Author: Ahmed Marsha

FIFA Lead for Women’s Football Development – Africa, Doreen Nabwire, has highlighted the rapid growth of the women’s game across the continent and the East African region during the launch of the FUFA Women Super League Commercial Strategy held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

Nabwire reflected on the limited opportunities previously available to women footballers, noting that despite strong regional potential, a lack of structures, exposure and development pathways hindered talent progression.

‘The women’s game has come a very long way, especially in this continent and this region. In previous generations, we had massive potential across East Africa, but due to lack of structures, opportunities and exposure, we were not able to showcase what the region had to offer,’ she said.

She described the challenge as both continental and global, but noted that women’s football has gained significant momentum in recent years.

Impact of FIFA Women’s World Cups on global growth

Nabwire pointed to the FIFA Women’s World Cups in France in 2019 and Australia and New Zealand in 2023 as major catalysts for the accelerated development of women’s football worldwide.

‘Following the success of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, women’s football is slowly gaining momentum across the world, this region and the continent itself has not been left behind,’ she noted.

She explained that the success of the tournaments prompted FIFA to introduce targeted development programmes aimed at strengthening the game at every level.

FIFA development initiatives and capacity building

Nabwire outlined FIFA’s comprehensive development framework, which spans grassroots participation through to national team football.

‘After the two successful World Cups, FIFA came up with development programmes to address different aspects of the game, from grassroots all the way to national teams,’ she said.

She highlighted ongoing initiatives including campaigns and festivals to increase the number of girls playing football globally, the introduction and strengthening of competitions and leagues, and capacity building for administrators and match officials.

Nabwire also emphasised FIFA’s focus on women in football leadership and governance.

‘We are also building capacity for women in football leadership and ensuring that women have voices on decision-making bodies that will champion the women’s game,’ she added.

Strengthening pathways for sustainable growth

Nabwire concluded by reiterating FIFA’s commitment to supporting Member Associations through structured programmes that create sustainable pathways for women’s football development, aligning grassroots participation with elite competition and leadership representation.

---

FIFA Head of Development Programmes – Africa, Solomon Mudege, has commended FUFA for its steady progress across infrastructure, governance and women’s football development during the launch of the FUFA Women Super League Commercial Strategy held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

Delivering greetings from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA General Secretary and senior FIFA leadership, Mudege expressed shared excitement for what he described as a key milestone within Uganda’s football ecosystem.

‘We have been inspired and impressed by FUFA’s activities. There has been significant progress,’ Mudege said.

Infrastructure growth and institutional transformation

Mudege highlighted FIFA’s recent engagements with FUFA facilities, including a visit to the Kadiba Technical Centre, where the Uganda U-20 women’s national team was preparing for upcoming competition, as well as the FUFA Complex, which he described as a modern, multi-purpose football hub.

‘We had the opportunity to see the works at Kadiba Technical Centre and also visit the FUFA Complex, which has been converted into one of the most technologically advanced and well-equipped facilities, including football television studios and radio stations. FUFA has a voice,’ he noted.

▶️ — Highlight

FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo yesterday received a FIFA delegation upon their arrival in the country ahead of the FUFA Women Super League Commercialisation Strategy Workshop taking place today 10th February 2026 at Imperial Royale Hotel.#WatchHerRise |… pic.twitter.com/WEMzjT6qm4

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 10, 2026

He added that FUFA’s communication reach has expanded beyond Kampala and expressed optimism about its future regional footprint.

‘I look forward to the day when I turn on a radio station in Harare and listen to FUFA radio,’ he said.

FIFA partnership and development support

Mudege said FIFA’s continued collaboration with FUFA reflects recognition of the Federation’s efforts, noting the role of FIFA Forward and the Women’s Football Development Programme in advancing football across Uganda and the wider African continent.

‘It is acknowledgement of these efforts that FIFA continues to work with FUFA to make more advancements in Ugandan football. From the development side, we are pleased to engage through FIFA Forward and our Women’s Football Development Programme,’ he said.

He further acknowledged the contribution of FIFA development staff supporting FUFA and other African Member Associations.

Unlocking women’s football potential through commercialisation

Turning attention to the FUFA Women Super League Commercial Strategy, Mudege encouraged stakeholders to embrace the opportunity to elevate women’s football in Uganda through sustainable commercial growth.

‘FUFA and its stakeholders should be proud of what has been achieved. We now look forward to this next challenge of implementing the Super League commercial strategy and ensuring it benefits all women football players in Uganda,’ he stated.

He expressed hope that the strategy would create clear talent development pathways from grassroots to elite level and translate into improved performances by the Crested Cranes on the continental and global stage.

