Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC have made history by becoming the first Ugandan club to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League after defeating Kenya Police Bullets 1-0 in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers in Kigali on Monday.
Agnes Nabukenya scored the decisive goal in extra time to seal a landmark victory for the six-time Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League champions and secure Uganda a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The final was a closely contested affair, with both sides sharing possession during a goalless first half.
Kawempe came close to breaking the deadlock when Nabukenya stepped up to take a free-kick just outside the penalty area after the Police Bullets goalkeeper handled the ball outside her box. However, her effort failed to produce the opening goal as the teams went into the break level.
After the restart, Kawempe continued to push forward in search of a breakthrough. Jovia Nakagolo came close in the 75th minute as the Ugandan champions increased the pressure, but the Police Bullets defence remained resolute.
With neither side able to find the decisive goal in regulation time, the match went into extra time with a place at the CAF Women’s Champions League at stake.
Kawempe’s persistence finally paid off in the 100th minute when they broke the deadlock.
Anita Namata headed the ball into the six-yard area, where Nabukenya reacted quickly to fire past the Police Bullets goalkeeper and put Kawempe ahead.
The goal proved decisive as Kawempe held on to secure a historic victory and become the first Ugandan club to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Kawempe’s impressive campaign was further reflected in the individual awards, with goalkeeper Saidat Namwanje named Best Goalkeeper, while captain Agnes Nabukenya was crowned Most Valuable Player of the CECAFA Qualifiers.
The historic qualification caps an outstanding campaign for Kawempe, who went unbeaten throughout the CECAFA Qualifiers without conceding a single goal.
The achievement adds another milestone to the club’s remarkable history. Kawempe have won six Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League titles since claiming their first championship in 2015 and have established themselves as one of the leading forces in Ugandan women’s football.
Their continental qualification also underlines the continued growth of women’s football in Uganda and the increasing competitiveness of the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC will now represent Uganda at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, marking a landmark achievement for the club and another significant milestone for Ugandan women’s football.
