St Mary’s Kitende secure 2026 FEASSA Games netball gold, 51-41

St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende defeated Hamdan Islamic School Nakifuma 51-41 to win the netball gold at the 2026 FEASSA Games in Morogoro on Friday. Kitende held a 28-22 advantage at half-time after setting the pace in the opening two quarters.

The final was played at the Highlands Sports Complex courts, where the Wakiso District school maintained its control after the interval. The lead remained six goals at 40-34 going into the last quarter before Kitende added to its advantage and finished 10 goals clear.

Goal shooter Angelina Nyemok was central to Kitende’s scoring effort, with Goal Attacker Hadijjah Basalirwa also making an important contribution. Their work helped the Ugandan side keep Hamdan Islamic at a distance through each stage of the final.

The victory delivered Kitende’s 21st FEASSA Games netball championship. It also ended Hamdan Islamic’s first appearance in a final at the East African school games, giving the Nakifuma side a runners-up finish against fellow Ugandan opposition.

Kitende captain Teopista Achenge attributed the success to the team’s combined effort throughout their preparations and competition campaign. She also acknowledged the contribution of the coaches, team officials, teammates and school director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa, who watched the final.

The 2026 FEASSA Games are being hosted in Tanzania, with schools from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi taking part. The programme includes netball alongside handball, basketball, rugby, beach soccer, baseball and softball, cricket, tennis, lacrosse, volleyball and hockey, as well as indoor sports such as badminton, table tennis, chess, swimming and goalball.