‘May this strategy unlock the potential of women’s football in Uganda and lead to talent pathways from the grassroots right up to the Super League. May this also be reflected in the performances of the Crested Cranes, not only in Africa but beyond,’ Mudege added.

Continued FIFA support and stakeholder engagement

Mudege reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development in Uganda and called upon stakeholders to actively contribute to the success of the strategy.

‘We are proud of what FUFA has achieved and we take it as a challenge to support it further. As has been said, we can all be involved by attending matches and supporting in our different domains to ensure success,’ he concluded.

Early beginnings and growth of the women’s game

FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to women’s football, highlighting commercial growth, infrastructure development and deliberate investment in the girl child during the launch of the FUFA Women Super League Commercial Strategy held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

Investing in Women Football in Uganda#WatchHerRise | #WomenFootballUG pic.twitter.com/ab96YT2p6g

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 10, 2026

Reflecting on the origins of women’s football in Uganda, Hon. Magogo noted that the journey began at a time when girls had limited opportunities and were forced to play alongside boys due to the absence of organised teams.

‘Women’s football has had a very long journey here in this country. At a time when there were few girls who wanted to play football, the only option they had was to play with the boys. Eventually, teams were formed, competitions followed and stars were born. That is how we arrived where we are today,’ he said.

FIFA confidence and strategic development

Hon. Magogo commended individuals and institutions that have contributed to the growth of the women’s game and thanked FIFA for selecting Uganda, alongside Romania, as the only two countries globally to pilot the women’s football commercialisation project.

‘This shows the confidence FIFA has in what we have done here. We want to thank FIFA and convey our appreciation to President Gianni Infantino on behalf of the football people of Uganda,’ he noted.

He explained that FUFA’s strategic approach, supported by government backing, improved commercial capacity and increased FIFA resources, has enabled the Federation to strengthen programmes and professionalise competitions.

‘Sometimes progress is slow, but that is the right way. Football needs money at all levels, and over time we have been able to build our commercial skills, receive government support and benefit from increased FIFA funding,’ Hon. Magogo said.

Legal framework, infrastructure and commercialisation

The FUFA President stressed the importance of legal protection and infrastructure in commercialising football, noting that rights protection and facilities are fundamental to attracting investment.

‘You cannot commercialise when your rights are not protected by law, and you cannot package football without infrastructure. Through engagement with stakeholders and government, we now have pieces of infrastructure that make commercialisation possible,’ he added.

He further outlined FUFA’s strategy of expanding grassroots reach, professionalising elite competitions and pursuing international excellence as key pillars of sustainable growth.

Cultural shift and opportunities for the girl child

Hon. Magogo highlighted a significant cultural shift in Uganda, where communities now broadly accept that girls can play football, access education through the sport and pursue professional careers.

‘Today, parents and relatives have accepted that a girl child can play football, get education and even earn a living. That, for me, is a big success,’ he said.

He emphasised that the next phase focuses on establishing properly structured clubs capable of providing facilities, welfare, motivation and technical instruction, while noting that football remains a costly investment.

‘For these girls to develop properly, we need professional clubs, and for that to happen, we need resources. Football does not come cheap,’ he stated.

Governance reforms and intentional support for women’s football

Reaffirming FUFA’s deliberate commitment to women’s football, Hon. Magogo cited governance reforms that have increased female representation across the General Assembly, Executive Committee and Secretariat, alongside the implementation of the Women in Football programme.

‘I have been clear at continental level that we must support women’s football. As a federation, we are intentional about this, and we have deliberately increased women’s participation in our structures,’ he said.

Call to stakeholders

Hon. Magogo concluded by urging stakeholders, institutions and individuals to continue supporting the girl child and investing in women’s football.

‘This is my appeal to all of you, to support the girl child in every way possible, because you are giving another Ugandan the opportunity to benefit from their God-given talent,’ he concluded.

Uganda’s U-20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, were held to a 1–1 draw by Zambia in the first leg of the third round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, on Saturday evening.

Queen Cranes captain Agnes Nabukenya gave Uganda the lead in the 23rd minute. A well-delivered cross from the left found Mary Kantono inside the box, who laid the ball off for Nabukenya to fire home a powerful effort, sending the hosts into the interval with a narrow advantage.

Zambia drew level in the 59th minute through Edith Phiri, who tapped in from close range after the Queen Cranes failed to clear a free kick.

Uganda pushed forward in search of a winner and created several opportunities. Mary Kantono came close after capitalising on an error by the Zambian goalkeeper, but her effort struck the side netting. Nabukenya was later denied by the crossbar after curling a well-taken free kick.

