On Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, the Ugandan football community gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women to the sport at the inaugural Women in Football Bonanza.
Held under the theme “Football a Vehicle for National Development and Unity,” the event also served as a platform to explore new avenues for empowering women in football.
FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim, First FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha, Third FUFA Vice President Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi, and FUFA Executive Committee Members graced the occasion.
Moderated by CAF and FIFA Referees Instructor Catherine Adipo, the panel discussions featured a diverse range of speakers, including former Crested Cranes defender Jean Sseninde, She Corporate FC Chairman Richard Kawere, FUFA Club Licensing Manager Sheila Nakagwa, and more.
The final panel delved into the business aspects of football, with panelists including Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Ann Nakawunde Mulindwa, Julius Mugisa – Chairman Lady Doves FC, Helen Nakimuli – Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District, Roy Ronald Tumwizere – Brand Manager Guinness Uganda. The panel was moderated by FUFA Executive Committee Member and Head of Marketing & Communications Committee Rogers Byamukama.
What FUFA and CAF said
FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo expressed his gratitude for the significant progress of women’s football in Uganda.
“I am proud of how far we have come. The start was never easy, but to see that men and women who have dedicated their lives to football are being recognized at special events like this one brings me immense satisfaction,” he stated.
“As FUFA, we have been committed to promoting women in football, including increasing their representation in the FUFA Assembly, employing them at FUFA, and empowering the women’s football leagues and national teams, among other initiatives,” he concluded.
Meskerem from CAF commended FUFA for providing a platform for women to showcase their abilities, encouraged more women to pursue careers in football despite the challenges, and called for increased funding for women’s football initiatives.
“I am grateful to FUFA for inviting me to this momentous occasion as we celebrate Women in Football. I am incredibly impressed with what I have witnessed here in Uganda,” she began.
“Working in football comes with its own set of challenges, but I have never given up, recognizing that giving up would deprive the next generation of a chance to shine. I urge sponsors to please invest and support women’s football, as the returns are always immense,” Meskerem added.
What the Guest of Honor said
Guest of Honor Dr. Aisha Kasolo urged women to remain steadfast and focused despite working in a male-dominated industry.
“Participating in this sport does not diminish your identity as a woman. We must mentor these women to aspire beyond boundaries, excelling not only in Uganda but globally. Success as a woman requires courage; to overcome barriers, you must surpass expectations set for men,” she asserted.
She pledged to provide 150M to FUFA to support Women in Football activities.
Hon. Nakiwala, the chairperson of the event’s organizing committee, indicated that this was the beginning of even greater things to come in the near future.
“I am thrilled that we have been able to organize such a well-coordinated event. The success of this Bonanza will only be a spark for more activities and opportunities for women in football,” she declared.
The stars of the night
Several individuals were recognized for their contributions to the game during the evening.
Rebecca Namyalo Kazibwe (RIP), also known as Maama Becca, received a posthumous award for her dedication to football. She pioneered women’s football in Uganda in the early 1990s at Nakivubo Blue Primary School.
Annet Nakimbugwe was honored for her outstanding contributions to football. She played for the Crested Cranes at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and is the mother of Hasifah Nassuna.
Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi, the head coach of Queen Cranes and Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, was also recognized for his significant contributions to women’s football in Uganda.
He has coached numerous players over the years and continues to do so today. Kiyingi has served as coach of all Uganda Women National Football Teams at various times.
Paul Ssali, also known as Gogolimbo, a pioneer of women’s football in Uganda, was also honored. Ssali founded Kampala United WFC, a team that produced numerous players.
He also served as manager of the Crested Cranes between 2016 and 2022.
