Across the world, many young athletes struggle to discover and develop their God given gifts because of misconceptions that sports are a distraction or a form of time wasting. In Uganda, this attitude has for many years slowed talent identification and development, especially where parents restrict children to classroom work alone.
Yet, football has become a proven driver of economic and social progress in countries that have embraced youth development. Uganda continues to make steady steps in this direction, supported by national policy guidance. The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni has consistently encouraged parents to allow young people to explore their abilities beyond the classroom. This message aligns with the broader national effort to uplift sports, including football.
FUFA has also played a central role in strengthening this positive culture of talent development. In 2021, there was public debate when teenage players on the national U17 team travelled for the AFCON finals in Rabat. Although the tournament was later cancelled due to Covid-19, the pathway established for these young players has since proved valuable. Their continued career progress is now evident for all to see, showing that investment in talent is never wasted.
Today, Uganda recently had about 48 young boys on national duty at both the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar and the Total Energies AFCON U17 CECAFA qualifiers in Ethiopia. Their performances have raised the national flag, inspired communities and opened doors for future opportunities. Understandably, some Ugandans have asked about balancing these achievements with the academic calendar. However, parents of the players have now come forward to encourage other families to support their children holistically in both academics and sport.
Moses Sserunyigo did not get the chance to pursue his own football dream because opportunities were limited during his childhood. He now fully supports his son Shakur Ngobi, who is in Ethiopia with the national U17 team. Sserunyigo follows Ngobi’s progress closely at school and on the pitch to ensure he grows academically and through his talent.
‘I did not get a chance of realising my dream for the sport I loved and when I got Ngobi who showed the talent and love, I had to make sure that he goes under the development. Parents should know that our children should be supported to grow into what they are capable of. Support them in both education and sports such that if one fails, the other lifts them,’ Sserunyigo says.
Ngobi is already a dependable member of coach Layrea Kingston’s squad, starting at right full back. He is a product of Elgon Doves Sports Academy owned by Kikwalo Ssemakula, father to Uganda’s teenage star Travis Mutyaba. He studies at Greenlight Islamic Nansana where, according to his father, his talent has ensured consistent support for his education.
Similarly, Irene Asiimwe is proud of her son Abdulshakur Baba, who is in Ethiopia for the CECAFA U17 AFCON qualifiers. A former netballer who never had the chance to progress due to limited opportunities in her time, she vowed never to restrict her children if they showed special gifts.
According to Asiimwe, Baba displayed talent from the age of four. She supported him through local kids’ tournaments before he was spotted by Lwanga while playing for Kamuli COU Primary School. He later joined Devine Primary School, then Janan and Buddo SS where he now studies on a bursary because of his talent.
‘It is not good for us parents to limit our children because what we might demand them to become might not be God’s plan for them. It is only good to support them in all aspects and guide them. I take much time on him (Baba) because I don’t want him to miss the way because even current footballers are educated. He has not become anyone yet in football, but I have already benefited because I do not hustle for his school dues,’ she says.
Simon Kiyega, father to Australian-born Ugandan midfielder Timothy Kiyega, who made Kingston’s provisional 25, also believes talent development is a process that requires parental support combined with the child’s determination and discipline.
The collective experiences of these parents highlight a steadily growing appreciation for sports in Uganda. Parents are encouraged to observe their children, listen to them and guide them rather than impose predetermined career paths. Children are not expected to choose a profession at age five, but they should be allowed to explore possibilities safely, with family support and opportunities provided at an early age.
FUFA continues to champion this positive approach, ensuring that young players develop both academically and through their sporting gifts, so that they grow into well-rounded citizens with bright futures.