Zambia’s defence stood firm to ensure the encounter ended all square.

Speaking after the match, Queen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes highlighted the positives despite missing out on victory.

‘It was a good display. The team was prepared for the physicality and speed of our opponents, and I think they played well. We have taken positives from the match, although we had hoped to secure a win. Their height played a role in their goal.’

She added that the technical team will focus on improving the handling of first and second balls ahead of the return leg.

‘Zambia will approach the return leg in the same way. We need to find solutions to deal with first and second balls more effectively, but I do not anticipate making major changes to our approach.’

Uganda will travel to Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Zambia for the return leg on 14th February 2026. The aggregate winner will advance to the fourth round, where they will face the winner between Ghana and South Africa.

The Uganda U-20 Women’s National Team (Queen Cranes) will host Zambia on Saturday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, in the first leg of the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 PM.

The Queen Cranes completed their final training session today following two weeks of preparations, and head into the crucial third-round encounter confident and eager and focused on securing a positive result at home.

Speaking after the session, head coach Sheryl Botes said the focus was on fine-tuning tactical details.

‘The key for us today was to finalise everything we have been working on over the past two weeks, especially our defensive and offensive transitions that we can rely on in the match.’ Botes said.

The coach added that the mood in camp is positive, with the players keen to get the match underway.

‘The confidence is good and the girls are excited. At some point it starts feeling like it’s taking too long — now we just want to play. Everyone wants to win,’ she added.

The team will be captained by Agnes Nabukenya, assisted by Barbra Anomo and Lilian Nakiirya.

Team captain Nabukenya expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, noting that the players are prepared for the demands of the third-round contest.

‘All the players are ready. The coaches have given us everything we need to compete and aim for victory, with God’s help,’ Nabukenya said.

Uganda will host the first leg at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, with free entrance for fans. The Queen Cranes will then travel to Zambia for the return leg on 14th February 2026.

---

The Queens Cranes squad has continued with preparations for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers today at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

Uganda is set to host the first fixture of the two-legged affair against Zambia on 7th February 2026 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, with the second leg scheduled for 14^th February 2026 in Zambia.

The winner on aggregate after the two legs will advance to the next round of the qualifiers.

The Queens Cranes squad has continued with preparations for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers today at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

Uganda is set to host the first fixture of the two-legged affair against Zambia on 7th February 2026 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, with the second leg scheduled for 14^th February 2026 in Zambia.

The winner on aggregate after the two legs will advance to the next round of the qualifiers.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is set to launch a pilot Commercial Strategy under the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programme on Tuesday, 10th February 2026 at Imperial Royale.  The programme will run from 9am-2pm.

This initiative supported by FIFA aims to boost the commercial value of women’s football, providing guidance on commercialisation and discussing strategies with member associations.

The commercial strategy will focus on strengthening sponsorship planning, marketing frameworks, and sustainable revenue models for leagues and clubs.

The FIFA delegation of experts and staff from the regional office in Kigali will grace the launch.

FUFA Director of Communications, Ahmed Hussein, highlighted that this launch marks a significant step in building sustainable women’s football structures, investing in governance, capacity building and commercial frameworks.’ noted Hussein

The participants have been drawn from Government, business sector, current and potential sponsors of women football, clubs, media, former and current players and cultural institutions.  

‘FUFA will roll out a Commercial Strategy Pilot Programme to strengthen the commercial foundations of women’s football through structured sponsorship planning, marketing frameworks and sustainable revenue models for leagues and clubs’

This move is expected to create more opportunities for girls and women in football, aligning with FIFA’s Women’s Football Strategy 2024–2027.

FUFA has benefited from various FIFA programmes, contributing to Uganda’s growth as a model for women’s football development in Africa

FIFA’s structured support has helped Uganda become a model for women’s football development in Africa, directly contributing to the growth of leagues and the success of national teams.

---

▶️ Message to Sponsors by Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Annet Mulindwa Nakawunde ahead of the launch of the FUFA Women Football Commercial Strategy launch.#WomenFootballUG pic.twitter.com/PdiQBvdIQ2

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 4, 2026

▶️ ‘We believe that by supporting women in football, we are empowering communities.’

Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Annet Mulindwa Nakawunde ahead of the launch of the FUFA Women Football Commercial Strategy.#WomenFootballUG pic.twitter.com/n6OWke6Yxm

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) February 4, 2026

The Queens Cranes squad has continued with preparations for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers today at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

Uganda is set to host the first fixture of the two-legged affair against Zambia on 7th February 2026 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, with the second leg scheduled for 14^th February 2026 in Zambia.

