The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has launched the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign in Lira City, beginning a three-day programme aimed at promoting grassroots women’s football across Northern Uganda.
The campaign was officially launched on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Bonvia Hotel in Lira City, under the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programme. FUFA Executive Committee Member Agnes Mugena officially opened the programme.
The initiative started with a coaches’ workshop led by FIFA Women’s Football Expert Thuba Sibanda. The workshop is equipping coaches and football stakeholders with skills and knowledge to support the development of girls’ football within their communities.
The programme continues Friday with a Girls Football Festival in Lira before moving to Gulu City on Saturday for the final festival.
According to FUFA, the campaign is designed to expand access to football for girls while creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where young players can develop their skills, confidence and aspirations.
FUFA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sheba Ampaire Ronah delivered the opening remarks, welcoming participants and emphasising the importance of sustained investment in women’s football at grassroots level.
Mugena thanked FIFA for its continued support of women’s football development in Uganda and applauded residents of Northern Uganda for their strong turnout.
She said the Northern Region was deliberately selected because of its passion for women’s football and the growing number of clubs providing a foundation for the game.
“We strategically chose the Northern Region because people of the North love women’s football, and it is evident with the already established clubs. We want to build women’s football from the grassroots. We want to see many Aturo Ruth’s from this region,” Mugena said.
FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba said the Federation remains committed to ensuring that girls across Uganda have opportunities to participate in football.
“We are looking to develop women’s football countrywide. We have the TMP for mass football, and we want every girl to have access to play football,” Mutyaba said.
He added that the campaign is intended to take football directly into communities while increasing awareness and support for the women’s game.
“The campaign involves taking the game to the people and sensitising the people to love women’s football,” he said.
Mutyaba also stressed the importance of safeguarding young players and creating environments where girls can participate without fear of abuse or other risks.
“We need to create a safe culture and sensitise people about avoiding the risks involved. We also need to sensitise them that football can be a vehicle to success,” he added.
The Northern Uganda edition will feature small-sided games for girls in the 8–10, 11–12 and 13–14 age categories. Participants will also take part in skills challenges and fun football activities designed to improve basic football abilities while keeping the experience enjoyable.
The programme also includes awareness sessions on safeguarding, gender equality and career opportunities within women’s football.
The campaign builds on previous FIFA and FUFA Women’s Football Campaign activities held in West Nile in 2023 and Bukedea in 2025, extending grassroots women’s football development to more communities across Uganda.
Through the initiative, FIFA and FUFA are seeking to create more opportunities for girls to play football, identify and nurture young talent, promote positive attitudes towards women’s football and strengthen community involvement.
