Kampala, (UG): Wednesday, 29th November 2023, marked a historic day for football enthusiasts as the inaugural Women in Football Bonanza unfolded at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
The event, themed ‘Football a Vehicle for National Development and Unity,’ not only honoured those who have made significant contributions to women’s football in Uganda but also catalyzed discussions on empowerment within the game.
The prestigious gathering was graced by key figures in football, including FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, First FUFA Vice President Justus Mugisha, and Third FUFA Vice President Hon. Nakinga Kiyingi, who chaired the organizing committee.
Notable attendees included Goshime Meskerem, Head of Women’s Football at CAF, and Dr. Aisha Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, Project Director at Private Sector Foundation, who served as the Guest of Honour.
The event kicked off with insightful panel discussions, where luminaries such as FIFA Female referee Shamirah Nabadda, Crested Cranes midfielder Shamirah Nalugya, and KCCA FC CEO Anisha Muhoozi shared their perspectives on areas like playing, refereeing, coaching, and administration.
Governance of the sport took centre stage in the second panel, featuring former Crested Cranes defender Jean Sseninde and FUFA Club Licensing Manager Sheila Nakagwa. The final panel explored the business side, with Ann Nakawunde Mulindwa, Managing Director of Finance Trust Bank, among the participants.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo expressed pride in the progress of women’s football, emphasizing deliberate efforts to empower women within the sport.
“I am proud that we have reached this far. The start was never easy but to see that men and women who have served football are celebrated at special events like this one gives me satisfaction. As FUFA, we have been deliberate about Women in Football, including increasing their numbers in the FUFA Assembly, employing them at FUFA and empowering the women football leagues & national teams among other programmes.” He said.
Goshime Meskerem, who heads Women’s Football at CAF lauded FUFA for providing a platform for women and urged increased funding for women in football, emphasizing the immense returns.
“I appreciate FUFA for inviting me here as we celebrate Women in Football. I’m extremely over joyed with what I have seen here in Uganda.” She started.
“Working in football poses challenges, but I have never backed down, recognizing that giving up would deny the next generation a chance to shine. I urge the sponsors to please invest and give attention to women’s football because the returns are always immense.” Meskerem added.
Guest of Honour Dr Aisha Kasolo encouraged women to excel in the male-dominated industry, pledging 150M to FUFA for supporting Women in Football activities.
“Engaging in this game doesn’t diminish your identity as a woman. We must mentor these women to aspire beyond boundaries, excelling not only in Uganda but globally. Success as a woman requires courage; to overcome barriers, you must surpass expectations set for men.” she said.
Event organizer Hon. Nakiwala hailed the success of the Bonanza as a spark for future opportunities for women in football.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to pull off a well-organized event. The success of this Bonanza will only be a spark for more activities and opportunities for women who are serving in football.” She said.
The night concluded with awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the game, with Paul Ssali, Annet Nakimbugwe, Rebecca Namyalo (RIP), Betty Mayanja, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, Chris Kalibbala, Catherine Adipo, and Kawempe Muslim SS among the honorees. The event was made possible through the generous contributions of Uganda Breweries Limited (110M) and Finance Trust Bank (100M).
The Women in Football Bonanza not only celebrated achievements but also set the stage for a brighter and more empowered future for women in Ugandan football.
See more photos from the Women in Football Bonanza below
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