Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC have embarked on their quest for continental glory after being officially flagged off to represent Uganda at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League in Cairo, Egypt.
The Ugandan champions received their send-off during a ceremony at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala, on Thursday, with FUFA First Vice President Justus Mugisha presiding over the flag-off ahead of the tournament scheduled for November 1–15.
A 29-member delegation, comprising 19 players and 10 officials, is scheduled to depart for Cairo on Friday morning, carrying Uganda’s hopes as Kawempe Muslim prepare for their maiden appearance at Africa’s premier club competition for women.
The team’s qualification represents the culmination of an impressive campaign in which they captured the Finance Trust Women Super League title before adding the CECAFA regional championship to their honours, securing their place among the continent’s elite.
However, their greatest test now lies beyond Uganda’s borders, where they must translate their domestic dominance and regional pedigree into competitive performances against some of Africa’s established women’s football sides.
Kawempe Muslim have been drawn in Group B alongside Morocco’s AS FAR, Mali’s USFAS Bamako and Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa, the WAFU B representative.
The group presents a demanding examination for the Ugandan side, who will need tactical discipline, resilience and clinical finishing to compete effectively against opponents with continental experience.
Head coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi will lead the technical team, assisted by Sharifah Nantumbwe, while Abby Jjuko serves as technical director.
Sam Kakumba and Salim Kibirige complete the technical bench as goalkeeper and fitness coaches, respectively.
The travelling delegation also includes chief executive officer Hamuza Waiswa, team manager Hakim Taabu Wabwire, FUFA head of delegation Richard Ochom, team doctor Justine Namalwa and safeguarding officer Jane Namale.
Captain Shakirah Nyinagahirwa is among the 19 players selected for the continental assignment, with goalkeeper Juliet Adeke and forward Belinda Hope Nabawanuka also featuring in the travelling squad.
The squad blends defensive options, midfield depth and attacking alternatives as Kiyingi prepares his charges for a competition in which every result could prove decisive in determining their progress.
For Kawempe Muslim, the Cairo campaign is more than an opportunity to compete for continental honours.
It is a chance to measure the progress of Ugandan women’s club football against Africa’s strongest sides and establish the club as a credible force beyond the domestic scene.
Having conquered the domestic league and the CECAFA region, the next challenge is to make their maiden appearance count on the continent’s biggest stage.
KAWEMPE MUSLIM LADIES’ TRAVELLING SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Juliet Adeke
Josephine Nambuya
Defenders
Sharifah Nakimera
Asia Nakibuuka
Claire Kebirungi
Ritah Mushimire
Aminah Nakato
Samalie Nakacwa
Midfielders
Krusum Namutebi
Zainah Nambozo
Hadijah Babirye
Agnes Nabukenya
Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Captain)
Forwards
Jovia Nakagolo
Anita Namata
Shadia Nabirye
Latifah Nakasi
Belinda Hope Nabawanuka
Cecilia Apiding
OFFICIALS
Richard Ochom – Head of Delegation
Hamuza Waiswa – Chief Executive Officer
Hakim Taabu Wabwire – Team Manager
Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi – Head Coach
Sharifah Nantumbwe – Assistant Coach
Abby Jjuko – Technical Director
Sam Kakumba – Goalkeeper Coach
Salim Kibirige – Fitness Coach
Justine Namalwa – Team Doctor
Jane Namale – Safeguarding Officer
