The Aliguma Foundation has officially opened the Sunny Magezi Academy, a new beacon of hope for rural education and empowerment at its 15-acre Aliguma Foundation Sports and Empowerment Centre (AFSEC) in Kinuuma Village, Masindi District.
Carrying the motto “Where Every Child Shines,” the academy was launched in a colourful ceremony attended by local leaders, religious figures, U.S. Exchange Alumni, and hundreds of community members.
The milestone marks another stride in the Foundation’s mission to “transform lives through sports, education, and enterprise.”
Named in honour of the late parents of the Foundation’s Founder and CEO Ritah Aliguma, the school celebrates the values of compassion and education embodied by Mr. Magezi Steven Nyakana and Mrs. Sunny Nsungwa.
“This is a school the country can learn from,” said Aliguma.
“We’re introducing an integrated learning approach that combines academics, sports, and skills training, making education relevant, affordable, and transformative.”
Hon. Ronald Aled Akugizibwe, MP for Buruli County and Guest of Honour, hailed the initiative as “a beacon of hope,” adding: “Ritah has done what many only dream of.”
“Education is the greatest gift, and this proves that development can begin right here in rural Uganda.” He later planted a symbolic tree to promote environmental conservation.
District Education Officer Monica Kiiza pledged full government support and confirmed that the academy will soon be registered and licensed.
“It has every feature of a model school, and as Masindi District, we’re ready to support this dream,” she said.
The celebration came alive with performances by pupils from God’s Care Community School in Acholi Quarters, the academy’s sister school, featuring songs, dances, and skits celebrating the legacy of Sunny and Magezi.
Their energy and creativity reflected the academy’s focus on confidence, inclusivity, and community spirit.
Sunny Magezi Academy will offer both national and international curricula, emphasizing talent development, skills training, and innovation.
The first 50 parents to register their children received free uniforms as part of a community support drive.
Immaculate Owomugisha Blessing, President of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network, praised the Foundation’s work “What we see here in Kinuuma is breathtaking.”
“This is proof that global partnerships can spark real local transformation.”
The day ended with a lively football match, as Kinuuma FC beat Kabutukuru FC 3–1 on the new AFSEC pitch, a fitting close to a day filled with joy, pride, and unity.
The academy’s launch follows the Foundation’s third consecutive UEFA Foundation for Children grant, part of a €5 million global program supporting 72 projects across 80 countries, reaffirming its place among Africa’s most impactful community initiatives.
Built on love and inspired by legacy, Sunny Magezi Academy stands as a shining manifestation to how one dream can light up an entire community.
