Palorinya West Zone 3 triumphs in Obongi district to qualify for TICAD Cup

Palorinya West Zone 3 emerged victorious in the local qualifiers for the TICAD Cup, outshining three other football teams from Obongi District in a spirited tournament held within the Palorinya Refugee Settlement Camp.

The competition, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Uganda in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), aimed to foster peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities through the unifying power of sport.

Held on June 14, 2025, the tournament featured four teams: Palorinya Zone 3 West, Zone 3 East, Zone 2, and Zone 1. The event was part of the celebrations marking World Refugee Day.

JICA Chief Representative Inoue Yoichi highlighted that the initiative aligns with Japan’s commitment at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum to provide sports opportunities for 10,000 refugees and host community members, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Palorinya West Zone 3 players (in light green) playing against Palorinya Zone 3 East players during their football tournamentin Obongi district. Photo by Donald Kiirya

“Sports play a vital role in fostering social cohesion, tolerance, and empowerment,” Yoichi said, referencing JICA’s ongoing partnership with Soltilo Bright Stars since 2021. To date, fifteen football events have been held across Uganda, engaging hundreds of young women.
Yoichi also noted that football has helped address social challenges such as teenage pregnancies, which remain prevalent in refugee communities.

The tournament will culminate in the TICAD Cup, a women’s football competition under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework, further promoting youth empowerment and regional solidarity. The final will take place in September at the FUFA Technical Centre in Jinja, with selected girls' teams now training intensively in preparation.

JICA extended its gratitude to the OPM, UNHCR, Soltilo Bright Stars, refugee-led organizations, and host communities for their support in making the event a success.

Harold Atukwase, CEO of Soltilo Bright Stars, noted the growing momentum of women’s football in Uganda, saying it provides a strong foundation for girls to develop their talents. He added that football clinics conducted during the event helped instill essential skills such as teamwork and confidence among the participants.

Caesar Atiku, Assistant Community Services Officer at the OPM, encouraged the young players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, emphasizing the values of unity and a healthy lifestyle.

Spectators were particularly impressed by the players’ determination, many of whom played barefoot yet demonstrated impressive technique, thanks to coaching from SBS professionals.

Esther Lakica, a 16-year-old player from Palorinya West Zone 3, expressed her excitement about the upcoming TICAD Cup. “I’m going to keep practicing to help my team win in September,” she said, adding that her dream is to become a football referee in the future.