A landmark moment defined the Round of 16 at the ongoing Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Netball Championship, as Greater Mpigi Zone champions Katende Progressive Secondary School etched their name into history with a dramatic passage to the quarter-finals.
Making their debut at this stage, Katende Progressive held their nerve to edge Dynamic Secondary School 23-22 in a fiercely contested encounter played under the unforgiving heat at Gulu High School on Tuesday, 14 July.
The narrow victory not only sealed progression but also marked the school’s best-ever performance at the national showpiece.
While Katende’s milestone triumph grabbed headlines, the day was equally punctuated by high-intensity clashes among the tournament’s heavyweights.
In the most attended fixture, St. Noa Girls Secondary School–Zana survived a late scare to narrowly overcome a resilient Baptist High School 25-24 in a pulsating contest that lived up to its billing.
Another gripping showdown saw Hamdan Islamic Secondary School battle past Kawanda Secondary School 29-27 after extra time, following a 23-23 deadlock in regulation.
The encounter, rich in drama and momentum swings, kept spectators on edge until the final whistle.
Defending champions Buddo Secondary School were also tested but demonstrated their pedigree, pulling away late to defeat Ngando Secondary School 24-16 and keep their title defence firmly on course.
Elsewhere, Kibuli Secondary School secured a vital win over Namagabi Secondary School to advance, while Greenlight Islamic Secondary School booked their quarter-final slot with a hard-fought 16-14 victory against Nile Citizens Secondary School.
Greenlight had earlier progressed administratively after a successful petition against Kaddungala Secondary School over an impersonation case.
Light College Katikamu continued their impressive run with a 23-19 victory against Kimanya Secondary School, as record champions St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School–Kitende underlined their credentials with a commanding 28-14 win over Merryland High School.
Quarter-Final Fixtures
St. Noa Girls Secondary School–Zana vs Katende Progressive Secondary School
St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School–Kitende vs Light College Katikamu
Greenlight Islamic Secondary School vs Hamdan Islamic Secondary School
Buddo Secondary School vs Kibuli Secondary School.
