Uganda’s champions, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC face a stern test at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers after being drawn in a competitive Group B alongside reigning powerhouse Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and Djibouti’s FC Ujeco.
The draw, conducted on Thursday at the Amahoro Stadium Conference Hall in Kigali, Rwanda, set the stage for a high-stakes regional showdown scheduled for August 21–31.
Matches will be hosted at Kigali Pele Stadium and the FERWAFA Technical Centre.
Kawempe, champions of the 2025/26 Finance Trust Bank Women’s Super League, head into the tournament with momentum after edging She Corporate to the title in a dramatic final-day finish, sealing top spot with 51 points, just one ahead of their closest challengers.
This will mark Kawempe’s second appearance at the zonal qualifiers, and they will be keen to improve on their 2024 campaign.
On that occasion, the Ugandan side fell 2-1 to CBE in the group stage but recovered to finish third after defeating Simba Queens 2-0 in the classification match.
Their reunion with CBE, two-time finalists and 2024 champions adds extra intrigue to Group B, with Kawempe targeting a statement performance against one of the region’s most dominant sides.
Elsewhere, 2022 champions Simba Queens headline Group C, where they will face Kenya Police Bullets FC and Burundi’s Top Girls Academy.
Hosts Rayon Sport WFC lead Group A, which also features South Sudan’s Yei Joint Star FC, Zanzibar’s Mafunzo SC, and Eritrea’s Denden FC.
A total of 10 teams will compete in the qualifiers, with progression rules favouring consistency.
The top two sides from Group A will advance to the semi-finals alongside the winners of Groups B and C.
In the knockout stage, the Group B winner will face the runner-up from Group A, while the Group A winner will take on the Group C winner.
Ultimately, only the tournament champion will secure CECAFA’s sole slot at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The draw was overseen by CECAFA Head of Marketing and Communications Andrew Jackson Oryada, assisted by former Rwanda international Gloria Sofia Nibagwire.
Group Allocations:
Group A: Rayon Sport WFC, Yei Joint Star FC, Mafunzo SC, Denden FC
Group B: CBE FC, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, FC Ujeco
Group C: Simba Queens, Kenya Police Bullets FC, Top Girls Academy FC
