2026 Women’s Champions League: Kawempe Muslim’s first steps on the continental stage
Participation: 1st appearance
Coach: Ayub Khalifa
How the team qualified
Kawempe Muslim FC secured their ticket to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League by winning the CECAFA zonal qualifying tournament, held in August.
The Ugandans finished at the top of their group following two victories; 1–0 win over Ethiopia’s CBE and an 8–0 rout against FC Ujeco of Djibouti. They then reaffirmed their dominance in the semi-finals by defeating CBE once again 3–0, with goals from Jovia Nakagolo, Agnes Nabukenya and an own goal from Tigist Adane Belhu. In the final, Kawempe Muslim edged out Kenya Police Bullets 1–0 extra time, thanks to a 100th-minute goal by Agnes Nabukenya—a victory that earned them a spot in the continental final tournament.
The Coach: Ayub Khalifa
At the helm of Kawempe Muslim Ladies since 2001, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has established himself as a key figure in the development of Ugandan women’s football. Over the course of nearly 25 years, he has molded the team into a national benchmark, while also playing a vital role in developing young talent, particularly within the school football system.
His efforts have yielded significant success, including six Ugandan league titles—most recently for the 2025/26 season—as well as several triumphs with national youth teams, notably Uganda’s victories in the CECAFA U-17 tournaments.
The Player: Agnes Nabukenya
At just 17 years old, Agnes Nabukenya has already established herself as one of the most promising faces in Ugandan women’s football. Developing her skills at Kawempe Muslim Ladies—which she joined in 2022—the forward quickly rose through the ranks to become a key player for her side.
She made her breakthrough during the 2023/24 season, finishing as the top scorer with 10 goals and being named the best player in the Ugandan league. In February 2025, at only 16, she was appointed team captain.
Having progressed through Uganda’s youth national teams before earning a call-up to the senior squad, Nabukenya stands out for her technical ability, power, and precision in front of goal. Capable of making a difference in decisive moments, she combines attacking efficiency with a strong sense of teamwork and leadership.
She first drew attention during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, notably scoring six goals in a single match against Namibia in January 2025 to prove her impact on the continental stage.
Named the best player of the CECAFA zone qualifiers for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, she capped off Kawempe Muslim’s historic run by scoring the only goal in the final against Kenya Police Bullets in the 100th minute. It was a symbolic strike for the captain, whose leadership and knack for stepping up in big matches embody the ambitions of the Ugandan club as it prepares for its maiden appearance in the continental tournament.
Kawempe Muslim in the Women’s Champions League
This marks Kawempe Muslim’s first-ever participation in the Women’s Champions League.