How Ugandan women are conquering African football

The success of Ugandan women footballers abroad is demonstrating that the FUFA Women Super League is becoming a strong pathway for talent capable of competing on the international stage.

More Ugandan players are now featuring for clubs in Egypt, Kenya, and even Europe, where they are winning trophies and individual awards.

Leading the way is Phiona Nabulime, who was named the Best Foreign Player in Egypt after an outstanding season with FC Masar.

The 20-year-old midfielder helped the club win the Egyptian Women’s League and the Egypt Women’s Cup, completing a domestic double, before reaching the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The league success marked a second straight title for FC Masar since Nabulime joined the club in January 2025, highlighting how quickly she adapted to North African football. She described the award as a reward for hard work, discipline, and sacrifice over the years.

“I’m honored and grateful to have won the Best Foreign Player award this season in Egypt. This achievement means a lot to me,” she said. “I thank my teammates, coaches, management, friends, and everyone who believed in me and supported me. This award is not just for me, it’s for us.”

“They are a reward for the hard work, discipline, and sacrifice I have made over the years. Winning again shows consistency and growth at a high level in Egypt and in the CAF Women’s Champions League. It motivates me to keep improving and aiming higher in my career.”

Nabulime said football in Egypt has helped improve her game due to its high demands.

“Football in Egypt is more tactical and physical compared to Uganda. There is a lot of video analysis, discipline, gym work, and nutrition involved,” she explained. “The competition level is high, especially in the CAF Women’s Champions League, where the intensity is much greater. This has improved my work rate, fighting spirit, and understanding of the game.”

She added that winning trophies and competing in continental football has shaped her development. “Winning both the league and the cup was a big achievement, and defending the league title for the second time with Masar made it even more memorable,” she said.

“Playing in the CAF Women’s Champions League also helped me grow in experience and confidence. I can describe it as successful, challenging, and full of growth.”

Before moving to Egypt, Nabulime captained Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC to the 2023/24 FUFA Women Super League title, a club widely known for producing top talent.

In Kenya, Ugandan players also made a strong impact as Kenya Police Bullets FC won the 2025/26 FKF Women’s Premier League title. Striker Margaret Kunihira had an outstanding debut season, scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists.

She was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and also finished as the Golden Boot winner. Kunihira provided an assist in the final match as Kenya Police Bullets defeated Soccer Assassins FC 1-0 to end the season in style.

Fellow Ugandans Zainah Namuleme, Daisy Nakaziro, and Desire Katisi Natooro were also part of the title-winning squad. Namuleme ended the season with five goals and seven assists as Kenya Police Bullets secured a third consecutive league title.

Back in Uganda, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC won the 2025/26 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League title on the final day of the season, edging She Corporate FC in a tight title race.

On the final day, both Kawempe Muslim and She Corporate had a chance to lift the trophy depending on their results. Kawempe Muslim won 3–1, while She Corporate were held to a goalless draw by She Maroons.

Kawempe Muslim finished top with 52 points, just one ahead of She Corporate, and will now represent Uganda at the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, where players will have another chance to showcase their talent on the regional stage.