UMEA Solidarity Games 2026: Kawempe Muslim, Nkoma Set for Repeat of Last Year’s Final Encounter

By Kayiira Jackson

Defending champions Kawempe Muslim Secondary School will once again lock horns with hosts Nkoma Secondary School in the girls’ football final of the UMEA Solidarity Games, setting up a repeat of last year’s showdown.

The highly anticipated final is slated for Monday morning, April 6, at Mbale City Stadium, with Kawempe eyeing yet another successful title defence.

Kawempe Muslim head into the clash brimming with confidence after edging their junior side, Kawempe Muslim Juniors, 1-0 in a tightly contested semifinal. Belindah Hope Nabawanuka scored the decisive goal — her third of the tournament — to send the defending champions into their eighth consecutive final. Kawempe have remarkably won seven titles in a row.

Hosts Nkoma SS, however, arrive in the final in dominant fashion following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Masaka Secondary School in the semifinals. Sharifah Namukuve starred with a brilliant hat-trick at Mbale City Stadium to inspire the hosts.

The final rekindles memories of the 2025 edition, where Kawempe comfortably defeated Nkoma 3-0 at Namagabi Secondary School Grounds. On that occasion, Agnes Nabukenya, Monica Nanono and Kevin Nanyunja were all on target as Kawempe lifted the trophy.

Kawempe’s journey to this year’s final saw them top a three-team group with six points, registering convincing wins over Kakungulu Memorial (3-0) and Masaka SS (3-1). Nkoma, on the other hand, progressed as Group B leaders after victories over Kawempe Juniors, Kinaawa High School and Kigumba SS.

With both sides in fine form, another thrilling contest is on the cards. For Kawempe, victory would seal yet another title and extend their dominance, while Nkoma will be eager to overturn last year’s result on home soil.