Nkoma Secondary School in Mbale has been cleared to host the 38th edition of the UMEA Solidarity Games, scheduled for April 3 to 6, 2026.
The approval was granted on Wednesday after a final inspection by officials from the Uganda Muslim Teachers Association. The team assessed pitches, dormitories, security arrangements and other key facilities before giving the green light for the national Islamic schools games.
Hajji Kitezaala Twahil, chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Education Association, confirmed that Nkoma SS is fully approved to stage the event. He said that since the inception of UMEA, the games have played a central role in promoting Islamic values and nurturing talent among Muslim founded schools across the country.
Kisigo Nankya Masitula, headteacher of Nakaloke SS and president of the Uganda Muslim Teachers Association, joined Nkoma SS headteacher Abubakar Kawanguzi in rallying headteachers across the Eastern Region to work together to deliver a successful championship.
After the inspection, Kawanguzi said the school is ready to host what he described as the biggest event on its calendar. He thanked the UMTA leadership for entrusting Nkoma SS with the responsibility and pledged to ensure the games are well organised.
Schools will compete in football for boys and girls, netball, volleyball, handball, badminton, table tennis and mind games such as chess and Scrabble. Among the notable participants are Kawempe Muslim, Kibuli SS, Nakaloke SS, Gombe SS, Masaka SS, Greenlight SS, Kawanda SS, Mbogo schools and Namagabi SS.
The games are hosted on a rotational basis to promote balanced growth across regions and to help schools prepare for national championships.
UMTA officials urged teams to uphold fair play in all disciplines. They also appealed to schools, financial institutions, the business community and other well wishers to offer financial support to ensure a smooth event.
Last year’s edition was staged at Namagabi SS in Kayunga District, where Nkoma SS reached the girls football final but fell 3-0 to Kawempe Muslim.
