The 1974 Katuramu Cup Final

SMACK IN THE JAWS OF NGO AT LUGOGO STADIUM

By Festus Kibuuka

SMACK Volleyball Captain, 1973/74

The Origins of the Katuramu Volleyball Cup

The Katuramu Volleyball Cup, an esteemed annual inter-schools tournament in

Uganda, dates back to the 1970s, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the late

renowned quantity surveyor Kaija Katuramu. Its organization and smooth execution

were overseen by the late Muduse Ojala, a visionary who founded the Kampala Amateur

Volleyball Club (KAVC). During my time at SMACK, our school’s volleyball team

participated in this prestigious competition every year. SMACK was renowned for having

one of the strongest volleyball programs among schools at the time. I personally

participated in the tournament in 1973 and 1974, when most of the senior players—

such as the late Gerald Lumu, Nazib Charania, Luo Abuni, and others from the Higher

School—had left SMACK.

Although we participated regularly, SMACK’s team was always eliminated in the

preliminary rounds. The matches were held at the Makerere University Main Football

Ground. Muduse Ojala, ever resourceful, would set up four volleyball courts on the main

pitch, allowing around 20 schools from five different regions of Uganda to compete on a

single Saturday in a knockout format.

Memories of the 1974 Katuramu Cup

The 1974 edition of the Katuramu Cup remains vividly etched in my memory, especially

because I had the honor of captaining the SMACK team. Our squad was truly

exceptional—student-led, thanks to the trust of our Patron, Mr. Kamanzi, who always

allowed us to travel unescorted. On behalf of the team, I wish to acknowledge and honor

a fellow student, the late Godfrey Nyago Sozi, who mentored us from 1971 when we were

in Senior One, through 1973 in Senior Three, before he left SMACK to join Makerere

University in 1974. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The team and our rivals

Our team was composed of a well-balanced lineup, capable of excelling in spiking,

setting, digging, and serving at a competitive level. The roster included our regular

starters: David Mulumba, Edward Kaliika, George Komaketch Rwaga, Sam Nakabaale,

Steven Kaddu and myself as captain. We also had two reserves, John Semugooma and

Tusabe as well as the late Godfrey Musoke, who served as our chief morale booster. The

team was further strengthened by the remarkable skills of Komakech Rwaga, David

Mulumba, and Sam Nakabaale. This impressive combination propelled us to the top of

1Group A, where we went on to defeat our long standing rivals, Namiryango College

(NGO), who finished second in the group. NGO’s team included several outstanding

players, such as the late Sam Berunga, Gregory Semakula, as well as George Aporu

(RIP), Joseph Wakabi Kato and Were Omolo (RIP), among others.

The SMACK 1974 Volleyball Team

Squatting From LHS: Edward Kaliika, Steven Kaddu, Festus Kibuuka (Captain), George Komakech Rwaga and David Mulumba.

Standing From LHS: John Semugooma, Tusabe and Sam Nakabaale.

For the first time in SMACK’s history, our volleyball team qualified for the semi-finals of

the Katuramu Cup. We faced Makerere College School, the second-place team from

Group B, while NGO played against the group winners—Boroboro College, led by their

standout spiker, the late Arim. We defeated Makerere College School, a tough feat

especially given their rowdy home crowd. Meanwhile, NGO also progressed, setting up

a final showdown between SMACK and the NGO.

The final match preparations

By this stage, the matches were fiercely contested, best of five sets. Brother Paul, the

SMACK bursar, had dropped us off in SMACK’s Volkswagen Combi at Makerere

University, seemingly forgetting about us amidst the hustle. We had to think quickly.

Ojala realized that holding the final at Makerere grounds that same day was impossible,

so he arranged for it to be played under floodlights at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium at 8

p.m. He informed the captains of both SMACK and NGO. This meant that both teams

would return to their schools to refresh before reconvening at Lugogo for the decisive

match.

However, SMACK did not have transport readily available. We were hoping that Brother

Paul would remember to pick us up, but as time was running out, I sent our morale

booster, the late Godfrey Musoke, to quickly remind Brother Paul to pick us up from

Lugogo, not Makerere. Eager to help, Godfrey set off immediately. The biggest challenge

was figuring out how to get to Lugogo. Ojala, ever resourceful, suggested that the NGO

team could give us a lift on their way to Namiryango, since their bus was available and

had some empty seats. I agreed, although at first most NGOs were hesitant. It was their

captain who finally convinced them to help the “weevils” (our nickname). And just like

that, the drama of the final match was beginning to unfold!

