Uganda’s Women in Football Celebrated at 2026 Women’s Football Symposium -

Uganda’s women’s football fraternity came together at Skyz Protea Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, September 9, for the inaugural Women in Football Symposium, an event that celebrated the achievements of women in the game while recognising the players, coaches, referees, administrators, media professionals and other stakeholders contributing to the growth of women’s football in Uganda.

The event Organised by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in partnership with Finance Trust Bank, the symposium provided a platform to celebrate outstanding performances from the 2025/26 season, reflect on the progress made in women’s football and discuss opportunities for further development.

The biggest individual award of the evening went to Agnes Nabukenya, the talented Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC forward, who was named the Women in Football Symposium Best Player for the 2025/26 season. Nabukenya enjoyed a remarkable campaign, playing a key role in Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC’s historic success on the continental stage.

She helped the Ugandan side win the 2026 CECAFA Women’s Club Championship, before the club went on to make history by becoming the first Ugandan team to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League group stage.

Her outstanding performances also earned her the Most Valuable Player award during the CECAFA qualifiers, further underlining her influence throughout the season.

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC head coach Ayub Khalifa was also recognised, taking home the Best Coach award for his contribution to the development and success of women’s football.

The symposium also celebrated the next generation of Ugandan women footballers, with Justine Ayerango of Rines SS WFC receiving the Upcoming Player award.Her recognition highlights the growing pool of young talent emerging through Uganda’s women’s football structures and provides a glimpse of what could be a promising future for the national game.

One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of the Women in Football Best XI for the 2025/26 season.

The team featured some of the standout performers of the campaign:

Goalkeeper:

•⁠ ⁠Saidat Namwanje

Defenders:

•⁠ ⁠Samalie Nakacwa
•⁠ ⁠Hadijah Babirye
•⁠ ⁠Alima Nambafu
•⁠ ⁠Auki Kigongo

Midfielders:

•⁠ ⁠Catherine Nagadya
•⁠ ⁠Agnes Nabukenya
•⁠ ⁠Vanessa Namazzi

Forwards:

•⁠ ⁠Jesca Namanda
•⁠ ⁠Latifah Nakasi
•⁠ ⁠Joanita Ainembabazi

The selection showcased the depth of talent within Ugandan women’s football and recognised players whose performances consistently stood out during the 2025/26 season.

The awards were not limited to players and coaches. The symposium also recognised individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen the wider football ecosystem.

Referee Shamirah Nabadda received the Achiever’s Award, while Akena Isaac was recognised as the Best Fan.

The media also received recognition for their role in promoting and telling the story of women’s football in Uganda.

Among those honoured were Mulangwa Ismail of Bukedde Paper, Kamira Asha of Zaabu Sports and Makhtum Muziransa of Daily Monitor.

Their recognition highlighted the important role played by journalists and media practitioners in increasing visibility, generating conversations and promoting the achievements of women footballers and teams.

Beyond the awards, the inaugural Women in Football Symposium served as a platform for reflection and discussion on the future of the women’s game in Uganda.

The event came at a significant time, with Ugandan women’s football continuing to make major strides both domestically and on the continental stage.

From Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC’s historic CECAFA triumph and CAF Women’s Champions League qualification to the emergence of young talents such as Justine Ayerango, the 2025/26 season provided plenty of reasons for optimism.

The message from Skyz Protea Hotel was clear: Ugandan women’s football is growing, and the women driving that progress deserve recognition and support.

As the country looks towards the next generation of players, coaches, referees, administrators and football professionals, the Women in Football Symposium has laid the foundation for an annual celebration of excellence while creating space for meaningful conversations about the continued development of the women’s game.

For Uganda’s women in football, the inaugural symposium was not simply a night of awards. It was a celebration of progress, a recognition of achievement and a statement of intent for an even brighter future.