Kawempe Muslim Ladies Make CAF Champions League History for Uganda

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC have made Ugandan football history, becoming the nation's first club to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Ugandan champions secured their place by defeating Kenya Police Bullets 1-0 in a tense extra-time final of the CECAFA qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.

Agnes Nabukenya was the hero of the day, scoring the decisive goal in the 100th minute to send her team to the continental stage. The tightly-contested final remained deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, with both sides struggling to break through despite periods of sustained pressure.

Kawempe had an early opportunity in the first half when Nabukenya was awarded a free-kick just outside the box after the Police Bullets goalkeeper handled the ball outside the penalty area. The Ugandan side continued to press after the interval, with Jovia Nakagolo coming close in the 75th minute as they ramped up their attack.

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time with a coveted spot in the CAF Women's Champions League on the line. The breakthrough finally came when an Anita Namata header dropped into the six-yard box, and Nabukenya reacted quickest to fire the ball past the Kenyan keeper.

That single goal proved to be enough, as Kawempe’s solid defence held firm until the final whistle, securing their ticket to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League.

Head coach Khalifa Ayub, who was managing in his first final at this level, was overjoyed with the result. "I am really happy. This was my first time to play the finals, and I am very happy that I am going to play at a higher level," Ayub stated as per Nile Post.

The coach expressed his excitement about the new chapter for his club and the opportunity to compete against Africa's elite. "From here we are going for the CAF Championship. I am really very happy for this," he added.

Kawempe's dominant campaign was also marked by individual accolades. Goalkeeper Saidat Namwanje was named the Best Goalkeeper of the qualifiers, while team captain and final goalscorer Agnes Nabukenya earned the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.

The Ugandan champions' defensive prowess was on full display throughout the tournament, as they remained unbeaten and did not concede a single goal. This continental achievement builds on their domestic success, which includes six Women Super League titles since their first win in 2015. Kawempe Muslim now has the chance to test their mettle against the best clubs in Africa and further elevate the profile of women's football in Uganda.