Bukedea and NUMASA join quarter-final cast as USSSA round of 16 delivers high drama in Lira
The 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Boys’ Football Championship continued to deliver high-intensity knockout drama on Saturday, as a compelling Round of 16 programme in Lira City produced decisive victories, narrow escapes, and penalty shoot-out heroics.
NUMASA Secondary School stamped their authority with a composed 2-0 victory over Busia S.S in the afternoon’s headline fixture at Dr Obote College playground.
The Masaka City outfit combined efficiency with attacking purpose, as Hassan Waiswa broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a clinical finish.
Viane Kalinzi then sealed the result after the interval, ensuring NUMASA’s safe passage into the quarter-finals.
Bukedea Comprehensive School South also progressed, edging Green Light Islamic School 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter that underscored the fine margins defining this year’s competition.
Earlier in the day, Kyadondo S.S continued their impressive run with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Nkoma S.S.
In a match characterised by tactical discipline and attacking intent, Kyadondo showed resilience to overcome a stubborn opponent and secure their quarter-final berth.
Amus College School maintained their reputation as one of the tournament’s most organised sides, grinding out a narrow 1-0 win against Mentor S.S.
Ivan Okello proved decisive, netting the all-important goal to send Amus through.
Defending champions Buddo S.S demonstrated their championship pedigree in a 2-1 victory over Kawempe Muslim S.S.
Ambrose Aboy was the standout performer, striking twice to guide his side through despite a spirited response from Kawempe, who found consolation through Ukasha Kimbowa.
Meanwhile, London College Nansana showcased remarkable composure under pressure, advancing via a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory after a goalless stalemate against Mbale Progressive S.S.
Their nerve from the spot ultimately proved decisive in one of the day’s most tense fixtures.
With these results, the quarter-final line-up has taken definitive shape. NUMASA S.S joins Bukedea Comprehensive School South, Kyadondo S.S, Amus College School, London College Nansana, and Buddo S.S among the sides progressing to the next stage.
Two standout quarter-final clashes are already confirmed, with Kyadondo S.S set to face defending champions Buddo S.S in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Amus College School will lock horns with London College Nansana in another intriguing contest.
The Round of 16 will conclude later on Saturday evening with two remaining fixtures of Kitende Vs MadinaIslamic and MasakaSS Vs Lubiri S.S, underway, completing the final eight teams that will battle for national glory.
This year’s championship carries added significance following the unveiling of a new trophy on Thursday, 14th May 2026.
The coveted silverware will be presented to the eventual champions after the final on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in the competition’s storied history.
