The first round of the 2026 Uganda Handball Super League officially came to a close on Saturday at Old Kampala Sports Arena, with three fiercely contested women’s fixtures that delivered drama, quality attacking handball, and crucial points ahead of the second half of the season.
With teams eager to finish the opening phase on a high, Kawanda SS HC, Police HC and Nkajja HC all emerged victorious after overcoming determined opposition in matches that remained competitive for long spells before experience and composure ultimately proved decisive.
Kawanda SS HC overpower Kyegeza HC in high-scoring contest
Kawanda SS HC produced one of the most complete attacking performances of the day as they defeated Kyegeza HC 49-39 in a thrilling ten-goal victory.
The encounter started at a blistering pace, with both teams showing little interest in slowing the game down. Kawanda’s quick transitions and clinical finishing enabled them to establish control early, but Kyegeza remained within touching distance thanks to their own aggressive attacking play.
At halftime, Kawanda held a narrow but encouraging 19-15 advantage, an indication that the contest was still very much alive.
The second half, however, belonged almost entirely to Kawanda.
Their superior fitness, disciplined defence and relentless fast breaks repeatedly stretched Kyegeza’s defence. Every time Kyegeza threatened to reduce the deficit, Kawanda found another gear, converting turnovers into quick goals and maintaining an impressive scoring rhythm throughout the final 30 minutes.
Leading the charge was Bella Adams Maishar, who produced a sensational individual display with 18 goals, making her virtually unstoppable throughout the match. She received excellent support from Noelin Amongin and Loy Asianzu, who each added 13 goals, while Ruth Atim contributed six as Kawanda spread their scoring responsibility effectively.
Despite the defeat, Kyegeza HC showed remarkable resilience. Shadia Nansubuga scored 12 goals, while Shakirah Nagadya added 10 and Katrina Nakiganda chipped in four. Their willingness to attack until the final whistle ensured the scoreline remained respectable despite Kawanda’s dominance.
The victory gives Kawanda considerable momentum heading into the second round, where maintaining such attacking efficiency could prove decisive in the race for honours.
Police HC hold firm against stubborn Prisons HC
Police HC demonstrated their defensive organisation and tactical discipline with a controlled 32-26 victory over Prisons HC.
Although Police entered the game with confidence, Prisons refused to make life easy. The opening half was evenly contested, with both teams creating quality chances through structured attacks and disciplined ball movement.
Police nevertheless managed to edge the first half 17-14 after capitalising on several defensive errors from their opponents.
The second period saw Police tighten their defence considerably. Their goalkeeper and backline forced Prisons into difficult shooting positions while the attack continued to convert patiently built possessions into valuable goals.
Prisons attempted several comebacks but never managed to reduce the deficit enough to truly threaten Police’s lead. As the clock wound down, Police controlled possession intelligently to secure a deserved six-goal victory.
Patricia Arago led Police’s offence brilliantly with nine goals, while Ritah Recho added seven. Shakira Bako Agarile contributed 10 goals in another outstanding attacking performance, with Royce Namutosi also weighing in with five goals to underline Police’s balanced attack.
For Prisons HC, Priscillah Aber was the standout performer with eight goals. Aisha Namajja scored four, Claire Tabingwa added three, and Joyce Patience Namutosi contributed another three, but they struggled to consistently break through Police’s disciplined defensive structure.
The result strengthens Police HC’s ambitions heading into the second round and reinforces their reputation as one of the league’s most organised teams.
Nkajja HC survive late Wananchi HC fightback
The day’s closest encounter saw Nkajja HC edge Wananchi HC 28-25 after surviving a determined second-half comeback.
Both teams approached the game cautiously, prioritising defensive solidity over attacking risks during the opening exchanges. The evenly matched contest saw neither side establish a significant advantage, although Nkajja gradually found greater rhythm in attack to edge ahead.
They carried a slim 11-10 lead into halftime, leaving everything to play for after the break.
The second half became increasingly physical as Wananchi sought to overturn the deficit. Every Nkajja goal was met with an immediate response, ensuring the outcome remained uncertain well into the closing stages.
However, Nkajja showed greater composure during the decisive final minutes. They controlled possession better, defended resolutely and capitalised on crucial scoring opportunities to eventually secure a hard-earned three-goal victory.
Docus Masawi spearheaded Nkajja’s attack with eight goals, while Sarah Namuyoombe scored six and Drita Mujjuma added five. Mariam Mwenyango and Jovia Kideni each contributed four goals, providing the offensive balance that ultimately separated the two sides.
Wananchi fought courageously throughout the contest, inspired by Petra Prisca Amera’s outstanding 11-goal performance. Lydia Gift Najjuko scored seven, and Jamirah Nanteza added four, but their efforts ultimately fell just short against a disciplined Nkajjaside.
As the curtain falls on the opening round of the 2026 Uganda Handball Super League, the latest fixtures reflect the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s handball in Uganda.