Bukedea Comprehensive School South and St Mary’s Kitende headlined a dramatic conclusion to the 2026 Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Boys’ Football quarter-finals, sealing their semi-final slots in contrasting yet equally emphatic fashion in Lira City.
While Bukedea were forced into a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out, Kitende delivered a ruthless statement of intent with a commanding six-goal demolition of NUMASA S.S.
At Dr Obote College Playground 1, Bukedea showcased resilience and composure under pressure, edging Masaka S.S 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in normal time.
Simon Wanyama had initially handed Bukedea the advantage, only for Isaac Kafuuma to snatch a dramatic equaliser for Masaka with virtually the last kick of the game.
The shoot-out, however, belonged to Bukedea goalkeeper Tonny Katangalo, whose two crucial saves set the tone for victory.
Spot-kicks from Wanyama, Musa Godi, Bob Jeriga and captain Patrick Ssenkusa ensured Bukedea marched into the last four in style.
“It was a tense climax but we remained composed and won in the shoot-out. We are set for the semi-final and possible final,” noted head coach Ronald Ssali.
Bukedea will now lock horns with London College Nansana in Monday’s semi-final, despite the latter falling 1-0 to Amus College School in their quarter-final encounter.
Mudasir Ijosiga’s decisive strike proved the difference as Amus edged through.
In the day’s other fixture, Kyadondo S.S continued their fairytale run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Buddo S.S, further underlining their growing credentials as serious contenders.
However, the most dominant performance came from St Mary’s Kitende, who dismantled NUMASA S.S 6-0 in a one-sided affair at Dr Obote College Playground 2.
The emphatic victory sends a strong warning to their semi-final opponents, Amus College School, ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
The semi-finals are scheduled for Monday, 18th May, setting the stage for a gripping finale on Tuesday as the tournament edges towards its climax.
Adding further prestige to this year’s championship, USSSA unveiled a brand-new trophy that will be presented to the eventual winners.
The 2026 edition has attracted 64 schools from across the country, underlining the growing competitiveness and stature of school football in Uganda.
