Uganda will host the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, after CECAFA moved the tournament from Ethiopia.
Jean Sseninde, the Interim Executive Director of CECAFA, announced the decision and praised Uganda for taking up the challenge. The competition will run from December 6–9, 2025, bringing together the region’s best young footballers.
“We are excited to bring this important youth competition to Uganda,” Sseninde said. “It gives boys and girls a great platform to compete and develop at zonal level. We appreciate Uganda’s commitment to hosting.”
Ten boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams have already confirmed their spots. Organisers will conduct the official draw on November 10 at the FUFA Studio in Mengo, Kampala.
During the qualifiers, CAF will also run several capacity-building programs, including the Young Reporters Programme, Young Referees Programme, Young Medical Officers Course, CAF D License Coaching Course, and Safeguarding Workshops.
CECAFA teams have dominated the CAF African Schools Championship since CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe launched it in 2022. Tanzania’s Fountain Gate School and the national boys’ sides have collected multiple titles, while Ghana claimed the girls’ crown in the latest edition.
By hosting the 2026 qualifiers, Uganda aims to showcase its football development drive and inspire the next generation of African stars.
