The FIFA Women’s Football Campaign has officially been launched in Lira City, marking the start of a three-day programme aimed at promoting and strengthening women’s football at grassroots level across Northern Uganda.
The campaign was launched on Thursday, 3rd September 2026 at Bonvia Hotel in Lira City and is being implemented by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) under the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programme. The launch was officially opened by FUFA Executive Committee Member Agnes Mugena.
The programme began with a Coaches’ Workshop facilitated by FIFA Women’s Football Expert Thuba Sibanda. The workshop is equipping coaches and football stakeholders with knowledge and skills to support the development of girls’ football in their communities.
The campaign will continue with the main Girls Football Festival in Lira on Friday, 4th September before concluding with another festival in Gulu City on Saturday, 5th September.
The FIFA Women’s Football Campaign is among FIFA’s initiatives aimed at promoting the women’s game, creating awareness and empowering girls through football in a friendly, inclusive and safe environment.
The programme promotes values including fair play, teamwork, hard work, healthy competition and fun while creating opportunities for young girls to build confidence, discover their talents and aspire to greater opportunities through football.
FUFA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sheba Ampaire Ronah delivered the opening remarks, welcoming participants and highlighting the importance of continued investment in the development of women’s football at grassroots level.
Speaking at the launch, FUFA Executive Committee Member Agnes Mugena appreciated FIFA for its continued support towards the development of women’s football in Uganda.
‘We thank FIFA for the support through its several FIFA women’s football programmes. We also thank the people of the Northern Region for turning up in good numbers,’ Mugena said.
She explained that the Northern Region was strategically selected because of the passion for women’s football and the existing foundation provided by clubs in the region.
‘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,’ she added.
She noted that grassroots programmes provide an important platform for identifying and nurturing young talent while giving more girls opportunities to develop through football.
FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to making football accessible to girls across the country.
‘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 said the campaign is designed to take football directly to communities while encouraging more people to embrace and support 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 emphasised the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for girls participating in football.
‘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 give girls an opportunity to participate in small-sided games in the 8-10, 11-12 and 13-14 age categories. The programme will also feature skills challenges and fun football activities aimed at developing basic football abilities while making participation enjoyable.
Participants will also benefit from awareness sessions on safeguarding, gender equality and career opportunities in women’s football.
The initiative builds on FIFA and FUFA Women’s Football Campaign activities previously conducted in West Nile in 2023 and Bukedea in 2025, further expanding the reach of grassroots women’s football development in Uganda.
Through the campaign, FIFA and FUFA are creating more opportunities for girls to play football, supporting talent identification and development, promoting positive attitudes towards women’s football and strengthening community involvement in the game.
The Northern Uganda edition is another step in FUFA’s commitment to taking women’s football development closer to communities and building a strong foundation for the next generation of female footballers.
