A rivalry that continues to define schools’ netball in Uganda added another compelling chapter on Sunday as Buddo Secondary School once again asserted their supremacy.
At Janan Secondary School in Bombo, Buddo edged long-time rivals St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende 35–31 to retain the USSSA Elite Games championship, sealing a remarkable third consecutive title and reinforcing their status as the team to beat ahead of the 2026 national and regional campaigns.
The victory was not merely about silverware; it was about authority. Buddo’s tactical discipline, measured game management and defensive organisation underscored why they currently remain the benchmark in schools’ netball.
From the opening whistle, the Jessy Assimwe-coached side set the tone. A composed and well-drilled backline disrupted Kitende’s attacking flow, powering Buddo to a commanding 10–5 lead in the first quarter.
Though Kitende mounted a spirited response in the second period — trimming a five-goal deficit to just two — Buddo maintained their composure to take an 18–16 advantage into halftime after conceding the quarter 11–8.
The contest tightened further in the third quarter, which ended in a 7–7 stalemate, leaving Buddo narrowly ahead at 25–23. With momentum delicately balanced, the final stretch promised high drama.
Kitende began the fourth quarter brightly and appeared poised to seize control. However, costly missed opportunities — including two critical errors by Nabbowa Dillaya — proved decisive.
Buddo capitalised ruthlessly, regaining command midway through the period and closing out the match 35–31 at the final whistle.
It marked the second time Buddo have defeated Kitende at national level, the first being the 2025 nationals final in Tororo — further entrenching a rivalry that continues to elevate the standard of schoolgirl netball.
In the final standings of the four-team tournament, Buddo claimed gold, Kitende secured silver, Namagabi Secondary School finished with bronze, while hosts Janan ended their campaign without a win.
The tournament’s climax in Bombo not only crowned champions but also reaffirmed Buddo’s dominance in the elite tier — a dominance they will carry with confidence into the challenges that await in 2026.
