Jinja Secondary School has gone against the odds to lift the 2026 National Schools Rugby XVs title after defeating St Mary’s College Kisubi, 27-20.
The Jinja boys smoothly sailed through a relatively easy Group C unbeaten, defeating schools like Ntare School along the way. Last year, Jinja SS came close, but only managed a bronze finish in the competition that was won by King’s College Budo.
Budo had dominated the Nationals, winning three consecutive titles, but this year, Jinja SS proved a hill too steep for the defending champions, bowing out 26-10.
In the final, Jinja SS made their intentions known, scoring a try through Emmanuel Enoba in the 5th minute, converted by Rahim Kaziba, followed by a drop goal from flyhalf Emmanuel Okot to claim a 10-point lead.
St. Mary’s College (SMACK) then embarked on a comeback through a try from Dominic Singa that was converted by flyhalf Trey Gateja. Before SMACK could find its footing in the game, Jinja SS extended its lead to 13-7, thanks to a Timothy Mawanda penalty.
But SMACK was not yet done. Coach Alvin Nkamba’s boys were determined to go into the break with the lead, and that they did through a try from Benjamin Sserumaga, followed by a Gateja conversion and penalty.
After the break, Jinja SS came off the blocks fast, applying pressure that culminated in a big carry try underneath the poles by Paul Kintu. After the conversion from Mawanda, SMACK were not able to find its footing, despite launching attacks of its own.
That Jinja SS pressure paid off once again when Hashim Onyai forced a handling error from SMACK, with the Jinja scrumhalf rewarded with a try for his troubles. The ensuing conversion by Enoba almost put the game to bed at 27-17, but SMACK fought back and put in a penalty, but it wasn’t enough as time had run out.
Gateja’s last kick of the game brought the score to 27-20, and that was followed by referee Elijah Massa’s final whistle.
Summary of Jinja S.S Results
- Quarterfinal – Jinja S.S 20-08 Makerere College
- Semifinal – Jinja S.S 26-0 Kings College Budo
- Final – Jinja S.S 27-20 St. Mary’s College Kisubi