Kampala, Uganda – A new chapter in Ugandan school sports unfolded this morning as Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Eng. Moses Magogo and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among flagged off the national U-15 football teams set to represent the country at the CAF Schools Championship in Ghana.
The ceremonial send-off at Parliament Grounds marked a proud moment for Ugandan sports, with St. Mary's Kitende (boys) and St. Noa Girls School Zzana carrying the nation's hopes against seven other African contenders.
The third edition of this continental tournament carries more than just prestige – the winning school stands to claim a $300,000 grand prize, with all participating institutions guaranteed financial rewards. Speaker Among, visibly moved by the young athletes' dedication, made a surprise announcement of $5,000 support for each Ugandan team to bolster their final preparations. "You carry not just your schools' banners but the dreams of 45 million Ugandans," she told the gathered students, her voice thick with emotion.
Eng. Magogo highlighted the tournament's growing significance in nurturing future stars. "This platform has become our pipeline for discovering talent that will eventually wear the Uganda Cranes jersey," he explained, recalling how previous editions helped identify players now in national youth teams. The FUFA president emphasized that all benefits from the competition would directly support the participating schools' sports programs.
Speaker Among used the occasion to reaffirm Parliament's commitment to sports development, promising to advocate for increased budgetary allocations to school sports. Her remarks carried particular weight following recent debates about Uganda's sports funding. "We must invest in these young talents who put our nation on the map," she stated, before offering motherly advice: "Play with passion but remember – discipline makes the difference between good players and champions."
The teams depart with Uganda's hopes riding on their shoulders, their participation symbolizing the country's growing influence in African school sports. As the buses pulled away, Coach Jackson Mayanja of St. Mary's Kitende told reporters, "These boys and girls aren't just playing for trophies – they're showing Africa what Ugandan determination looks like." The tournament kicks off in Accra next week, with continental football scouts already circling what many consider the most promising generation of Ugandan school talent in decades.
Editor's Note: This year's CAF Schools Championship represents Uganda's strongest showing yet, with both qualifying schools boasting unbeaten records in national competitions. The government's visible support signals a potential turning point for school sports development in the country.
