The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has today handed over scholastic materials to participating Schools of Excellence, marking a key milestone in the implementation of the FUFA Schools of Excellence Programme.
The handover ceremony was held at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba and was led by the FUFA Executive Secretary for Football Development, Ronnie Kalema alongside the Football Development Director, Bashir Mutyaba.
Five of the eight selected schools in the boys’ category were represented at the function, namely Bukedea Comprehensive School, St. Joseph’s College Layibi, Kabalega Secondary School, Jinja Senior Secondary School and Standard High School Zana (Ndejje Campus).
The Schools of Excellence Programme is one of FUFA’s flagship initiatives under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, aimed at identifying, nurturing and developing young football talent across the country while ensuring their academic growth.
Speaking at the event, FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba emphasized that the programme is built on a clear philosophy of ‘finding, training and playing talent.’
He noted that FUFA has already implemented a structured Talent Identification framework and developed a comprehensive football curriculum covering both practical and theoretical learning. This is supported by a player tracking system, specialized coaching programs and capacity-building initiatives in youth coaching, conditioning and goalkeeping.
‘We are guided by the philosophy of finding the talent, training the talent, and playing the talent. So far, we have enrolled 148 players in the Schools of Excellence, and this programme will serve as a pathway into the FUFA National Academy and our youth national teams.’ Said Bashir Mutyaba
Representatives from participating schools commended FUFA for fulfilling its commitment to support student-athletes.
At Standard High School Zana, the school has already integrated selected players into its system, offering full bursaries to about 30 students identified through the programme. School officials highlighted that the provision of scholastic materials will significantly ease the learners’ academic journey and help them focus both in class and on the pitch.
‘We are very grateful to FUFA for this opportunity. These players are now part of our school on full bursary, and the provision of scholastic materials will help them concentrate in class as they also strive to perform on the pitch,’ said Awuye Yusuf Sulaiman, Director of Co-curricular Activities.
The initiative was widely praised for promoting holistic development among young players.
School administrators stressed that the programme not only supports football growth but also improves students’ academic standards, social well-being and long-term career prospects. They highlighted the importance of preparing players for life after football, ensuring they have the knowledge and qualifications to succeed beyond their playing careers.
‘This initiative shows that FUFA not only cares about football but also about academics. It will improve the learners’ academic standards and prepare them for life after football,’ noted Mr. Otti Nyeko Walter, Head Teacher of St. Joseph’s College Layibi.
Similarly, Bukedea Comprehensive School Managing Director Jonas Gumisiriza highlighted the long-term value of education:
‘Talent has a limit, but education is what sustains you after football. These materials will remind the learners that academics are equally important.’
One student beneficiary shared his ambition of becoming a professional footballer while also pursuing a career in medicine, reflecting the dual focus of the programme on sports excellence and academic success.
‘We are very lucky to be part of this programme. It gives us the chance to develop our talent while continuing with our studies. I want to become a professional footballer, but also a doctor,’ said Etyan Simon, a Senior One student at Standard High School Zana.
