Empower East African Refugee Youth in Uganda

At Soccer Without Borders (SWB) Uganda, football continues to serve as a powerful entry point for learning, leadership, and connection. As excitement builds around the FIFA World Cup 26™ and conversations about favorite teams and players fill soccer pitches and classrooms alike, young people across SWB Uganda are continuing to build skills, relationships, and confidence through programs that extend far beyond the game itself.

At the SWB Uganda Youth Center, a new academic season is already well underway. More than 300 refugee youth are participating in daily literacy and numeracy sessions designed to help them strengthen foundational skills and better integrate into their communities. For many learners, the journey begins with writing their name, recognizing letters, and gaining confidence speaking in English. With support from dedicated instructors working across morning and afternoon shifts, participants are building communication skills, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning. These early steps lay an important foundation for future educational success and greater opportunity.

The commitment to learning also extends beyond the classroom. In April, youth participated in SWB Uganda's annual educational trip to the Entebbe Zoo, where they explored nature, observed wildlife up close, and shared a day of discovery together. For many participants, it was their first time seeing these animals in person. Experiences like these help bring learning to life while creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds among their classmates and teammates.

Another major focus this season has been investing in the people who make youth programming possible. In April and May, community coaches from refugee settlements across Uganda gathered in Nakivale for a five-day Community Coaches Training. Together, they explored inclusive coaching practices, social-emotional learning, safeguarding, and ways to integrate learning opportunities such as numeracy into football activities. The training strengthened a growing network of coaches committed to creating safe, positive environments where young people can learn and thrive through sport.

That commitment to leadership was also reflected in the recognition of Coach Fahaby as a recipient of a 2026 African Women in Sports Initiative Award. Through her work supporting the Uganda Girls League and inclusive programming for girls, refugees, and underserved youth, Coach Fahaby continues to demonstrate how football can create opportunities and empower young people both on and off the field.

Programs focused on healthy relationships and safety also continued to grow. Teenage boys began a new cycle of Coaching Boys Into Men, a 12-week program that combines sport with discussions about respect, mental well-being, gender equality, and positive leadership. Through weekly conversations led by coaches, participants explore what it means to support one another, challenge harmful norms, and lead with respect in their communities.

At the same time, more than 100 girls participated in No Means No sessions focused on confidence, consent, boundaries, and self-defense. Delivered in dedicated girls-only spaces, these sessions encouraged participants to ask questions, share experiences, support one another, and strengthen their ability to respond to unsafe situations. Together, these programs help ensure that young people have access to the knowledge, skills, and support systems needed to navigate challenges both on and off the field.

The season also brought opportunities for connection through competition. The Urafiki Boys League welcomed teams from different communities over three match days, creating space for football, friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect. The league concluded with celebrations, awards, and recognition for outstanding players and teams, while reinforcing the importance of positive relationships across communities.

Similarly, the Uganda Girls League brought together more than 35 community teams for a series of outings filled with football, joy, and connection. Across the league, girls had opportunities to build confidence, develop friendships, showcase their talents, and participate in a safe and supportive environment. The final day featured exciting matches, celebrations, and recognition of achievements, capping off a season that demonstrated the power of football to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for girls.

Whether in classrooms, refugee settlements, league matches, or leadership trainings, young people across SWB Uganda continue to show what is possible when they have access to supportive spaces where they can learn, grow, and belong. Through education, sport, and community, SWB Uganda remains committed to helping youth build brighter futures and stronger communities.