Empower East African Refugee Youth in Uganda

Over the past few months, Soccer Without Borders (SWB) Uganda has continued to provide meaningful opportunities for refugee youth to grow, lead, and learn—both on and off the field. From uniting hundreds of young people at the annual Youth Festival to expanding the Uganda Girls Leagues and awarding academic scholarships, this period has been full of milestones. These efforts reinforce our commitment to using soccer as a vehicle for belonging, personal growth, and opportunity.

Embracing Peace and Unity: The 12th Annual Youth Festival

Each year, the SWB Uganda Youth Festival serves as a cornerstone event, bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds for a week of learning, play, and community-building. This past January, over 360 participants gathered for the 12th Annual Youth Festival under the theme “Embrace Peace, Rise as One.” The festival provided a space for youth to reflect on the importance of unity while engaging in activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and social cohesion.

The festival kicked off with an inspiring speech from a parent representative, reinforcing the role of families in fostering peace and inclusion. Participants enjoyed music, dancing, and a powerful performance from the Africa Music School, setting the tone for a week of celebration and camaraderie. From small-group discussions on building supportive communities to competitive games and a football3 tournament emphasizing fair play and collaboration, every aspect of the festival reinforced the value of togetherness.

By the end of the festival, participants had not only formed new friendships but also developed a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to a culture of peace within their communities. This annual event is more than just a celebration—it is a reflection of the power of sport to bring people together and create positive social change.

Uganda Girls Leagues: Empowering Young Women Through Sport

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we highlight the tremendous growth and impact of the Uganda Girls Leagues (UGL) in recent months. Led by SWB Uganda in collaboration with five local partner organizations, UGL continues to provide girls with safe and structured football opportunities.

During this past quarter, the Uganda Girls Leagues:

• Reached 838 girls across five communities
• Provided 13,391 hours of structured league play
• Hosted 16 league days of competition and engagement

More than just a competition, UGL serves as a pathway for personal and professional growth. A recent key highlight was the Youth Referee Training Program, which brought together 35 young people from the five league hubs. Over five days, these aspiring referees learned the rules of the game, refined their leadership skills, and gained official certifications to officiate matches within their communities. This initiative not only strengthens the quality of play but also creates employment and leadership opportunities for youth, especially girls, who are often underrepresented in sports leadership roles.

At its core, UGL is about creating safe spaces where girls can challenge gender norms, develop confidence, and build a supportive network of peers and mentors. By investing in young female athletes, we are fostering a generation of leaders who will carry the lessons of teamwork, resilience, and self-advocacy into all aspects of their lives.

Education as a Pathway: 25 Youth Awarded Academic Scholarships

For refugee youth, access to formal education is a crucial step toward building a stable and self-sufficient future. SWB Uganda was proud to have recently awarded 25 full academic scholarships, enabling young leaders to continue their education and expand their opportunities beyond displacement.

Of the scholarship recipients, 14 were girls and 11 were boys, each carefully selected through a rigorous process involving SWB staff, teachers, parents, and guardians. These students have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a commitment to both their education and their teams, making them ideal candidates to benefit from this life-changing opportunity.

With support from SWB Uganda and their communities, these young scholars are transitioning into Uganda’s formal school system, taking significant steps toward long-term stability and success. Their journey is a testament to the power of education in unlocking potential, providing a sense of normalcy, and paving the way for future leadership.

Each scholarship is more than financial aid—it is an investment in mentorship, opportunity, and a future where every young person can thrive.

With each new opportunity created—whether on the field, in the classroom, or beyond—SWB Uganda remains dedicated to fostering an environment where every young person can reach their greatest potential. Together, we are building a brighter future, one goal at a time. Thank you for being part of the SWB community.