Wananchi Hockey Club bounce back to win Easter tournament
The men's side had missed out on both the Rockets Open and the Memorial Shield but found redemption at the Easter event held at the National Hockey Stadium in Lugogo.
Wananchi players challenge Weatherhead's Paul Kasasa for the ball during the semifinal of the 2026 Easter Cup at Lugogo on April 6. Wananchi won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Wananchi Hockey Club's men's team bounced back in style to win the 2026 Easter Hockey Tournament, ending a modest start to the year in which they failed to secure top honours in the opening two events on the Uganda Hockey Association (UHA) calendar.
The men's side had missed out on both the Rockets Open and the Memorial Shield but found redemption at the Easter event held at the National Hockey Stadium in Lugogo.
The men's team sealed the club's double by defeating Wazalendo of Kenya 1–0 in the final. Earlier, Wananchi had seen off Weatherhead 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in the semifinals, while Wazalendo edged Kampala Stallions 1–0 to reach the final. Wananchi successfully defended the men's title.
In the women's category, Wananchi suffered the same fate as last year, finishing as runners-up. They beat Swans 4–3 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in normal time. In the semifinals, Kampala Swans had eliminated Weatherhead 1–0, while Wananchi overcame Wazalendo (Kenya) 3–2 on penalties after a 1–1 stalemate.
In the schools' category, Kakungulu Memorial emerged as champions in the boys' division with a narrow 1–0 victory over Kyadondo SS. In the girls' division, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa claimed the title after defeating Kololo SS 3–1 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
Wananchi coach Martin Okello praised his players for their determination in both categories.
"We have successfully defended the women's title, which is our third win of the year, while the men have secured their first trophy. We shall build on this momentum as we aim for stronger results in the league, where we are currently leading after two matches," Okello said.
He also commended the Easter tournament for providing valuable competitive exposure to Ugandan clubs, especially through participation against experienced Kenyan teams.
The tournament featured 12 men's teams, including three from Kenya, while the women's category had seven teams, two of them from Kenya. The schools' competition attracted four teams in both the boys' and girls' categories.