Empower East African Refugee Youth in Uganda

At Soccer Without Borders (SWB) Uganda, the past few months have been a testament to our commitment to creating spaces where refugee and newcomer youth can thrive. From transformative educational initiatives to groundbreaking leadership programs, SWB Uganda continues to demonstrate the power of soccer and community to create change. Below are some highlights from recent months:

Expanding Access: Uganda Girls Leagues

This November marked a monumental shift as the Kampala Girls League transitioned into the Uganda Girls Leagues! Once a city-based initiative, the league will now span five regions across the country, providing even more girls with access to a safe, inclusive, and free-of-cost soccer space during school holidays. This expansion is a powerful step toward making soccer accessible to girls nationwide and fostering gender equality on the field.

Empowering Young Men: CBIM Pledge Day

In August, our participant boys wrapped up 12 weeks of Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM) sessions by putting their learning into action. During the CBIM Pledge Day Celebration, the boys embraced "Football3" rules, emphasizing empathy, inclusion, and respect on the field. 

The event concluded with participants signing a pledge banner, committing to stand against violence and become positive role models. Participant girls and women coaches shared their observations, highlighting noticeable improvements in the boys' behavior. “There is a clear increase in respect from the boys,” noted Divine, an SWB participant. These young men are leading by example, paving the way for a violence-free, inclusive future.

Advancing Literacy: English Exams Wrap-Up

Over 250 refugee youth across eight literacy classes recently completed their second-term examinations in August. These assessments are a critical step in their educational journey, helping participants measure their growth and refine their language skills while providing valuable feedback for instructors. At SWB Uganda, we know that education is a cornerstone of empowerment, and we are proud of our participants’ progress.

Celebrating the Global Girls Program

October saw the graduation of the third cohort of Global Girls—a leadership program empowering refugee girls to become advocates for change. This season’s graduates organized an impactful event focusing on refugee education, addressing barriers such as financial constraints and language challenges that keep many refugee children out of school.

Their message was clear: “Every refugee child deserves the chance to go to school and have a bright future.” The event concluded with a celebration that included cake-cutting, dancing, and heartfelt reflections on their achievements. 

A Vision for the Future: International Day of the Girl Child

On October 11, SWB Uganda commemorated International Day of the Girl Child by celebrating the dreams and aspirations of girls in marginalized communities, including refugee girls. Through discussions and activities, participants envisioned a world where equality, opportunity, and empowerment prevail. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to building such a world.

Looking Ahead

The strides made by SWB Uganda this season underscore the importance of inclusive, community-driven programming. Whether through soccer leagues, education initiatives, or leadership activities, SWB continues to create opportunities for refugee and newcomer youth to thrive. Thank you to all who support our mission to use the power of soccer to transform lives and communities.

We are excited for what lies ahead and remain committed to fostering empowerment, unity, and hope.