FUFA has officially confirmed the Schools of Excellence at the FUFA Complex in Mengo following a certificate signing ceremony held on Wednesday, 15th April 2026, marking a significant milestone in grassroots football development under the Technical Master Plan.
A total of 11 schools have been confirmed for the programme, with representation from the Kitara Region in the boys’ category still under evaluation.
Head teachers from the selected institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FUFA, formalising their commitment to the programme and its long-term objectives. Each school also received 10 footballs to support training and player development.
The ceremony was presided over by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, alongside 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, Deputy CEO Shebah Ronah Ampaire, and Football Development Director Mutyaba Bashir. The signing ceremony was witnessed by FUFA Legal Director Denis Lukambi.
FUFA is establishing the Schools of Excellence to nurture elite football talent within Uganda’s education system while strengthening structured talent identification and development pathways across the regions.
The partnership will see schools provide bursaries for players while FUFA supports the programme with technical staff, equipment, balls, and training kits, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.
A total of eight schools have been selected to run the boys’ programme, with one school representing each of the eight regions. However, the Kitara Region representative is yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, four schools will oversee the girls’ programme, each covering two regions.
For the boys’ programme, the selected schools are Jinja Senior Secondary School (Eastern), Kibuli Secondary School (Kampala), St. Joseph’s College Layibi (Northern), St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School (Western), St. Charles Lwanga Koboko (West Nile), Standard High School Ndejje Campus (Buganda), and Bukedea Comprehensive School (North East), with Kitara Region representation pending confirmation.
For the girls’ programme, the selected schools are Bishop Comboni College Kambuga (Western and Kitara), Amus College (North East and Eastern), Hopeful Future Secondary School (Buganda and Kampala), and Wisdom High School Akalo (Northern and West Nile).
Speaking at the event, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim highlighted the long-term vision behind the initiative.
‘We have been thinking about this programme for the last ten years. It has been on our to-do list, but for some reason we had not reached the level we are at today. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in your different capacities.’
He further emphasised that the Schools of Excellence will also be certified as academies.
‘Our strategy is that the Schools of Excellence will also receive certification as Grade Three academies. Under Ugandan law, to teach football, you must have that academy licence.’
Hon. Magogo also outlined the shared responsibilities between FUFA and the schools, noting that the federation will take on a parental role in supporting the learners.
‘The federation will take certain responsibilities outlined in the MOU, and the schools will also take theirs. Once these students are enrolled, FUFA will take responsibility for their scholastic materials. Essentially, the federation will act like a parent.’
Bukedea Comprehensive School Managing Director Jonas Gumisiriza expressed optimism about the programme.
‘We hope to benefit from FUFA’s responsibility to scout and identify talented players,’ he said.
He added that coaches will also be facilitated by FUFA, which addresses a major challenge for many schools.
The Schools of Excellence initiative is expected to strengthen structured talent identification, player development, and education pathways across Uganda.
