Rukungiri District organized a one-day sports development training aimed at enhancing opportunities for youth in sports. The event, held at Nyakibare Lower Primary School, gathered over 120 school games teachers from both Universal Primary Education (UPE) and private schools within Rujumbura constituency and Rukungiri municipality. This initiative was organized by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in partnership with the District Education Officer (DEO) and the Rukungiri District Football Association (DFA), with funding support from FIFA in collaboration with UNESCO.
The training focused on empowering both boys and girls by providing them with equal opportunities to engage in football, thereby contributing to their overall education and personal development. Participants were equipped with knowledge on using football as a tool to teach critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Each attending school received 15 footballs to facilitate sports activities.
Joan Namusisi, FUFA’s Mass Football Manager, led the training session and emphasized the importance of engaging children in sports within the school environment. She explained that targeting schools rather than football academies they are aiming to keep children in the educational system while nurturing their sporting talents. This strategy is expected to yield a new generation of skilled players, coaches, and referees in Uganda.
Arinaitwe Amos Buhe, Chairman of the Rukungiri District Football Association, echoed these sentiments, expressing hope that this initiative would motivate primary schools that have historically been overlooked in sports development. He highlighted the need for local leaders to support sports initiatives, noting that the lack of facilities, such as the closure of the main stadium, hinders the district’s sports development.
Musiimenta Juliet, Senior Inspector of Schools and Acting Sports Officer for Rukungiri Municipality, expressed gratitude to FIFA and FUFA for their support, urging teachers to safeguard the equipment provided for school use. DEO Turyahumura Jackson also commended teachers for participating in the training welcoming them from the industrial action linking it to hopes of improved performance in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
Hon. Turyahikayo Merry Paul Kebirungi, the NRM flag bearer for Rukungiri Woman MP, praised the collaboration between the DFA and FUFA, urging the community to recognize the value of sports in elevating Rukungiri District. She called for stakeholders to ensure that community facilities, like the stadium, remain accessible for the benefit of all children in the district.
This training is part of a broader initiative targeting primary schools across all eight regions in Western Uganda, focusing on nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of sports among the youth.
