The stage is set for a fiercely competitive 2026 USSSA Ball Games I girls’ basketball championship after the official draws were unveiled on Monday at GNS Plaza in Kampala, igniting anticipation for what promises to be a high-stakes showdown in Mukono.
Defending champions St. Noa Girls Secondary School Zana return with a target on their backs, headlining a 48-team field distributed across eight groups. With only four slots available for the FEASSA Games in Tanzania this August, the margin for error is razor-thin.
St. Noa’s Title Defence: Depth Meets Expectation
St. Noa enter the tournament as the benchmark, armed with a blend of experience, depth, and elite talent. National team stars Maxine Modesta Anyango, Resty Nanangwe, and the rapidly rising Josephine Adikini anchor a formidable roster, complemented by the composure of point guard Brenda Akanyo.
Equally critical is the presence of head coach Abel Omongin, whose tactical acumen and championship pedigree continue to give St. Noa a decisive edge. However, defending the crown in Mukono will demand more than pedigree—it will require consistency under pressure against resurgent challengers.
Kitende’s Rebuild Signals Intent
St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende arrive as arguably the most improved side, following a sweeping overhaul of their technical bench. The acquisition of Hamza Ssentongo, a long-time lieutenant under Omongin, alongside national team coach Jonah Egawu and fitness specialist Joshua Kigozi, has injected new structure and ambition into the program.
Their narrow 44–43 loss to St. Noa in the Wakiso qualifiers underlined their growing competitiveness. On the court, Shifrah Nakilanda, Nyeko Anena, Nawume Atuhaire, and Josephine form a powerful core capable of unsettling any opponent. The lingering concern, however, remains squad depth—a factor that could prove decisive in a grueling tournament format.
Nabisunsa’s Dominance Faces Ultimate Test
Nabisunsa Girls School arrive with the confidence of serial Kampala zone champions, having built a sustained culture of excellence. Led by rising national team prospect Abgail Mpoza, and supported by Yikiru Martha, Joy Auma, Abifaith Musimenta, and Melissa Kisakye, Nabisunsa possess both cohesion and match-winning quality.
They represent a genuine threat to the traditional power axis of St. Noa and Kitende, particularly if momentum swings in their favor during the knockout stages.
Hosts Seroma and Buddo: The Dark Horses
Host side Seroma Christian High School will look to leverage home advantage, despite being in a rebuilding phase. Their familiarity with conditions in Mukono could prove pivotal in tight contests.
Buddo Secondary School, also undergoing transition, remain a wildcard. While lacking the dominance of previous years, their pedigree ensures they cannot be discounted in a tournament of this magnitude.
Tournament Outlook
The group stage has already thrown up compelling matchups, setting the tone for an intense battle for supremacy.
With established giants, revitalized contenders, and ambitious outsiders all in the mix, the 2026 championship is shaping into a tactical and physical contest of the highest order.
The central question remains: can St. Noa withstand the pressure of expectation and retain their crown, or will a new champion emerge to claim both national glory and a ticket to the regional stage?
One thing is certain—Mukono will be the proving ground where reputations are tested and legacies defined.
Full Draws
Group A: St. Noah Girls | Tororo Girls S.S | Hope S.S.S. Nakirebe | Mbale S.S | St. Michael H.S
Group B: Elite High School | Mvara S.S | Nabumali H.S | St. Mary’s Vocational | Holy Cross Lake View
Group C: Kisubi Mapera | Seroma Christian H.S | Amus College School | Buddo S.S | Sacred Heart Mushanga
Group D: Maryhill H.S | St. Cyprian | St. Mary’s Rushoroza | Kibuli S.S | Maryland H.S
Group E: Gombe S.S | Seeta H.S Main | St. Augustine | Harding Christian Academy | Nabisunsa Girls School
Group F: Ndejje S.S | Immaculate Heart | Gayaza H.S | Nyakasura School | Forest Hill College
Group G: Lubiri S.S | Seeta H.S | Sacred Heart Gulu | Exodus College School | Mpanga S.S.S
Group H: Great Aubrey Memorial | St. Mary’s Kitende | Iganga S.S | Naalya S.S
