Kenyan U15 Players Stranded in Kampala After ”Late-Night Travel Block”

A humanitarian concern has arisen in Kampala – Uganda after Kenya’s Under-15 national football teams—the junior boys’ and girls’ squads were unexpectedly stranded following the conclusion of the CAF U15 African Schools Championship CECAFA Qualifiers.

The Kenyan delegation, which was scheduled to depart Wednesday evening, had their travel plans “abruptly halted by Ugandan government officials who insisted the young players could not travel at night”.

Sleeping on the Floor
The “decision”, while cited for “safety reasons”, unfortunately left the young athletes without immediate accommodation. At the time of the travel block, Rora Media learned that there were “no arrangements for an overnight stay that had been secured for the minors”.

Disturbing images circulating on social media show the young Kenyan players, dressed in their red team gear, forced to sleep on the hard, tiled floor and benches of what is identified as the ‘Ronald Building’.

The exhaustion of the young athletes is palpable, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.

Efforts are reportedly underway to secure suitable lodging for the teams to spend the night.

Tournament Context
The Kenyan contingent was the last team to arrive in Kampala for the qualifiers, touching down only on the morning of Matchday one, and had their opening games be changed to kickoff later in the evening.

Both the Kenyan boys’ and girls’ teams participated in this year’s CAF U15 African Schools Championship CECAFA Qualifiers, hosted in Uganda.
Despite their efforts, both squads were unsuccessful in progressing past the group stage of the tournament.

This unexpected logistical hurdle casts a shadow over the closing of the regional competition. The focus now shifts from the football pitch to the well-being of the young visitors.

Silence from Federations
Rora Media have reached out to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the CECAFA organizing body, and the Kenyan Embassy in Kampala for official comment on the situation and the measures being taken, but these efforts have thus far been fruitless.

The situation raises questions regarding the logistical planning and post-tournament welfare arrangements for all visiting teams, particularly minors. The immediate priority remains ensuring the comfort and safety of the stranded Kenyan U15 players until their travel can be safely resumed