Women In Sports Symposium Celebrates Excellence As Women Urged To Plan Beyond Football
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Women in football have been urged to take charge of their financial future, save, invest wisely and develop careers beyond sport as stakeholders seek to build a stronger and more sustainable women’s football industry in Uganda.
The call was made during the Women in Sports Symposium at Sky Hotel Naguru, organised with the support of Finance Trust Bank in partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
The symposium brought together women footballers, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders for discussions on financial independence, career development and the growth of women’s football.
Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Annet Nakawunde reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to women’s football, describing the partnership with FUFA as one that goes beyond commercial interests.
Credit To FUFA Media
“Football is a business, but it expires,” Nakawunde told the athletes, urging them to prepare for life after their playing careers.
Participants were encouraged to save immediately after receiving their income, establish emergency funds and invest in regulated financial products.
One of the key messages from the financial literacy session was: “When you get more money, don’t spend more. Save more. Invest more.”
The athletes were also introduced to investment options such as Treasury bills and Treasury bonds, while being cautioned against quick-money schemes and investments they do not understand.
The symposium further challenged women in sport to overcome lifestyle pressure, peer pressure and unplanned spending, particularly on social obligations such as weddings, funerals and other community contributions.
Finance Trust Bank MD Annet Mulindwa Nakawunde honored with FUFA Special Recognition Award at the Women in Football Symposium. Award presented by FUFA 2nd Vice President Dr. Taibu Azah – Credit to FUFA Media
The participants were also encouraged to develop skills outside football, including entrepreneurship, coaching, education, sports administration, media and other professional careers.
The message was clear: build a post-football skill that can continue generating value long after the final whistle.
Last season’s best recognised
The symposium also provided an opportunity to celebrate individuals who made outstanding contributions to women’s football during the previous season.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies captain Agnes Nabukenya emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), capping a remarkable season in which she played a key role in her club’s success.
Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi was named Coach of the Season, recognising his outstanding contribution on the technical bench.
The awards also recognised the important role played by the media in promoting women’s football. Maktoum Muziransa, Isma Mulangwa and Camilla Asha were honoured as the Women’s Football Media Personalities of the Year.
Finance Trust Bank Managing Director Annet Nakawunde was also appreciated with a medal for her contribution to the development and promotion of women’s football.
Hon. Nakiwala Florence Kiyingi was similarly recognised for her role in spearheading and supporting women’s football.
The fans were not forgotten, with Isaac Akena receiving the Fan of the Season Award for his support of the women’s game.
Shamirah Nabadda received the Women’s Football Achievers Award, recognising her contribution and achievements in the sport.
Best XI of the season
The symposium also recognised the outstanding players who made the Women’s Football Best XI.
The team comprised:
- Saidat Namwanje
- Samalie Nakacwa
- Hadijja Babirye
- Halima Nambafu
- Auki Kigongo
- Catherine Nagadya
- Agnes Nabukenya
- Vanessa Namazi
- Jesca Namanda
- Latifah Nakasi
- Joanita Ainembabazi
The awards added a celebratory dimension to the symposium, recognising players, coaches, media, administrators and supporters whose contributions continue to shape women’s football.
Building a sustainable future
The event ultimately delivered a dual message to women in sport: excel on the pitch, but prepare for life beyond it.
Stakeholders also called on the media to tell more positive stories about women’s football and encouraged fans to attend matches in greater numbers.
The argument was that stronger media coverage, increased attendance and greater investment can help create a commercially sustainable environment for women’s football.
For the athletes, the financial message was equally direct, save when you earn, invest wisely, avoid unnecessary financial pressure and develop skills that can sustain you after your sporting career.
As Finance Trust Bank emphasised at the symposium: “When we support a woman, you support a nation.”
