Sports 18 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
FUFA Launches Schools of Excellence with 11 Partner Institutions for Talent Development
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has selected 11 schools across Uganda's regions to serve as Schools of Excellence, nurturing young football talent identified through mass programs. These institutions signed MoUs to provide education and training, with FUFA supplying resources and aiming for tailor-made academic paths for elite players. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/fufa-confirm-schools-of-excellence-5427928
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has officially rolled out its Schools of Excellence initiative by partnering with 11 secondary schools nationwide. This move aligns with FUFA’s technical masterplan to build clear pathways for young talents spotted via mass football programs.
During a ceremony at FUFA’s Mengo headquarters, head teachers from the selected schools signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). FUFA President Moses Magogo highlighted the federation’s evolution from securing Afcon qualifications to fostering world-class players, drawing inspiration from powerhouses like Nigeria and Egypt.
The program targets children aged 10-11, channeling them into these schools that offer education, boarding, and pitches. Schools will provide bursaries, while FUFA supplies technical staff, equipment, kits, scholastic materials, and media promotion. Additional support includes coaching, refereeing, and administration training.
For the boys’ program, one school per region was chosen from 48 applicants: Jinja SSS (Eastern), Kibuli SS (Kampala), St. Joseph’s College Layibi (Northern), St. Kagwa Bushenyi HS (Western), St. Charles Lwanga Koboko (West Nile), Standard HS Zana – Ndejje Campus (Buganda), and Bukedea Comprehensive School (North East). Kitara region’s slot remains pending.
The girls’ program features four schools covering two regions each: Bishop Comboni College Kambuga (Kitara and Western), Amus College (North East and Eastern), Hopeful Future SS (Kampala and Buganda), and Wisdom HS (Northern and West Nile).
FUFA is negotiating with the Ministry of Education and Sports for customized elite curricula, allowing more training time without compromising academics. School leaders like Jinja SSS’s Isaac Balimusangayo welcomed this, noting it eases burdens on sports-focused students.
Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba emphasized FUFA’s scouting network across 146 districts to feed talent into these academies. USSSA President Justus Mugisha predicted broader benefits, spurring competition and elevating school sports overall.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)