Results:

Excitement filled the air at Rwamwanja Stadium on saturday 16th august 2025 as the refugee settlement hosted its official girls’ football team selection ahead of the prestigious TICAD Cup 2025, set to take place in Jinja this September.

The tournament, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with UNHCR Uganda and Solitilo Bright Stars FC, will bring together refugee girls and host community teams from across the country to compete in a high-profile event aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, social cohesion, and youth empowerment.

Teams in action at Rwamwanja stadium on Saturday

Three local teams took part in the selection tournament at Rwamwanja:

• Western Giants Girls Football Club
• She Global Queens Girls Football Club
• Bwizi SS She Falcons Girls Football Club

After a series of competitive matches, 15 talented players were chosen to form the official Rwamwanja Refugee girls team to represent the settlement at the national stage early next month.

“A Tool for Peace and Development”

Mr. Jun Kunihiro giving out special packages to Bwizi ss girls falcons football club

Speaking during the event, Mr. Jun Kunihiro, a representative from JICA Uganda, praised the players’ enthusiasm and resilience, highlighting JICA’s commitment to uplifting refugee communities through sport.

“We are grateful to see so many girls playing with such energy and spirit. Since 2021, JICA has supported initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence and social development through sports. The TICAD Cup in Jinja will be another opportunity to show how far these girls have come,” he said.

He also thanked the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UNHCR, and implementing partners for making the event a success. In a gesture of support, Mr. Jun officially handed over a new set of jerseys to the selected Rwamwanja team and distributed gift packages to every participant.

“This Tournament Changed Our Lives”

Bwizi ss she falcons captain Sarah Nwasime receiving a set of jersey from officials

The victorious team, Bwizi SS She Falcons, celebrated their top performance and contribution of several players to the final selection. Their captain, Nwasime Sarah, spoke with pride:

“This game has been so wonderful. We thank JICA for this opportunity. It makes us feel recognized and helps expose our talent. JICA has also supported our education and given us bursaries, which have changed our lives as refugees,” she said.

Coach Mutebi Ivan, head of the She Falcons, echoed her sentiments:

“This used to be just a leisure activity, but now football is something serious. JICA and other partners have transformed it into a powerful tool for change. As we prepare to represent Rwamwanja in Jinja, I call on all families and community members to support these girls.”

Mutebi Ivan, the Head Coach of Bwizi ss she falcons fc speaking after the match

Building on Last Year’s Experience

This will be the fourth edition of the TICAD Cup, which first kicked off in 2022. Last year, Jinja City Queens claimed the title for the second time, while Rwamwanja finished fifth out of six teams—just above Agojo Refugee Girls FC from Adjumani.

She Global Queens football team players share happiness after their win against Western Giants girls football team

With the 2025 tournament fast approaching, Rwamwanja’s representatives are aiming higher, equipped with new gear, growing confidence, and the community behind them.

This initiative is part of the Japanese government’s pledge during the 2nd Global Refugee Forum (2023) to provide 10,000 refugees and host community members in Uganda access to sports and development opportunities.

As the countdown to Jinja begins, the Rwamwanja girls are no longer just playing for victory—they are playing for visibility, empowerment, and change.