The sixth edition of the Inter Islamic Secondary Schools Association in Uganda (ISSAU) Games concluded on Friday, July 3, at Buziga Islamic and Theological Institute, with Kasawo Islamic Secondary School in Mukono announced as hosts of the next edition in 2027.
The sporting activities, initiated in 2019 to bring together Islamic and theological schools across Uganda, have continued to grow in both participation and disciplines.
More than 300 students from 13 schools took part in this year’s games, competing in football, netball, basketball and volleyball, while others contested in Qur’an Recitation, Hadith, Quiz, Public Speaking in both English and Arabic, and Poetry.
In boys’ football, Greenlight Islamic Secondary School, Nansana, became the first school to successfully retain the title after edging hosts Buziga Islamic and Theological Institute 1-0 in the final played on Friday, July 3. The final was witnessed by the chief guest, Imam Idd Kasozi.
Addressing the participants, Imam Kasozi urged member schools to remain committed to the association’s vision so that Islamic schools can continue benefiting from sports.
“This is a big initiative which can lead our schools to reach greater heights in sports development. When you reach that level, there is a lot to gain. Sports is not just about play; it also brings many privileges.
“For the association to achieve the goals that inspired its formation, all members have to commit themselves to its aims.”
Imam Kasozi was warmly welcomed by ISSAU leadership led by chairman Ishaka Mbalirwa, who highlighted the association’s steady growth.
“We started this association in 2019 with only five schools. Today, the number of participating schools continues to rise. We have steadily expanded into more sporting disciplines while also creating stronger social bonds among our staff and students.”
In netball, Hamdan Islamic Secondary School, Nakifuma, ended the dominance of Madina Islamic Secondary School, Nsangi, and Greenlight Islamic Secondary School, Nansana, to lift their maiden title. Hamdan defeated Madina 14-10 in the semifinal before edging Greenlight 29-28 in a thrilling final.
The champions had recovered from a group stage defeat to Greenlight before exacting revenge in the final.
Hosts Buziga Islamic and Theological Institute claimed the volleyball title after overpowering Top Times High School, Kyengera, and Bilal Islamic Secondary School, Bwaise, in a single round-robin competition played on Saturday, June 28.
The sixth edition also marked the introduction of basketball to the ISSAU Games. Qamar High School, Bunamwaya, made history by lifting the inaugural basketball trophy after defeating Greenlight Islamic Secondary School in the final at Buziga.
This year’s event got underway on May 29 at Madina Islamic Secondary School, Nsangi, with the staff sports day, where Bilal Islamic Institute, Kakiri, emerged champions before students’ competitions commenced on June 27.
On Friday, June 27, Bilal Islamic Secondary School, Bwaise, hosted the indoor curriculum competitions, where they excelled in Qur’an Recitation across both boys’ and girls’ categories.
Indoor Competition Winners
- Qur’an Recitation (Boys): Bilal Islamic Secondary School, Bwaise
- Qur’an Recitation (Girls): Bilal Islamic Institute, Kakiri
- Public Speaking (Arabic): Bilal Islamic Secondary School, Bwaise
- Hadith: Greenlight Islamic Secondary School, Nansana
- Quiz: Madina Islamic Secondary School
- Public Speaking (English): Madina Islamic Secondary School
- Poetry: Madina Islamic Secondary School
Outdoor Competition Winners
- Basketball: Qamar High School, Bunamwaya
- Football: Greenlight Islamic Secondary School, Nansana
- Netball: Hamdan Islamic Secondary School, Nakifuma
- Volleyball: Buziga Islamic and Theological Institute
