The 23rd edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games officially kicked off in the scenic city of Morogoro, Tanzania, with Uganda’s traditional rugby heavyweights St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) and Namilyango College making explosive starts in the boys’ 15s rugby discipline.

Ugandan Giants Charge for East Africa Supremacy in Morogoro

Running from August 12 through August 23, 2026, the FEASSSA Games host over 3,000 student-athletes competing across regional sports disciplines at the historic Jamhuri Stadium and surrounding sporting arenas in Morogoro. Uganda entered a formidable contingent of seven rugby teams spanning both the 15s and 7s formats, with national champions SMACK, Namilyango College, and Jinja Secondary School leading the 15s championship assault.

In their opening group match on Monday afternoon, Namilyango College demonstrated crushing forward dominance against Tanzanian hosts Morogoro Secondary, securing a convincing 34–05 bonus-point victory powered by three unanswered second-half tries.

SMACK vs Kenyan Rivals: A Fierce Border Battle

Meanwhile, SMACK (St. Mary’s College Kisubi) engaged in a ferocious tactical battle against Kenyan powerhouse All Saints Embu, fighting back from a seven-point halftime deficit to clinch a thrilling 18–15 win through a late penalty kick executed by flywheel captain Joseph Kato.

Key Tournament Highlights & Standings:

  • Host Location: Morogoro, Tanzania (Jamhuri Stadium Complex).
  • Ugandan 15s Representatives: Namilyango College, SMACK, Jinja SS.
  • Opening Results: Namilyango 34–05 Morogoro Sec (Tanzania); SMACK 18–15 All Saints Embu (Kenya).
  • Defending Champions: Kenya’s Butere Boys (2025 title holders).

Historical Rivalry Between SMACK and Namilyango

The intense domestic rivalry between Namilyango College—Uganda’s oldest rugby-playing secondary school—and SMACK has seamlessly transferred onto the regional stage in Tanzania. Both technical benches expressed confidence in navigating Pool A and Pool B respectively to set up an all-Ugandan gold medal match on final day, August 23.

"Our objective in Morogoro is straightforward: play disciplined, physical rugby, respect every East African opponent, and bring the FEASSSA 15s rugby trophy back home to Uganda," declared Namilyango head coach Andrew Ssenyonga following their opening triumph.

What’s Next in the Morogoro Fixtures Schedule

Action continues on Wednesday as Jinja Secondary School take on Kenya’s Lenana School, while SMACK face off against regional titans Dagoretti High. With high attendance from East African sports delegates, the 2026 FEASSSA Games promise historic drama across secondary school sports.