Uganda has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 CAF African Schools Championship CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, set for December 6–9, 2025.
The announcement was made by Jean Sseninde, Interim Executive Director of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), who revealed the tournament had been moved from Ethiopia to Uganda.
“We are happy to announce that Uganda will host the CECAFA Zone qualifiers. This is a vital competition that gives young players a platform to compete at zonal level, and we thank Uganda for accepting to host,” Sseninde said.
The championship will feature ten boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams from across the region, all eyeing a spot at the continental finals.
At the official draw held on November 10 at the FUFA Studio in Mengo, Kawempe Muslim Secondary School (Girls) and St. Mary’s Kitende (Boys) were confirmed as Uganda’s representatives.
Group Allocations
Kawempe Muslim were drawn in Group A with Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda. Group B features Tanzania (last year’s runners-up), Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Djibouti.
In the boys’ category, St. Mary’s Kitende will face Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, and South Sudan in Group A, while Group B includes defending champions Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, and Zanzibar.
Uganda’s Track Record
Ugandan schools have enjoyed great success in the competition.
Last year, St. Noa Girls Secondary School won gold at the CECAFA qualifiers before taking silver at the continental finals.
St. Mary’s Kitende also finished runners-up to Tanzania in the boys’ event, qualifying for the grand finals in Accra.
Beyond Football
The tournament will also host several CAF capacity-building programs, including the Young Reporters, Young Referees, Young Medical Officers, CAF D License Coaching, and Safeguarding workshops, all aimed at nurturing future football professionals in the region.
CECAFA’s Strong Legacy
Since its launch in 2022 by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, CECAFA teams have dominated the African Schools Championship.
Guinea’s CS Ben Sekou Sylla won the inaugural boys’ title in Durban, while Tanzania’s Fountain Gate School took the girls’ crown.
In 2024, Tanzania defended the boys’ title in Zanzibar, and South Africa lifted the girls’ trophy.
Earlier this year in Ghana, Tanzania made it three in a row for the boys as hosts Ghana edged Uganda to win the girls’ final.
