Kampala, Uganda – Youth in Kampala’s semi-urban areas are getting a new opportunity to showcase their football talent and contribute to community development, thanks to a bi-annual tournament launched over the weekend by the WEHAT Foundation, a nonprofit focused on creating a poverty-free, child-empowered society.
The inaugural tournament features 17 teams drawn from neighborhoods including Ggangu, Busaabala, Salaama, and Makindye, and is part of a broader mission to uplift underprivileged youth through sport, education, and health.
The event follows a community sanitation drive in Busaabala village, signaling the foundation’s commitment to holistic transformation beyond the football field.
Speaking at the launch, Musa Rugumayo, the foundation’s Team Leader, said the tournament would take place twice a year, in March and November, with proceeds channelled toward WEHAT’s Education Fund, Health Outreaches, and Youth Development Programs.
“We believe that sports can be a powerful tool for social change. This tournament is not just about football. It’s about building lives, encouraging health, teamwork, and inspiring youth to take ownership of their futures,” Rugumayo said.
Football, which is deeply rooted in Kampala’s youth culture, especially in Makindye division, serves as the ideal medium for engagement. Rugumayo noted that every suburb in the area has at least five football pitches, indicating untapped talent and enthusiasm.
“The tournament promises to be an exciting platform for young footballers to showcase their skills while also fostering discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship,” he added.
The winners of the tournament will walk away with UGX 3 million, a trophy, and medals to support team development. The runners-up will receive UGX 1.5 million, while third place secures UGX 500,000. All teams will receive certificates of participation to build their competitive portfolios.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to expand the number of participating teams and encourage female teams to join in the next season.
Founded three years ago, the WEHAT Foundation, which stands for Welfare, Education, Healthcare, Advocacy, and Talent Development, operates across Mbale, Mbarara, Buikwe, Jinja, and Kampala.
It continues to position itself as a champion of youth empowerment through a unique blend of grassroots engagement and development programming.
