Gombe SS crowned champions at 2025 UMEA Solidarity Games

Gombe Secondary School emerged as overall champions of the 2025 UMEA Solidarity Games, which concluded on April 21st at Namagabi Secondary School in Kayunga District.

The four-day national tournament brought together more than 40 Islamic secondary schools from across Uganda.

Held from April 17th to 21st, this year’s event marked the 37th edition since the games began in 1998 and the 10th since their rebranding in 2013. Students competed across 10 sports disciplines, with top performers earning medals and trophies.

At the closing ceremony, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, patron of the UMEA Solidarity Games, commended the event’s success in fostering unity among Islamic schools. "These games have always been successful in bringing Muslim schools together, helping them build relationships and grow as one," he said.

Gombe SS dominated the competition, securing gold medals in both boys' and girls' chess and handball, propelling them to the top of the standings. Kibuli Secondary School claimed second place with strong performances in table tennis and badminton, while Kawanda SS finished third after excelling in scrabble.

In football, Masaka SS defended their boys’ title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory (6-5) against Kibuli SS following a 0-0 draw. Peter Matovu of Masaka was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Kawempe Muslim A retained the girls’ football crown with a commanding 3-0 win over Nkoma SS, thanks to goals from Monica Nanono, Agnes Nabukenya, and Kevin Nanyunja.

Other notable results included Greenlight Islamic SS winning netball, Mbogo Mixed SS taking the boys’ volleyball title, and Kinaawa High School Mugongo securing the girls’ volleyball championship. Gombe SS swept chess, Kawanda SS dominated scrabble, and Kibuli SS prevailed in table tennis and badminton.

Prince Nakibinge announced that the 2026 edition will be held in Eastern Uganda, reaffirming the games’ role in promoting discipline, teamwork, and confidence among students. "We are proud of all participating schools and look forward to an even bigger event next year," he added.

2025 UMEA Solidarity Games Winners

Football

Boys – Masaka SS
Girls – Kawempe Muslim SS

Netball
Champions: Green Light Islamic

Badminton
Boys – Kibuli SS
Girls – Mbogo High School

Table Tennis
Boys – Kibuli SS
Girls – Kibuli SS

Scrabble
Boys – Kawanda SS
Girls – Kawanda SS

Chess
Boys – Gombe SS
Girls – Gombe SS

Volleyball
Boys – Mbogo mixed

Handball
Girls – Gombe SS
Boys -Gombe SS