By Zaki Hasan Sendija
The UMEA Solidarity Games got a successful 2025 edition with Greenlight Islamic Nansana, Kawempe Muslims and Masaka SS keeping heights above others.
Greenlight Islamic Nansana lifted the netball trophy after winning a high tensed final beating Hamdan Islamic SS by one goal.
In the final played at Namagabi SS Kayunga district, Greenlight Islamic won 22-21 with Captain Christine Opolot Rebecca leading by example.
Although Rosemary Alowo of Hamdan Islamic SS recorded the most valuable player’s performance, but Easter Kizadde and Eron Gift needed extra performance to inspire Greenlight Islamic.
With Greenlight Islamic winning netball title, Hamdan harshly settles in second place, Kibuli SS finished third after beating Kadugala SS by 17-15.
In Girls Football Kawempe Muslims kept the highest height after storming the final with a dominative 3-0 win over Nkoma SS.
Winning this years trophy, Kawempe Muslims has extended the dominance of girls Football at UMEA winning the last three editions.
In Boys football Masaka SS was also on the right path to defend the trophy after overcoming record champions Kibuli SS by 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 normal play.
After winning Masaka SS coach Uthuman Luzige praised the win to Allah.
“This is a glory from the Almighty Allah, we have played to over come the challenge, teams have been good” Luzige said.
Masaka SS start the shootouts with Majid Mbalirwa spot getting saved by Kibuli SS GoalKeeper Abdul Mewonge but they were revived by Jashua Aronda who forced his effort on a woodwork.
After Kibuli SS missing the second spot, Masaka SS GoalKeeper Abdul Nafi Mubiru sustained an injury and forced to be replaced by John Patrick Tumusiime who saved Kabuli’s seventh penalty denying Abdul Rahman Waswa Kibesi.
This years year’s UMEA Solidarity Games has seen over 1548 students from 49 schools taking part in the games though some key competitors like Madina Islamic who was finalist in Masaka SS Edition last year.
The UMEA Solidarity Games is an annual event and the next edition shall be hosted by Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale.
