Uganda targets LA28 Paralympic qualification

Uganda’s blind football team is targeting qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games as it prepares for the IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division I in Egypt, which has been postponed from November 1–10 to December 10–16.

Blind Football Uganda chairman Jagwe Muzafaru believes the extra time will help the team prepare for the tournament.

“The 2026 IBSA Blind Football African Championship is important to Uganda’s national team because it is a direct qualifier for LA28 and the 2027 IBSA Blind Football World Championship,” Jagwe said.

Uganda will face hosts Egypt, Morocco, Mali, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and South Sudan. Jagwe identifies Morocco, Egypt and Mali as the biggest threats because of their experience, organised systems and players competing in European leagues.

“It will take discipline so that we do not commit many fouls, avoid being carded, defend well and score goals at every opportunity,” he said.

Uganda earned promotion to Division I after finishing second at the 2025 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division II, which it hosted at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, Kampala. That was the country’s first international blind football competition.

The postponement, he added, has worked in Uganda’s favour because the team had not started residential training and the logistical funds for the trip had only recently been approved.

“It has not affected us. Rather, it is a blessing in disguise for Team Uganda to prepare, train the athletes more and organise ourselves,” he said.

“Currently, all is sorted. We remain with organising a players’ camp, while the visa process is ongoing.”

The squad was selected after trials held in Kampala in May 2026, which attracted 14 players. The six players selected for the trip are goalkeeper Umaruh Ssegawa and Ronald Kamusiime of Strong Spirits, Jimmy Innocent of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Kizito Nalugoda and Denis Okwera of KYUVISA Stars, and Rashid Ssemakula of Red Angels.

The selection process considered players’ visual classification, proof of Ugandan nationality, knowledge of the rules, ball control, dribbling, discipline and availability for training and travel.

Uganda will also rely on Jimmy Innocent, who scored eight of MUBS’s nine goals as the university won its first national blind football championship title on September 5, 2026.

Jagwe hopes the Egyptian competition will improve Uganda’s world ranking, currently placed 37th according to him, expose players to stronger opposition and create opportunities for them to join clubs in North Africa and Europe.

Uganda Squad

Umaruh Ssegawa (GK), Ronald Kamusiime, Jimmy Innocent, Kizito Nalugoda, Rashid Ssemakula and Denis Okwera.

Officials

 Jagwe Muzafaru (Chairman, Blind Football Uganda) and Ali Zzinda (Coach).