Uganda’s school football champions, St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende, have embarked on their continental mission after an official send-off ceremony held at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday. The team will represent the country at the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship finals slated for April 2–10 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The colorful ceremony was presided over by Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, who rallied the young players to embrace the moment and perform with pride on the continental stage. He applauded the continued support from government and key stakeholders in nurturing school sports, noting that the tournament presents a rare platform for the players to showcase their abilities to the world.
Top football and schools sports officials, including Federation of Uganda Football Associations CEO Edgar Watson Suubi and USSSA president Justus Mugisha, were present to witness the team’s departure. Both expressed confidence in Kitende’s ability to compete strongly, citing the school’s pedigree and consistency in developing top talent.
School head teacher Jimmy Ssembatya Mukasa credited the milestone to collective effort, praising the Ministry of Education and Sports, USSSA, and the school’s management for creating an environment that allows young athletes to thrive. He also singled out director Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa for his unwavering investment in sports development at the institution.
FUFA CEO Watson urged the players to treat the tournament as a defining moment in their careers, reminding them that they are carrying the nation’s flag and must rise to the occasion. He added that such competitions are central to Uganda’s long-term football development strategy, particularly in grooming future stars and coaches.
On the pitch, Owen Mukisa will captain the side, working under head coach Hassan Zungu and assistant coach Michael Kabali. The team heads into a highly competitive tournament that will feature top school sides from across Africa, including hosts Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Senegal, Morocco, Zambia, DR Congo, and Benin.
Tanzania come in as the defending boys’ champions, while Ghana hold the girls’ title. Meanwhile, Uganda will also have representation among match officials, with young referee Isaac Ssentongo selected under CAF’s Young Referees Programme.
With expectations high and belief strong, Kitende now turns its focus to Harare, where Uganda’s next generation of football talent will test itself against the continent’s best.
Full Delegation:
Officials:
Head of Delegation: Twahil Kiteezaala
Government officials: Duncans Mugumya & Brighton Barugahare (Commissioner Policy and Research in Ministry of Education and Sports)
Member Association Representative: Saidi Ddamulira
Media officer: Aisha Nakato
Players:
Frank Musisi, Bashir Edema, Akram Ssenyonga, Nabiru Kajumba, Shakur Ngobi, Hamidu Kasumba, Nicholas Kawooya, Livingstone Kulata, Haruna Kisakye, Owen Mukisa, Elisa Mukasa, Ivin Kakinda, Musa Kironde, Henry Muhoozi, Lucky Wanyama, Imran Ssebbale, Shafic Kitimbo, Eze Kombi, Derrick Rwothomio, Emmanuel Opio
Team Officials:
Team manager: Ronald Mulajje
Head Coach: Hassan Zungu
Assistant Coach: Micheal Kabali
Safe Guarding: Joel Muwanguzi
Team Doctor: Aloysious Kyeyune
Goal keeping Coach: Mubarak Kiberu
Group Pools:
Boys: Zimbabwe (Hosts), Benin, DR Congo, Tanzania (Champions), Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia
Girls: Zimbabwe (Hosts), DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Ghana (Champions), Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia.
