Garama SS fall to St Julian in USSSA nationals opener

Garama Secondary School from Kasese District had a tough start at the 2025 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Boys Football Championship, falling 3-1 to reigning champions St Julian High School Mukono in a tightly contested Group A opener.

The match, played before a large crowd at BKC Demonstration Primary School grounds in Ngora Town Council, kicked off with early promise for Garama.

Yubu Thembo gave the Kasese side the lead in the 20th minute. However, St Julian quickly responded through Jaziru Jamani Makayi’s equalizer in the 28th minute.

In the second half, Dissan Mwebe put St Julian ahead in the 48th minute, before James Ssekate sealed the victory with a third goal.

“It’s a fair result to start with. I thank the players for the gallant effort to come from behind and win. Our focus now shifts to the next game,” said Eric Kisuze, assistant coach of St Julian High School, who expressed confidence in retaining the national title.

Meanwhile, Garama SS coach Julius Sekago attributed their loss to unfamiliar playing conditions. “My boys played well, but the uneven pitch was a challenge. The ground wasn’t prepared properly, but overall, we’re okay. We just need a level field,” Sekago commented.

Other Results – Day 1 Action:

Mt. Zion High School (Iganga) defeated Lubiri Secondary 2-0.

St Kagwa Bushenyi edged Lira Town College 1-0, thanks to Aliton Alinathan’s goal.

Wagwa High School overcame Nabumali High School 2-0.

Standard High School Zzana (USSSA President’s School) narrowly beat Kichwamba High 1-0.

Nyamitanga stunned Jinja Comprehensive 2-0 with goals from Mark Tushabe and Jamaldin Baluku.

Kibuli Secondary edged newcomers Green Light Islamic High School 1-0.

St Lawrence Crown City recorded the biggest win of the day, thrashing Moyo Star School 4-1.

Mumsa-Mityana beat Wisdom High 2-1 in a thrilling contest.

Mehat–Lugazi overcame Agape School–Bugweri 3-1.

Busia Secondary outclassed Chemwania High (Karamoja Zone) 3-0.

Amus College (2024 runners-up and 2025 Teso Zone champions) drew 1-1 with Masindi Secondary in a high-stakes fixture.

Day 2 Fixtures Preview:

A packed schedule of 30 matches is set for Day 2, running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM across various grounds. Key fixtures include:

St Mary’s Kitende (record title holders) vs Bugisu High School – 11:00 AM

Bukedea Comprehensive–South vs Wagwa High School

Luwero Secondary School vs Amus College School – 3:00 PM

Girls’ Championship Update:

At Bukedea Comprehensive School, hosts of the Girls’ National Championship, defending champions Kawempe Muslim Secondary School opened their campaign in dominant fashion, hammering Katikamu SDA (Luwero Zone) 10-0.

Agnes Nabukenya led the scoring spree with six goals, while Shadia Nabirye added a brace. Cynthia Kirenge and Belinda Nabawanuka contributed one goal each.

Elsewhere, Sacred Heart edged MM College Wairaka in a thrilling 3-2 victory.