Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Emmanuel Turyarugayo with Isingiro Queens team players
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Isingiro
Almost a decade ago, Emmanuel Turyarugayo, an enthusiastic supporter of girls’ football, began thinking about how he could give back to his community in Isingiro after spending several years supporting women’s football in other parts of western Uganda.
He came up with the idea of establishing a girls’ football academy to promote the sport in Isingiro District while creating educational opportunities for girls through secondary school bursaries for promising players.
This marked the birth of Kikagate Football Academy, which began training young girls aged between six and 14.
The Isingiro Queens
Over the years, the institution has made progress towards achieving its founder’s vision, with many of its graduates enrolling in different schools across western Uganda, pursuing their education while continuing to play football.
"We are happy that what we started as an impossible venture has already yielded tangible benefits for young girls in our district. However, we still need support because our vision has grown beyond a football academy to establishing a women’s football club," Turyarugayo said.
Isingiro Queens
Some of the girls who have benefited from educational bursaries through football include Stella Akoragye Stella and Caroline Kyomuhendo, both in Senior Two at Universal Girls; Phoebe Kukundakwe and Bridget Kwarikunda, both in Senior Four at Isingiro Secondary School; Flavia Atwijukire, Patience Ninsiima and Shamirah Bint Yahya, all in Senior Five at Kyeizooba Girls; Docus Ainembabazi and Doreen Kamubeizi, both in Senior Three at Five Star Secondary School in Ntungamo; Captain Saviour, in Senior Five at Mbarara City Secondary School; and Hildah Kyorisiima, in Senior Three at Universal Girls in Rwampara, among others.
The academy has also given rise to Isingiro Queens, a women’s football club in the area whose ambition is to recruit players after they complete secondary school and compete for promotion to the country’s top women’s football division.
"Our target now is to establish a competitive women’s football club that will compete at all levels up to the Women’s Super League. This will give players who are not recruited by other clubs an opportunity to continue playing the game," Turyarugayo added.
Emmanuel Turyarugayo receives balls from FUFA executive member Chris Kalibala
To achieve this ambition, Turyarugayo has been seeking support from various stakeholders. One of the latest contributions has come from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), which has donated football equipment to the academy.
"We are very grateful to FUFA, through Chris Kalibala, for the support. Given the current economic situation, we cannot afford to buy all the balls we need, but FUFA has stepped in with support that will help us go a long way," he said.
Emmanuel Turyarugayo with Isingiro Queens team players
FUFA’s contribution adds to earlier support from John Bosco Maari Ssalongo, the president of Isingiro Queens; Isingiro District Woman MP Lillian Ruteraho; Mujuni Asensio Maari; and other well-wishers.
