Nkoma SS set to welcome schools for 38th UMEA Solidarity Games after inspection approval
Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale has officially been cleared to host the 38th edition of the Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) Solidarity Games following a successful final inspection of its facilities.
Officials from the Uganda Muslim Teachers Association (UMTA) conducted the inspection on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, assessing key areas including sports pitches, dormitories, security arrangements, and other logistical requirements.
After the evaluation, the team confirmed that the school meets all the necessary standards to stage the national Islamic schools’ games.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from April 4 to April 6, 2026, bringing together Muslim-founded schools from across the country for three days of competition and cultural exchange.
Speaking after the inspection, Hajji Kitezaala Twahil, the chairperson of Uganda Muslim Education Association, said, “The association is satisfied with the preparedness of the host institution”.
He also noted that, “Since the inception of the games, the competition has played a significant role in nurturing talent while strengthening Islamic values among students in Muslim-founded schools nationwide”.
The inspection team was also accompanied by Kisigo Nankya Masitula, headteacher of Nakaloke Secondary School and president of the Uganda Muslim Teachers Association.
Together with host headteacher Abubakar Kawanguzi, they urged headteachers across the Eastern Region to collaborate closely to ensure the smooth organization of the event.
Kawanguzi expressed confidence in the school’s readiness, stating that, “Nkoma SS is fully prepared to welcome teams and officials for one of the biggest events on the Islamic schools’ sports calendar.
I thanked the leadership of UMTA for entrusting the institution with hosting duties and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the tournament.”
This year’s games will feature competitions in football for both boys and girls, netball, volleyball, handball, badminton, table tennis, and mind games such as chess and scrabble.
Among the schools expected to participate are Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, Kibuli Secondary School, Masaka Secondary School, Gombe Secondary School, Greenlight Islamic Secondary School, Kawanda Secondary School, Mbogo Schools, Namagabi Secondary School and hosts Nkoma Secondary School, among others.
According to Nim Media Media reporter, the UMEA Solidarity Games rotate among different regions of the country as part of efforts to promote balanced sports development and give various schools an opportunity to host national-level competitions.
The tournament also serves as a preparatory platform for teams heading to national school championships.
Organizers have called for financial and logistical support from schools, financial institutions, the business community, and other well-wishers to ensure the smooth running of the event, while also urging participants to uphold fair play across all disciplines.
During the previous edition hosted by Namagabi Secondary School in Kayunga District, Nkoma SS girls’ football team reached the final but fell 3–0 to Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.
In the boys’ category, Masaka Secondary School lifted the trophy after defeating Kibuli Secondary School 6–5 on penalties following a goalless draw in normal time.
Greenlight Islamic Secondary School-Nansana are the netball title holders.
Gombe Secondary School emerged as the overall champions last year after dominating several disciplines, including both boys’ and girls’ handball as well as chess, securing multiple gold medals to top the standings.