The winner on aggregate after the two legs will advance to the next round of the qualifiers.

---

Angel Auki Kigongo’s presence in the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, camp marks another important milestone in a journey shaped by resilience, discipline and quiet determination.

Born in Entebbe and raised in Kajjansi, with family roots in Pakwach, Auki was introduced to responsibility at an early age following the loss of her father when she was seven. As the fourth-born in a family of six, hardship became part of her formative years, a reality that would later define her character both on and off the pitch.

Her pathway into football was unconventional. Growing up in an environment where girls’ participation in the sport was discouraged, Auki faced resistance at home. She initially took up athletics before discovering football in Primary Three, a turning point that would eventually lead her to national team consideration.

Football soon became more than a game. Through football bursaries, Auki was able to progress academically, with the sport supporting her education from primary level through to secondary school.

‘My father was a footballer, and although I lost him early, I believe that inspired me,’ Auki recalls.
‘I started playing by joining boys of my age, without boots or formal coaching.’

Her talent became evident during her primary school years at Kitende Primary School, where she featured on the boys’ team. It was during the Entebbe football nationals that her potential was identified by Mr Ivan, then team manager of St Noah Primary School, a moment that proved to be a key step in her development.

Auki later joined Rines Secondary School before transferring to Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, where she completed both her O and A Level education. Her football development was further strengthened under the guidance of Coach Alex Kalema, who introduced her to Kick It Soccer Academy.

‘Coach Kalema played a key role in my development,’ she notes.
‘The environment he created, especially for young girls, motivated me to fully commit to football.’

Now part of the Queen Cranes camp, Auki views the call-up as both an honour and a responsibility. Despite her steady rise, she explains that she did not grow up with a defined role model, instead focusing on balancing education and football. In recent years, she has drawn inspiration from the playing style of Mohamed Salah.

Having completed Senior Six, Auki is currently focused on contributing positively to the Queen Cranes in the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, while continuing her club football journey with Uganda Martyrs Lubaga Women’s Football Club.

Her achievements include winning the 2023 Women’s Cup with Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga after defeating She Maroons, as well as earning a place in the FUFA Women Super League Best XI at the FUFA Awards.

Like many players in camp, her journey has not been without setbacks. A serious knee injury once threatened to derail both her football career and education. Through determination and support, she successfully returned to the pitch.

‘At that moment, it felt like everything was at risk,’ she says.
‘Football has given me the opportunity to be where I am today.’

While modest about her influence, Auki encourages parents to support young girls with an interest in football.

‘For some girls, football is more than a game. It is a calling,’ she emphasises.

One of her most cherished memories came during the Women’s Cup final, when a cross she delivered from the bench was converted by Nagadya Catherine to secure the club’s first title.

As she continues to train with the Queen Cranes, Angel Auki Kigongo’s story reflects not only personal resilience, but also the growing pathway for young women in Ugandan football, from the grassroots to the national stage.

The retired FIFA referee and sports administrator Madam Catherine Adipo today conducted an orientation session for the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, ahead of their third round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia.

The match is scheduled for Saturday 7th February 2026 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.

The afternoon session was held at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi and focused on key aspects of match officiating and decision making. Particular emphasis was placed on the goalkeepers’ eight-second rule, which requires a goalkeeper to release the ball within eight seconds of controlling it with the hands. Other areas covered included offside positions, quick decision making, especially by goalkeepers, and common errors committed during matches.

Madam Adipo urged the players to pay close attention to the guidance provided by their coaches, noting that a national team brings together players from different clubs who must quickly align to play for a shared objective and represent the country with discipline and unity.

The Uganda U20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes, have shifted their residential camp to FUFA Hotel, Kisaasi, as preparations continue for the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia.

The Queen Cranes will host Zambia on Friday 7th February 2026 at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before travelling for the return leg scheduled for 14th February 2026 in Zambia.

The move to Kisaasi brings to an end a seven-day residential training camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, which involved a squad of 29 players.

The team departed Njeru on Saturday afternoon following a friendly match against Rays of Grace U14 boys, which ended in a 4–1 defeat. The Queen Cranes’ goal was scored by Angel Auki Kigongo.

Queen Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Botes noted that the camp in Njeru was largely focused on improving the players’ endurance levels.

‘We started on Sunday with double training sessions and tried to maximise the number of sessions. The key performance focus during this period was improving the girls’ endurance levels,’ said Botes.

Coach Botes further expressed her appreciation for the facilities at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

‘I am really grateful for the time we spent at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, where we had full access to the pitch. This allowed us to conduct double training sessions and greatly contributed to the players’ improvement,’ she added.