NELSON K
The 2026 Rukungiri District Secondary Schools Soccer Gala kicked off Friday morning, with matches taking place across four different playgrounds in the district. Twelve schools have already secured spots in the round of 32, while the first round of group-stage matches continues Saturday March 7.
At Kagashe Playground in Rukungiri Municipality, Group G saw Rwobusisi Secondary School top the group with 6 points and a five-goal difference. Kebisoni Seed School also advanced with 3 points and a one-goal difference. St. Michael S.S. Nyarushanje failed to turn up, automatically giving the remaining teams an advantage.
In Group H at the same venue, Nyakibale Rwabukoba S.S. from Ruhinda led with 6 points and a four-goal difference, while Bwambara S.S. qualified in second place with 3 points and a two-goal difference.
At Rukungiri Main Stadium, St. Gerald’s S.S. topped Group E with 6 points and an impressive 10-goal difference, while St. Francis Buhunga secured the second spot with 3 points.
At Kebisoni Town Council Playground, Group C saw St. Mark Nyakibale finish first with 6 points and a three-goal difference, and Katurika S.S. Buhunga advance in second place with 3 points and a one-goal difference. In Group D, Rukungiri High School led with 6 points and a two-goal difference, while Bwambara Modern S.S. and St. Anthony Paduer tied on points and goal difference, prompting officials to deliberate on which school would advance as the second qualifier.
At Rumbugu Playground in Kebisoni Subcounty, Kyabugashe High School led Group A with 6 points, with Bwanga High School advancing in second place. In Group B, Kagunga Seed School topped the group with 6 points, and Bishop Robert’s Rwamagaya S.S. advanced with 3 points. Kyatoko Helside Secondary School failed to participate in the match, giving the remaining teams an automatic advantage.
Speaking after his school’s successful qualification, Mr. Sabiiti Eric, headteacher of Rwabukoba S.S., expressed his excitement, noting the importance of sports in nurturing talent, promoting schools, and providing bursary opportunities for students. He also emphasized the need for balance, committing to monitor footballers’ academic performance, discipline, and daily conduct, and urged fellow headteachers to adopt similar measures.
The group stage continues on Saturday 7th March 2026 as the competition moves closer to the round of 32.
