Abbas Kaawaase Mukasa Award: Celebrating Uganda’s Best Boys Footballing School

For over two decades, Hajj Abbas Kaawaase Mukasa stood at the helm of Kibuli Secondary School, leading with vision, discipline, and an unshakable commitment to both academics and sports. From September 1st, 1978 to September 30th, 2002, his transformational leadership turned Kibuli into a national symbol of footballing excellence and academic achievement.

Under his stewardship, Kibuli SS became a breeding ground for some of Uganda’s finest footballers, coaches, and sports administrators. The school’s football legacy continues to echo through the achievements of national coaches like Abdallah Mubiru, Mujib Kasule, Mike Mutebi, Sam Ssimbwa, and David Obua. Kaawaase’s influence extended beyond the pitch, mentoring leaders such as Uganda Boxing Federation president Moses Muhangi and vice president Sula Kamoga, as well as top sports journalists Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo and Elvis Senono.

To honor his enduring legacy, the Hajj Abbas Kaawaase Mukasa Award was established—to recognize and celebrate the Best Boys Footballing School in Uganda each year. This year’s award shines a spotlight on four institutions that have exemplified footballing excellence and sportsmanship at the highest level.

Nominees for the Hajj Abbas Kaawaase Mukasa Award – Best Boys Footballing School
Amus College School

Amus College has been a revelation on both the national and international stage. Under the guidance of former KCCA FC captain Richard Malinga, the team reached the finals of the Uganda Senior Secondary Schools Association (USSSA) Boys Football Championship in Masaka, where they were defeated 3-0 by St Julian’s Seeta High School.

Their crowning moment came at the East Africa Secondary School Games (FEASSA), where they dethroned perennial champions St Mary’s Kitende with a memorable 56th-minute strike from Abdul Razak Muzamiru. Their success extended to the global stage, earning a Silver Medal at the prestigious World Schools Championship in China—a historic achievement that underlined their growing dominance.

St Julian High School – Seeta Campus
St Julian made history last year with a fairy-tale run that culminated in their first-ever USSSA Boys Football Championship title, overcoming Amus College 3-0 in a final that thrilled fans in Masaka. This marked the first time a school from the Greater Mukono region had lifted the trophy since Naggalama Islamic triumphed in 2002.

St Julian’s inspiring performance continued as they represented Uganda at the FEASSA Games in Bukedea, cementing their status as a rising football powerhouse. They also clinched the Mukono Regional Championship, adding yet another jewel to their growing football crown.

St Mary’s Kitende
A name synonymous with school football dominance, St Mary’s Kitende entered last year’s competitions with a legacy spanning over 20 years. However, they faced rare setbacks. They fell in the semifinals of the USSSA Championship in Masaka and were edged out 1-0 by Amus College in the final of the FEASSA Games in Bukedea.

Despite the disappointments, Kitende’s consistency and pedigree remain unmatched. Their ability to consistently reach the final stages of every competition reflects a deeply embedded culture of excellence and resilience.

Bukedea Comprehensive School
In a bold move to elevate their competitiveness, Bukedea Comprehensive School bolstered their squad by signing URA FC stars Ssekibengo Godfrey and Innocent Kisolo—former students of St Henry’s College Kitovu. Their impact was immediate.

In their maiden appearance at the USSSA Championship, Bukedea reached the semifinals, a feat they followed up by representing Uganda at both the FEASSA Games and the World Schools Championship in China. In the latter, they narrowly lost to Amus College on penalties in the semifinals but walked away with a well-deserved Bronze Medal.

The legacy of Hajj Abbas Kaawaase Mukasa lives on through the passion, discipline, and excellence of these schools. Each nominee has not only brought glory to their brand as an institution but also contributed immensely to the development of football in Uganda.

The Hajj Abbas Kaawaase Mukasa Award stands as a beacon of recognition for schools that follow in the culture of nurturing young talent and preparing them for greatness. As these institutions continue to shape the future of Ugandan football, we remember and honor the man whose vision made all this possible.