The Bus ride and tension

As you might expect, the rivalry between SMACK and NGO ran deep, and tensions on

the bus were high—especially after SMACK had defeated NGO 3-0 in the preliminary

round. Some NGO students wanted us to be driven as far as Namiryango and then

brought back to Lugogo, and surprisingly, the bus driver agreed. Thanks to the NGO

captain’s intervention, we were dropped off in Nakawa near the current Nakawa Market,

from where we had to walk back to Lugogo. This detour gave us a chance to buy some

snacks and prepare for the match.

The match at Lugogo indoor Stadium

Meanwhile, the NGO team headed to Namiryango to freshen up and loaded their bus

with morale boosters. Around 9:00 p.m., eight of us—six starters and two reserves—

dressed in our predominantly blue jerseys, were at Lugogo to face the NGO team, who

were in their green jerseys, accompanied by over eighty rowdy supporters. Playing under

2floodlights in the unfamiliar indoor stadium, amidst the intense rivalry and excitement,

the challenge became even more formidable.

Despite the difficulties, we played with great spirit. We won the first two sets almost

silently, silencing the NGO supporters and boosting our morale. In the third set, our

star player and server, George Komakech Rwaga, leapt high for a spike but landed

awkwardly on the wooden floor, unable to continue. I had to call in John Semugooma,

one of our substitutes. Komakech’s injury visibly demoralized us, and we lost the third

and fourth sets.

The heartbreaking final set

In the final, fifth set, we fought with everything we had. The match was intense, and we

pushed NGO to 25 points, narrowly losing 27-25. It was a heartbreaking finish—

disappointment visible on the faces of our players and the few supporters who had

cheered us on.

Despite the setback, our loss might have been a blessing in disguise! Only God knows

what NGO had in store for the eight of us as Plan B if we, SMACK (weevils), had defeated

NGO for the second time that day!

The award ceremony

During the award ceremony, many of the speakers commended us for exhibiting

exceptional spirit and resilience despite the absence of our key player. Additionally, we

experienced a deep and admirable sense of NGO alumnus pride when the final guest

speaker, Mr. Kaija Katuramu, openly shared that he had supported “Green” all along,

as he was a passionate NGO alumnus!

Return to SMACK

With no Brother Paul or Godfrey to assist, we faced the challenge of returning to SMACK

around midnight. Once again, Ojala stepped in—this time organizing a hired taxi to take

us back after we had some refreshments and drinks provided by the Katuramu Cup

organizers. He made me, as captain, sign a document in the form of a pro-forma invoice

before we set off. I didn’t think much of it at the time; I was just eager to get our team

away from the rowdy NGO supporters, some of whom were beginning to get tipsy.

We arrived back at SMACK well past midnight. We went straight to bed—no stories to

tell, and nobody to tell them to anyway, as everyone was already asleep—including our

messenger, the late Godfrey Musoke.

Brother Kyemwa’s “Golden” handshake

On the following Wednesday morning, I was invited to Brother Kyemwa’s office by one

of the school attendants. Feeling quite nervous, I hesitantly stepped inside and found

the pro-forma invoice I had signed at Lugogo placed before him. He asked me to explain

everything about that invoice. I recounted the entire story—about the Katuramu Cup,

our journey, the final match, and how Brother Paul had dropped us off at Makerere but

did not pick us up from Lugogo. He listened carefully, only asking one other question:

which team we faced in the final. When I told him Namiryango, he extended his arm and

3congratulated me for reaching the finals through hard work. That handshake remains

a moment I will never forget in my life! At first, I wondered if Brother Kyemwa harbored

any dislike for Namiryango, but then I remembered he was a great sportsman and a

good Lawn Tennis player himself. May his soul continue to rest in eternal peace!

