The Richard Byamukama Memorial Award for Best Girls Footballing School

In honor of the late Richard Byamukama — a towering figure in Uganda’s secondary school sports and a pioneer of girls football in Gombe and Masaka SS — the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) presents the prestigious Richard Byamukama Memorial Award for Best Girls Footballing School. This award is a celebration of his enduring legacy, recognizing the schools that have not only excelled on the pitch but have also uplifted the spirit of girls’ football in Uganda and beyond.

Byamukama, who passed away in, 2021, after a cardiac arrest, remains a revered figure in the sports fraternity. His dedication to netball, athletics, and especially football, helped establish Wakiso district’s dominance under the WAKISHA banner. As Principal of Rines SS, president of Rines Women Football Club, and Vice Chairperson (Technical) of the WAKISHA Sports Committee, his influence cut across both grassroots and elite school competitions. His memory lives on in every determined run, tactical pass, and celebratory goal by Uganda’s next generation of female footballers.

This year, four schools stood above the rest — Rhines SS, Kawempe Muslim, Amus College, and St. Noa Girls Secondary School — each with an extraordinary journey deserving of recognition.

Rhines SS: Rising Through the Ranks

Guided by the steady hand of Coach Bright Nyanzi Taddeo, Rhines SS wrote an inspiring story in 2024. They fought their way to the finals of the Fresh Dairy USSSA Girls Football Championship, only to fall agonizingly short in a tense penalty shootout (5-4) against seasoned giants Kawempe Muslim, following a goalless draw in normal time. Star goalkeeper Bridget Nansamba shone brightest, earning the Best Goalkeeper accolade, while midfield maestro Justine Ayerango was crowned MVP of the tournament.

Rhines SS went on to represent Uganda at the FEASSA Games, bowing out in the quarterfinals with a hard-to-take 2-0 loss to Kenya’s Butere Girls. Nonetheless, their run demonstrated resilience and a commitment to Byamukama’s vision — proving that they are a force for the future.

Kawempe Muslim: Champions at Home and Beyond

Kawempe Muslim reaffirmed their supremacy, clinching the 2024 Fresh Dairy USSSA title with steely nerves in the penalty shootout over Rhines SS. Their dominance didn’t end there — at the FEASSA Games in Bukedea, they maintained Uganda’s strong regional presence. On the continental stage, Kawempe soared, winning bronze at the CAF African Schools Football Championship and walking away with a whopping USD 150,000 prize — a testament to the school’s consistency and continental pedigree.

Amus College: Uganda’s World Ambassadors

Amus College continued to make their mark, showing grit in the Fresh Dairy USSSA semi-finals before being edged out 2-0 by Rhines SS. While they missed out on domestic glory, they proudly represented Uganda at both the FEASSA Games and the World Schools Championship in China. Their presence on the global stage speaks volumes about the depth of talent and ambition in their camp.

St. Noa Girls Secondary School: Dominant and Decorated

St. Noa Girls demonstrated striking consistency and power, falling 2-0 to eventual champions Kawempe Muslim in the semi-finals but rebounding to win bronze at the Fresh Dairy USSSA Championship. Forward Sylvia Kabene was the revelation of the tournament, netting an astonishing 22 goals — a feat unmatched that year.

Their crowning moment came at the FEASSA Games, where they exacted sweet revenge on Butere Girls of Kenya, sealing a 1-0 win in the final via a composed penalty by Kabene. They capped off their year with yet another bronze — this time at the World Schools Championship in China.

Each nominee has carried the torch of Richard Byamukama’s legacy in their own unique way — through courage, sportsmanship, and excellence. Whether it’s Rhines SS, where his spirit is deeply embedded; Kawempe Muslim, whose consistency continues to inspire; Amus College, trailblazers on the international scene; or St. Noa, whose firepower and flair captivated the nation — all are worthy.

As we prepare to honor the best of the best, we also remember a man whose vision made all this possible. The Richard Byamukama Memorial Award stands not just as a trophy, but as a symbol of the dream he dared to build.

Let the legacy live on. Let the game continue.