Defending champions Mbogo High School will square off with a determined Rubaga Girls Secondary School in the girls’ final of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Badminton Championships, setting the stage for a compelling title clash at Seroma on Thursday, May 7.
Rubaga arrive in the final with clear intent, seeking redemption after finishing as runners-up in 2025 and aiming to replicate their triumphant 2014 campaign.
Their route to the decider was emphatic, dispatching Mariam High School 3-0 in a commanding semi-final display.
Kimberly Joan Ssendiwala set the tone with a dominant straight-sets victory (15-4, 15-7) over Abgail Akoyo, before Olivia Betty Kyomukama extended the advantage with a composed win against Adam Asania (15-12, 15-8).
Cate Ndagire then sealed the tie in style, overcoming Husnah Mirembe (15-9, 15-7) to send Rubaga into the final without dropping a match.
Mbogo, by contrast, were pushed to the limit by hosts Seroma Christian High School, requiring resilience to secure a 3-1 semi-final victory.
Ramiah Bukenya handed the defending champions an early edge with a convincing win over Benitah Nassiwa (15-4, 15-7). Seroma briefly reignited hopes through Abigail Mawanda Ndagire, who edged Maliha Musa in straight sets (15-10, 15-12).
However, Mbogo responded with authority. Vivian Nalule and Ramiah Bukenya combined effectively in doubles to defeat Ruth Ayikoru, while the pair of Tharah Nagujja and Ramiah Bukenya sealed progression with a clinical win over Benitah Nassiwa and Swabrah Nayiga (15-11, 15-6; 15-4, 15-8).
In the boys’ category, Kibuli Secondary School will meet Kinaawa High School Kawempe in what promises to be an equally enthralling final.
Kibuli booked their place with a ruthless 3-0 victory over neighbours Kakungulu Memorial, while Kinaawa displayed grit and composure to edge hosts Seroma Christian High School 3-2 in a tightly contested semi-final.
This year’s championship has attracted a record 40 schools, surpassing last year’s 36 and underlining the growing stature of badminton within the school sports calendar.
Beyond national honours, the stakes remain high, with the top three teams in each category earning the right to represent Uganda at the forthcoming Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, Tanzania this August.