Volleyball after SMACK

When I joined Makerere University, I was fortunate to be assigned to University Hall,

where I experienced great joy playing volleyball with talented teammates like the

legendary Arim from Boroboro College, renowned as a superb spiker. Together, we

challenged other Halls of Residence with spirited and competitive matches. I frequently

competed against my former SMACK teammate, Sam Nakabaale, who was then in

Mitchell Hall and serving as their captain. I also remember playing against Gregory

Semakula, the standout spiker from NGO, who was then the volleyball captain of

Northcote Hall (later renamed Nsibirwa Hall). Additionally, I played against Joshua

Wamala in Nkrumah Hall. Joshua, a reserve player and morale booster for NGO, served

as the University volleyball captain during the 1979/80 academic year. Furthermore, I

competed against Edward Udhec Rubanga, who was the then volleyball captain of

Lumumba Hall. Edward had joined SMACK in 1974 during S5, shortly after our

memorable volleyball match at Lugogo Indoor Stadium. He is actually the person to

whom I handed over the SMACK Volleyball captaincy towards the end of 1974.

Life after Makerere

Personally, I did not pursue volleyball further after university, but I remain immensely

proud of my teammates, Sam Nakabaale and Edward Udhec Rubanga, who played for

KAVC (Kampala Amateur Volleyball Club) after Makerere. Sam took his volleyball

journey a step further, playing for Uganda’s national volleyball team in the mid-1980s

before moving to Sweden. Reflecting on those days, I cherish the fact that I gained more

than just volleyball skills at SMACK—I gained lifelong friendships and invaluable

lessons.

Reconnecting with old friends

In the late 1970s, I met the late Sam Berunga, one of NGO’s top spikers, at Copper Bar,

a popular spot then located at Imperial Hotel. He kindly offered me two bottles of beer—

then a rare treat—and when I recognized him, we reminisced about that unforgettable

volleyball match at Lugogo. Nearly 45 years later, in 2017, I had a brief reunion with

Gregory Semakula, another top spiker from NGO, at a UCU graduation ceremony. We

spent time recalling that legendary match, a testament to how profoundly those

moments are etched in our memories.

Staying connected

As I write this story, I stay in touch with most of my teammates—except two, David

Mulumba, who I heard joined the Air Force after SMACK, and Tusabe. I am still in touch

with Sam Nakabaale, Eng. Edward Kaliika, John Semugooma, Edward Udhec Rubanga,

and Professor Steven Kaddu through the SMACK 1970s OBs platform. Our bond

4remains rooted in the shared joy and camaraderie of our volleyball adventures at

SMACK.

Playing volleyball later in life

About ten years ago, I had the opportunity to play for the Taibah International School

Parents Volleyball team against the school teachers. The youthful teachers couldn’t

believe their eyes when I demonstrated powerful spikes, tactics, and techniques I had

learned many years ago at SMACK. It was a humbling experience that reminded me of

the timeless value of sports.

Lessons from SMACK volleyball for young students

For young students today, the story of SMACK’s volleyball team offers a timeless lesson:

success often comes from teamwork, resilience in adversity, and maintaining integrity

regardless of rivalry or pressure. Sports are not just about winning; they are about

building character and lifelong friendships. Looking back, I am proud that my time at

SMACK and our journey in the Katuramu Cup shaped me into a person who values

determination, camaraderie, and sportsmanship—lessons that remain relevant even

decades later.

Giving back to SMACK

For all SMACK alumni, I am certain each of us has a story to tell about how attending

SMACK impacted our lives. Isn’t it high time we came together to give back to our alma

mater?

Currently, I have the honor of leading a dedicated team of over 150 alumni from the

1970s. Our primary goal is to reconnect with fellow alumni and support our beloved

school, expressing gratitude to God for bringing us together so many years ago and for

the role SMACK has played in shaping who we are today. Our first major project was

collaborating with the SMACK Board of Governors and other stakeholders in 2018 to

construct the magnificent new Brother Kyemwa HSC Block.

Looking to the future

To ensure our support for SMACK’s infrastructural development is meaningful and

sustainable, in 2024, we partnered with the SMACK Board of Governors and the

Brothers of Christian Instruction (BCI) to establish the “SMACK Duc in Altum

Endowment Fund.” I call upon all SMACK alumni and well-wishers to contribute

whatever they can towards the school's development through this endowment fund.

Contributions can be made via the Centenary Bank Account listed on the endowment’s

website: www.smackendowment.com.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

Let us unite to give back to SMACK and help build a brighter future for generations to

come.

Duc in Altum