Kawempe Muslim SS lifted the 2023 TICAD CUP 2023 Women’s Football Tournament, beating Jinja SS in the final on Sunday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The second edition of the tournament aimed at empowering women through sports saw Kawempe Muslim defeat Jinja SS 5-4 on penalties after normal time ended goalless.
Wakiso Hill SS finished third while the defending champions Kings of Kings finished fourth. New entrants Rwamwanja came fifth while Pagirinya finished in sixth place.
FUFA Deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza speaking at the closing ceremony.
“As FUFA, we are exceedingly happy to have this tournament for the second year. The tournament helps to bridge the gap between host communities with refugee settlements and one of our strategies is taking football to every homestead.” He said.
Margaret Kubingi, the Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) Chairperson who graced the closing ceremony was impressed with the level of competition.
“The performance from every team was excellent. There is definitely talent from refugee settlements and I was impressed with teams like Pagirinya and Rwamwanja.”
“Having them compete against established teams like Kawempe Muslim gives them a good test and helps them improve.’ She indicated.
Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) Country Representative Fukuhara Ichiro stated that the tournament has helped them reach out to communities through sports.
“As JICA, we do a lot of projects with communities and definitely this tournament has been a success for the two years it has been held. We promise to keep this project going and hope it will be bigger next year.’
JICA, TICAD, Soltilo Bright Stars FC, UNHCR, UN Women and FUFA made a joint effort to have the tournament held.
Tournament organizers also took time and had life skill sessions with the players covering aspects like menstrual health and Gender Based Violence among others.
Courtesy Photos
