Kawempe Muslim beat Kenya Police Bullets 1-0 after extra time to become Uganda’s first CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC have written a historic chapter in Ugandan football after becoming the country’s first club to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Valley Warriors secured the continental ticket by defeating Kenya Police Bullets 1-0 after extra time in the CECAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier final at Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Nabukenya Wins a Tense Final
The regional final remained goalless throughout the opening 90 minutes as both teams defended resolutely and struggled to convert their opportunities.
Kenya Police threatened early through Tereza Obunyu, whose ninth-minute effort forced goalkeeper Saidah Namwanje into an important save. Kawempe captain Agnes Nabukenya and forward Jovia Nakagolo also caused problems for the Kenyan defence.
Nabukenya had a first-half free kick blocked after the Kenya Police goalkeeper handled the ball outside the penalty area. Nakagolo came close again in the 75th minute, but neither side found a breakthrough before extra time.
The decisive moment arrived in the 100th minute. Anita Namata headed the ball into the six-yard area, where Nabukenya reacted quickest and converted the chance. Kawempe then protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle, sparking celebrations among the players, technical team and travelling supporters.
Kawempe Muslim’s Perfect Campaign
Kawempe did not merely qualify; they dominated the regional tournament. The Ugandan champions won all four matches, scored 13 goals and completed the competition without conceding.
| Stage | Opponent | Result |
| Group B | Commercial Bank of Ethiopia | Won 1-0 |
| Group B | FC UJECO of Djibouti | Won 8-0 |
| Semi-final | Commercial Bank of Ethiopia | Won 3-0 |
| Final | Kenya Police Bullets | Won 1-0 after extra time |
| Overall | Four matches | 13 scored, 0 conceded |
Their 8-0 victory over FC UJECO demonstrated their attacking quality, while two clean-sheet wins against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia highlighted their defensive organisation. The final provided a different test, requiring patience, concentration and resilience against determined Kenyan opposition.
Nabukenya and Namwanje Recognised
Kawempe’s outstanding campaign was rewarded with two major individual honours. Nabukenya was named Player of the Tournament after leading the team and scoring the goal that secured qualification.
Namwanje received the Best Goalkeeper award after completing the tournament without conceding. Her saves, positioning and command of the penalty area formed the foundation of Kawempe’s remarkable defensive record.
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s Emush Daniel Dandamo finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals, while South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars received the Fair Play award. CBE defeated Yei Joint Stars 6-1 in the third-place playoff, according to the Confederation of African Football.
From 2022 Bronze to Regional Champions
This was Kawempe Muslim’s second appearance in the CECAFA qualifiers. They finished third on their 2022 debut after defeating Tanzania’s Simba Queens 2-0 in the playoff in Addis Ababa.
Four years later, the six-time FUFA Women Super League champions returned stronger and more experienced. They converted the lessons from their previous appearance into a first CECAFA title and the region’s sole ticket to the continental finals.
Head coach Khalifa Ayub described the achievement as the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
What Qualification Means for Uganda
Kawempe’s success extends beyond one team. Competing in the CAF Women’s Champions League will give Ugandan players valuable exposure against Africa’s leading clubs and could attract greater attention to the FUFA Women Super League.
The achievement can also inspire young girls playing football in schools and community academies across Kampala and other parts of Uganda. However, the continental stage will demand deeper squad options, improved preparation, financial support and high-level friendly matches.
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Verdict
Kawempe Muslim earned their historic qualification through attacking quality, defensive discipline and exceptional consistency. Four victories, 13 goals and four clean sheets demonstrate that this achievement was thoroughly deserved. The Valley Warriors now carry Uganda’s hopes onto the continental stage, where their performance could define the next phase of women’s club football in the country.
