The 38th edition of the Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) Solidarity Games officially kicked off Friday 3rd April 2026 in Mbale city with the Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Mike Jude Mudoma, presiding over the official opening.
In his keynote address, Umukuka Mudoma praised Nkoma Secondary School for its contribution to education and development in Bugisu, describing it as an institution that has made the region proud.
Mudoma urged participants to use the games as a platform to promote both cultural and religious values, drawing parallels between Bugisu traditions and Islamic teachings.
“As we celebrate these games, let us embrace unity, discipline, and compassion. These are values shared both in our culture and in the Islamic faith,” he said.
He emphasized that culture remains a pillar of discipline and moral guidance, adding that sports should not only be for leisure but also for shaping character among the youth.
In a major development, Mudoma revealed that government had committed to constructing a modern regional stadium in Bugisu, saying efforts to secure land for the project were already underway.
The head teacher of Nkoma Secondary School, Abubakari Kawanguzi, noted that hosting the games was a vote of confidence in the school’s ability to organize major national events and emphasized that the UMEA Games go beyond competition, serving as a platform for nurturing talent, discipline, teamwork, and unity among learners from diverse backgrounds.
UMEA Chairperson, Hussein Kyagulanyi, commended Nkoma Secondary School and the Mbale community for their continued hospitality, noting that participating teams always feel at home whenever they visit the region.
He also applauded partners, particularly the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association, for providing technical support that has ensured the success and growth of the games over the years.
In the opening game, Hosts Nkoma SS was held goalless by Kyadondo SS
Other selected Boys Football results;
•Kinaawa High School Kawempe 0-2 Kawempe Muslim Secondary School
•Kyadondo Secondary School 2-0 Sseke Secondary School
•Namagabi SS 0-1 Mbogo Mixed SS
•Kibuli SS 1-0 Bilal Islamic SS
•Abu Aisha Islamic SS 2-3 Nkoma SS