Volleyball saw Mbogo Mixed SS claim the boys’ title, led by MVP Ogire John Baptist, while Kinaawa High School Mugongo took the girls’ title, with Achom Shifah named MVP.

Gombe SS dominated the chess competition, guided by top performers Nabukeera Faridah and Buwule Vicent. Kawanda SS swept the scrabble category, with Vicent and Namuyiga Earon earning MVP honours. Kibuli SS won table tennis titles in both boys’ and girls’ categories, with Nsereko Sharif and Tendo Florence voted MVPs. In badminton, Kibuli SS secured the boys’ title, while Mbogo High School claimed the girls’ crown, with MVPs Sserubiru Awal and Namubiru Victoria.

The UMEA Solidarity Games are an annual multi-discipline tournament primarily for Muslim-founded schools in Uganda. Held over the Easter period, the games aim to promote talent, unity, and Islamic values.

Sports featured include football, netball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, and badminton, with chess and scrabble added in 2025 to boost mental agility. The tournament involves over 40 schools and more than 2,000 players. Established in 1998, it was rebranded as the UMEA Solidarity Games in 2013. Prominent schools such as Kibuli SS, Kawanda SS, and Masaka SS regularly compete for top honours.