A press conference ahead of the start of the CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA Qualifiers 2025 took place today at the FUFA Stadium Kadiba. FUFA First Vice President and LOC Chairperson Justus Mugisha together with the CECAFA Head of Marketing and Communications Andrew Oryada addressed the media. The briefing set the tone for the competition and highlighted Uganda’s readiness to host the regional schools’ championship for the second consecutive year.
In his remarks, Mr Mugisha reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the development of school sport and expressed gratitude to CAF for strengthening youth football across the continent.
Mr Mugisha stated that Uganda was honoured to host the championship for the second year running. He said that the country valued school sport and continued to invest in better structures and opportunities for young footballers.
‘As Uganda, we are very happy that we are hosting this championship for the second time in a row. We are also very happy for the fact that it is a school sport and we are hosting it in one of the best venues both for accommodation and for competition in the school facilities at St Mary’s Stadium. St Mary’s Stadium is going to be the main venue but we are also very happy that we are using the federation facilities and our FUFA Stadium Kadiba to host these games.’
He noted that the government and FUFA prioritise school football development, which has enabled Uganda to register continued progress on the regional and continental stage.
‘Uganda takes school sport very seriously and I think that is why we are doing very well. If there is anything I can say there is a lot of gratitude to Motsepe for becoming CAF President because the problem with Africa has always been that we may be talented but we start the journey of football late.’
He highlighted the importance of CAF’s investment in youth football structures and commended the introduction of competitions at younger age groups.
‘The fact that we now have Under 15 with a lot of energy invested means we shall see improvement in African sport as far as football is concerned. My message to all participating countries is that they should not only look at participating at regional and African level. They should put particular emphasis at the grassroots and in the zones.’
Mr Mugisha encouraged all nations to ensure compliance with age verification and coaching standards.
‘The other thing is to make sure that we play the right age and have the right coaches. We are happy with CAF because it is not only about sport or competition. The programmes which come with this championship are very good.’
He further revealed that Uganda had benefited greatly from the CAF Schools Championship capacity-building initiatives.
‘In Uganda we have taken advantage of the programmes. In the last three years after running them from CAF we have trained many referees, many coaches and also young reporters. It is now a programme in schools and I want to thank the government because it works with the Federation and the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association to ensure that this programme is a success.’
Mr Mugisha concluded by expressing confidence in Uganda’s ability to stage a successful event.
‘You are welcome and I am sure that we are going to have a very successful championship. Uganda has been performing very well in the last tournaments and we hope that Uganda will again make us proud. Thank you so much.’
