The Women in Football Symposium was held on Wednesday, 9th September 2026 at Skyz Protea Hotel, Kampala, bringing together players, coaches, referees, administrators, media personalities and other stakeholders to celebrate and recognise contributions to women’s football.
The symposium provided a platform to discuss the continued development of women’s football while highlighting the contribution of different stakeholders to the growth of the game.
Speaking at the symposium, FUFA 2nd Vice President Dr. Azah Taibu said the event provided an opportunity to celebrate not only the players but everyone contributing to the development of the women’s game.
‘We have come here today together to celebrate not only football, but to celebrate the women who play football. The women who put their touch on the game. But beyond that, we celebrate those who coach them, those who referee them, those who mentor them, and those who train them every single day,’ she said.
Dr. Taibu also commended Finance Trust Bank for its support towards women’s football, noting the impact of commercial investment in creating opportunities for women and girls.
‘The touch you put in women’s football inspires young girls, builds dreams, but also creates opportunities for women to survive, to thrive, to inspire and to shine,’ she said.
She further called upon the media to play a positive role in promoting women’s football and creating greater visibility for the game.
‘Our call for action for the media is to positively report on women’s football, to continuously use their platforms to create opportunities, to create dreams, but also inspire young girls to join this game. Football is a business. A business that young girls can grow into and become powerful, independent, but also very rich young ladies in this country,’ Dr. Taibu added.
Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Ms. Annet Mulindwa Nakawunde said the bank’s involvement in women’s football had provided an opportunity to appreciate the talent and effort invested by players.
She recalled attending the first Women in Football Symposium and subsequently watching women’s football matches, which strengthened the bank’s commitment to the partnership.
‘It is a rare thing to see women play. And I want to thank Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, who entrusted the bank to find a place to sponsor this event.’
‘When we attended the symposium, the first one at Sheraton, it felt great. It felt nice. We said this is the right place. Then the games started. I said, okay, for me, I had never went to the field to watch. And these girls could play. We shall forever support this partnership.’
Nakawunde also announced that Finance Trust Bank would provide employment opportunities to individuals who come through football, while encouraging players to develop a culture of saving.
‘Anybody who wants a job in the bank, but coming through football, we shall hire. As you earn, please save your money. Save the money in Finance Trust Bank. Let that money create value for you,’ she added.
The keynote address was delivered by the Head of Economic Policy Communication at Bank of Uganda, Pumla Nabachwa, who made a presentation to participants about the importance of developing a saving culture and achieving financial independence beyond the game.
The symposium also featured the presentation of awards to individuals who made notable contributions to women’s football during the 2025/26 season.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC forward Agnes Nabukenya was named the Women in Football Symposium Best Player, while her coach Ayub Khalifa received the Best Coach award.
Rines SS WFC youngster Justine Ayerango was recognised as the Upcoming Player, while referee Shamirah Nabadda received the Achiever’s Award.
Akena Isaac was named Best Fan, while the Women in Football Symposium Best XI for the 2025/26 season was also recognised.
The Best XI comprised Saidat Namwanje in goal, Samalie Nakacwa, Hadijah Babirye, Alima Nambafu, Auki Kigongo, Catherine Nagadya, Agnes Nabukenya, Vanessa Namazzi, Jesca Namanda, Latifah Nakasi and Joanita Ainembabazi.
Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Ms. Annet Mulindwa Nakawunde and FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi received FUFA Special Recognition Awards for their leadership and contribution to the advancement of women’s football through commercial support and leadership in the game respectively.
The media fraternity was also recognised, with Mulangwa Ismail of Bukedde Paper, Kamira Asha of Zaabu Sports and Makhtum Muziransa of Daily Monitor receiving awards for their contribution to women’s football coverage.
The symposium provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of players while recognising the contribution of coaches, referees, administrators, media and other stakeholders to the continued growth of women’s football in Uganda.
Women in Football Symposium 2025/26 award winners
- FUFA Special Recognition Award: Ms. Annet Mulindwa Nakawunde – Managing Director, Finance Trust Bank
- FUFA Special Recognition Award: Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi – FUFA 3rd Vice President
- Media Personality: Mulangwa Ismail – Bukedde Paper
- Female Media Personality: Kamira Asha – Zaabu Sports
- Media Personality: Makhtum Muziransa – Daily Monitor
- Achiever’s Award: Shamirah Nabadda – Referee
- Upcoming Player: Justine Ayerango – Rines SS WFC
- Best Fan: Akena Isaac
- Best Coach: Ayub Khalifa – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
- Best Player: Agnes Nabukenya – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
- Best XI: Saidat Namwanje (GK), Samalie Nakacwa, Hadijah Babirye, Alima Nambafu, Auki Kigongo, Catherine Nagadya, Agnes Nabukenya, Vanessa Namazzi, Jesca Namanda, Latifah Nakasi and Joanita Ainembabazi
