The 5th edition of the National Kabaddi Secondary Schools Championship came to a thrilling close on Wednesday 27th August 2025 at Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi, with Kyadondo SS Matugga and St. Barnabas College Migadde writing history in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.

The championship, which ran from August 23rd to 27th, attracted over 40 teams from across the country and showcased the growing passion for Kabaddi in Ugandan schools.

_{Kabaddi players in action at Kabalega SS – Masindi}

Kyadondo SS Claim First National Title

Kyadondo SS, runners-up in last year’s edition, finally clinched their first-ever national crown after overpowering St. Barnabas College Migadde 72–50 in a high-scoring boys’ final.

Star performances from Rahim Sekamate, who was later voted Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Ngabirano Innocent inspired the Matugga-based side to victory. Kyadondo’s triumph came in the absence of Matugga High School, the two-time back-to-back champions (2022 and 2023), who did not participate this year.

St. Barnabas, however, produced some memorable displays, with defender Timothy Lubwama standing out as the tournament’s Best Defender. Bombo Army SS’s Yibanda Derrick was named Best Raider.

St. Barnabas Girls End Six-Year Wait

In the girls’ category, St. Barnabas College Migadde made history by lifting their first national trophy since 2019. They dominated the final, defeating Bombo Army SS 67–33, thanks to the brilliance of Best Raider Nalwoga Nahia and Best Defender Lubango Jovita. Nalwoga was later crowned the overall girls’ MVP.

_{St Barnabas College Kabaddi players pose with their trophies}

Regional and Federation Praise

Speaking after the event, Mrs. Babiha, coordinator for the Bunyoro-Kitara region, hailed the championship as “fantastic” and praised its role in giving students a platform to showcase their talent.

Kabaddi Federation of Uganda general secretary, Mr. Mujuni Edgar, described the tournament as a “great milestone” in developing the sport despite challenges such as limited funding.

^{Mr Mujuni Edgar the general secretary of Kabaddi Federation of Uganda}

Standout Teams and Performers

Among the schools that participated were Valley View Busulwa, Kololo High School, Masindi SS, Mulusa Academy Wobulenzi, Masindi Kitara Christian High, and Sir Tito Winyi SS, alongside hosts Kabalega SS.

• Girls’ MVP: Nalwoga Nahia (St. Banabas)
• Girls’ Best Raider: Kirembe Shirat (Kyadondo SS)
• Girls’ Best Defender: Lubango Jovita (St. Banabas)
• Boys’ MVP: Rahim Sekamate (Kyadondo SS)
• Boys’ Best Raider: Yibanda Derrick (Bombo Army SS)
• Boys’ Best Defender: Timothy Lubwama (St. Banabas)

The 5th edition not only crowned new champions but also reaffirmed Kabaddi’s growing footprint in Uganda’s secondary schools, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the 2026 edition.