St.Mary’s Kitende clinch Boys FEASSA football title in Tanzania
David GOMBE
Ugandan schools football powerhouse St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende have been crowned champions of the 2026 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Boys Football after edging hosts Morogoro SS 2-1 in a tense final in Tanzania.
The Entebbe Road giants showed grit and class to reclaim East Africa’s biggest school football crown.
Kitende started brightly and broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through striker Isaac Tibenkana, who slotted home to give the Ugandans a halftime lead.
The hosts fought back early in the second half and were gifted an equalizer when Leonard Kigoye turned the ball into his own net, making it 1-1 and sending the home crowd into frenzy.
With Morogoro pushing for a winner, Kitende regained composure. In the 65th minute, midfield star Jordan Tugume restored Kitende’s lead with a brilliant strike, a goal that proved to be the winner.
The game boiled over in the final half hour as the hosts lost discipline. Vincent Rashidi and Emil Maulidi were both shown red cards by Rwandan referee Remy Victor in the 54th and 80th minutes respectively, leaving Morogoro to finish with nine men.
It was a double celebration for St. Mary’s Kitende who also won gold in Netball and Basketball (5×5 Girls) at the same Games.
Overall, Uganda collected 19 gold medals including Football (boys and girls), Netball, Table Tennis (boys & girls), Badminton (boys & girls), Swimming (boys & girls), Volleyball (boys), Basketball 3×3 (girls) and Basketball 5×5 (girls), Handball (girls), Beach Soccer (girls), Beach Volleyball (boys) and others.
However, Uganda surrendered the overall title to rivals Kenya, who dethroned the defending champions with 20 gold medals. Kenya’s golds came from Athletics, Cross-country, Rugby 15s & 7s, Hockey, Lacrosse, Basketball 3×3 (boys), Volleyball (girls), Handball (boys), Chess and more.
The next edition of the FEASSA Games will be hosted by Rwanda in 2027.