For the third consecutive year, St Mary’s Kitende will represent Uganda at the continental level.

This evening, the Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, together with USSSA President Justus Mugisha (who also serves as FUFA First Vice President), FUFA CEO Edgar Watson Suubi, and SMASK Head Teacher Ssembatya Jimmy Mukasa, officially flagged off the team to Zimbabwe for the CAF Africa Schools Football Championship finals.

The championship will run from 2nd to 10th April in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Kitende’s journey to this championship began in June last year with the Wakiso Zone qualifiers. They later emerged national champions in Tororo after a tense final against Amus College, which was decided by penalty shootouts.

That was only the beginning, as the team went on to represent Uganda at the CECAFA qualifiers held in December, hosted by the same school. They won the final against Ethiopia 3–1 on penalties after a goalless draw.

With that performance, Uganda secured a spot at the final tournament, which kicks off this weekend.

St Mary’s Kitende first represented Uganda in 2024 in Tanzania but failed to progress beyond the group stages, earning only one point in a group that included Senegal and eventual winners Tanzania.

In 2025, Kitende again represented Uganda and the CECAFA region. After finishing second in the CECAFA qualifiers (with Tanzania returning as defending champions), they advanced to the finals in Ghana. There, Kitende showed improvement and finished fourth, narrowly losing 2–1 to Ghana in the third-place playoff despite taking the lead.

In 2026, a 20-man squad heads to Zimbabwe with their sights firmly set on winning the trophy.

Speaking at today’s flag-off ceremony, the head teacher confirmed the traveling contingent and set high expectations for the team.

“As St Mary’s Kitende, we are flagging off 20 players and 6 officials. To you, our athletes, you know what it means to represent the country and the region. Go, compete, and return with the trophy,” said Ssembatya Jimmy Mukasa, Head Teacher of St. Mary’s Boarding School Kitende.

Addressing the team, USSSA President Justus Mugisha emphasized the significance of the tournament.

“This is the third time St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende (SMASK) is competing in the CAF African Schools Football Championship. I strongly believe the boys can return home with the title. Winning this championship is very significant because the prize money goes directly to the school. At the CECAFA zonal level, the team already secured USD 100,000. The winner of the final tournament receives USD 300,000, which would greatly benefit the school. I am hopeful the boys can achieve it this time.”

FUFA CEO Edgar Watson reminded the players of the responsibility they carry.

“To the players, do not take this championship for granted. You are not just playing for your school, but for the entire country. Give your best, because in the future you will look back and either feel proud or disappointed.”

Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, the chief guest, applauded the government’s continued support for sports in Uganda.

“I thank the Government of Uganda for its continued investment in the sports sector. Special thanks to FUFA and USSSA for organizing these competitions. We are proud of you. You have a great opportunity to showcase your talent to the world. Give your best, and you will return victorious.”

The 26-member school contingent will be joined by officials from the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Full Delegation

Officials
Head of Delegation: Twahil Kiteezaala
Government Officials: Duncans Mugumya, Brighton Barugahare (Commissioner, Policy and Research, Ministry of Education and Sports)
Member Association Representative: Saidi Ddamulira
Media Officer: Aisha Nakato

Players:
Frank Musisi, Bashir Edema, Akram Ssenyonga, Nabiru Kajumba, Shakur Ngobi, Hamidu Kasumba, Nicholas Kawooya, Livingstone Kulata, Haruna Kisakye, Owen Mukisa, Elisa Mukasa, Ivin Kakinda, Musa Kironde, Henry Muhoozi, Lucky Wanyama, Imran Ssebbale, Shafic Kitimbo, Eze Kombi, Derrick Rwothomio, Emmanuel Opio

Team Officials:
Team Manager: Ronald Mulajje
Head Coach: Hassan Zungu
Assistant Coach: Micheal Kabali
Safeguarding Officer: Joel Muwanguzi
Team Doctor: Aloysious Kyeyune
Goalkeeping Coach: Mubarak Kiberu