Uganda and CECAFA champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC were officially flagged off by FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha at FUFA House on Thursday morning ahead of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt.
The team will make history as the first Ugandan club to compete in the continental tournament, scheduled to take place in Cairo from 1st to 15th November 2026.
As part of its support, FUFA provided Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC with 30 return air tickets to facilitate the team’s participation in the competition.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mugisha congratulated the club on earning the opportunity to represent Uganda, highlighting its sustained success in domestic football.
‘Congratulations to Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC on reaching this important milestone. Winning the league six times is no small achievement; it reflects years of hard work, commitment and consistency. You have earned this opportunity, and you deserve to be on this stage,’ Mugisha said.
He challenged the team to approach the competition with confidence and ambition as they prepare to face some of the continent’s leading clubs.
‘You have not reached this stage by chance. Go to Egypt, represent Uganda with pride and compete against the best. We believe in your ability to make a strong impression and fly the Ugandan flag high,’ he added.
Mugisha also highlighted the progress of women’s football in Uganda, noting that deliberate efforts to develop the game had created opportunities for clubs to grow and compete at the highest level.
‘Since the league was introduced in 2015, women’s football in Uganda has continued to grow through deliberate efforts to strengthen the game. Kawempe’s achievement is part of that progress and demonstrates what sustained investment and commitment can deliver,’ he said.
He reaffirmed FUFA’s commitment to supporting women’s football and pledged to engage government on the need for increased financial support for women’s clubs.
‘FUFA stands with Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and will continue supporting the growth of women’s football. We shall also engage government on the need to extend funding to women’s football clubs, similar to the support provided to Uganda Premier League clubs, so that our women’s teams can become more competitive and sustainable,’ Mugisha said.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC head coach Ayub Khalifa described the qualification as a significant milestone for the club, the school, the players and everyone who has contributed to its journey since 2015.
‘This is a proud moment for Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and everyone who has been part of our journey. Since 2015, the club has worked hard to grow, and reaching the CAF Women’s Champions League is a reward for that commitment. We are grateful to FUFA for the timely support with our travel arrangements, and the team has prepared well for the challenge ahead. We go to Egypt determined to compete and represent Uganda with pride,’ Khalifa said.
He further thanked FUFA for providing the return air tickets, noting that the support had helped the club prepare for its continental assignment.
Assistant captain Sharifah Nakimera called upon Ugandans to rally behind the team as it prepares to represent the country on the continental stage.
‘We are ready for this challenge, and we call upon all Ugandans to support us as we represent our country. Your encouragement will mean a lot to the team,’ Nakimera said.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC will compete in Group B alongside Moroccan side AS FAR, Mali’s USFAS and the representative from the WAFU B zone as they make their debut at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
