UMEA Solidarity Games 2026: Kawempe, Kakungulu off to a Flying Start

By Kayiira Jackson 

Kawempe Muslim SS and Kakukugulu Memorial announced their intentions in style with commanding victories as the 2026 UMEA Solidarity Games kicked off on Friday at Nkoma SS.

Kawempe Muslim, the reigning Kawempe Division champions, made a perfect start in Group D, collecting maximum points from their opening two fixtures. They began their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Kinaawa High School at Mbale City Stadium, courtesy of goals from Ssekabira Isaac and Bukenya Stephen in either half.

The momentum carried into their evening fixture, where Kawempe delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Busabala Islamic. Bukenya Stephen grabbed his second goal of the day, while Ukasha Kimbowa and Kintu Augustine added to the tally to seal a flawless start. Kawempe now sit comfortably at the top of Group D with six points from two matches.

Attention now turns to their next fixtures, with Kawempe set to face Kigumba SS at St Peter’s SS before wrapping up their group stage campaign against Kasawo SS.

Meanwhile, Kakukugulu Memorial also made a strong statement with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Bombo Muslim in one of the day’s most thrilling encounters at Mbale SS Grounds.

Bombo Muslim had taken an early lead through Shafik Karim, but Kakukugulu showed resilience in the second half. Supersub Daniel Iglima restored parity before captain Assimwe Ronnie struck late to complete the turnaround and hand the Kampala-based side a crucial win.

Kakukugulu Memorial will be aiming to build on this momentum when they face defending champions Masaka SS in their next outing, a fixture that promises to be a true test of their ambitions to return to the top.

Elsewhere, hosts Nkoma SS were held to a goalless draw by Kyadondo SS in the tournament’s official opener at Mbale City Stadium.

Other results saw Bulo Parents register two wins on the day, including a 3-0 victory over Kisaasi Muslim and a 2-0 triumph against Bugembe Islamic. Kibuli SS edged Bilal Islamic 1-0 and later secured a dominant 3-0 win over Mende SS, while Masaka SS defeated Bombo Muslim 2-0 before settling for a goalless draw against Nakaswa SS.

Full day one Football Boys results:

Bulo Parents 3-0 Kisaasi Muslim

Namagabi SS 0-1 Mbogo Mixed

Kawempe Muslim SS 2-0 Kinaawa High School

Nkoma SS 0-0 Kyadondo SS

Kibuli SS 1-0 Bilal Islamic
Mende SS 1-1 Hamdan Islamic

Bombo Muslim 0-2 Masaka SS

Musitwa 0-2 Nakaswa SS

Bugembe Islamic 0-2 Bulo Parents

Buziga Islamic 5-0 Kinawa High Mugongo

Busiika Muslim 1-1 Namagabi SS

Taufiq Islamic 0-2 Lweru SS

Busabala Islamic 0-3 Kawempe Muslim

Kasawo SS 4-0 Kigumba

Abu Aisha 2-3 Nkoma SS

Bukoyo SS 2-0 Sseke

Mende SS 0-3 Kibuli SS

Hamdan Islamic 0-1 Nakaloke
Masaka SS 0-0 Nakaswa SS

Kakukugulu Memorial 2-1 Bombo Muslim SS