In a spirited press briefing held today at their head office in Rukungiri municipality, Rwakabengo Sports Academy emphasized the importance of fostering girls’ participation in sports to enhance their future opportunities. The event was attended by academy executives, technical staff, players, sponsors, media representatives, and well-wishers as they prepared for the upcoming Western Region Women’s League, which kicks off tomorrow.
Julius Nuwamanya, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwakabengo Sports Academy, highlighted the academy’s pivotal role as the first women’s team from Rukungiri to compete in this league. “Our objective is to empower girls by supporting their involvement in football as a pathway to educational bursaries. This initiative not only nurtures talent but also helps keep them focused during school breaks,” he stated.
Nuwamanya expressed gratitude to key sponsors such as Rukungiri Crist the King Sacco, Dickens Boutique, and Buyanja People’s Sacco for their financial support, which he believes will ensure a strong representation of female talent at the national level. The CEO emphasized that the academy aims to provide a platform for girls to develop their skills and pursue opportunities that arise from sporting achievements.
Akampa Davis, a member of the technical staff, shed light on the challenges faced during training sessions for young athletes aged 6 to 16. “Our training programs are hindered by insufficient facilities, lack of equipment like footballs, and financial constraints for accommodation and transportation,” he explained. Additionally, he pointed out that some parents are hesitant to allow their children to participate in sports, while others struggle with discipline issues among the diverse group of children at the academy.
Various sponsors present, including Ainembabazi Penelope from Crist the King Sacco and Ivan Karuhanga from Buyanja People’s Sacco, Mugabe Dickens director dicken Botique Rukungiri, reiterated their commitment to investing in Rwakabengo Sports Academy. They outlined how many children have benefited from scholarships at various educational levels due to their involvement in sports, urging the community to recognize and support talented girls.
Owembabazi Shivan, the team captain and a senior student at Kings Way High School in Kampala, encouraged girls across Rukungiri not to underestimate their abilities. “I have been able to balance my studies while pursuing football, and I urge parents to support their daughters in sports. Our talents can indeed take us to greater heights,” she asserted.
The press briefing underscored the academy’s commitment to empowering young girls through sports, aiming to create a brighter future for them while advocating for community support in developing local talent.
