In This Article

  • Uganda Prepares for Inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Championship
  • Team Uganda's Historic Debut and Expectations
  • Tournament Format and Competition
  • Anti-Doping Measures and Fair Play
  • The Future of Flag Football in Africa

Key Takeaways

  • Uganda's national flag football team is competing in the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Championship, marking a historic continental debut.
  • The tournament serves as a pathway to the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships and the anticipated Olympic inclusion in Los Angeles 2028.
  • Uganda is grouped with Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal in Group B, while Cameroon leads Group A as the only previous IFAF participant.
  • The championship features placement games and anti-doping measures overseen by the International Testing Agency to ensure fair play.
  • Uganda's participation highlights flag football's rapid growth in Africa and its potential to inspire future athletes on the continent.

Uganda’s national flag football team is poised to make history as it prepares to compete in the inaugural International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Africa Flag Championship in Egypt. The tournament, which begins on June 20, 2025, at the Club One Maadi stadium in Cairo, represents a crucial milestone for the sport’s growing popularity across the continent and serves as a pathway to the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. Additionally, it marks a significant step toward flag football’s anticipated Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

The team was officially flagged off at the National Council of Sports (NCS) in Lugogo, Kampala, on June 19, 2025. James Kasumba, the NCS sports officer, handed over the national flag to the squad, urging them to represent Uganda with pride and determination. “Go and make us proud. Represent the country with diligence,” Kasumba said during the ceremony.

Team captain George Bekunda, a quarterback, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness. “We are hungry for success,” Bekunda stated. “The team has trained well, and we are more than ready to give our best at the championship.”

Uganda has been placed in Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. Meanwhile, Group A consists of hosts Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and South Africa. Cameroon, the only African nation to have previously participated in IFAF competitions, holds a world ranking of 32 and was seeded first for the tournament draw. The semifinals, scheduled for June 21, will determine the nations competing for the continental gold medal.

The tournament also includes placement games for teams finishing third and fourth in their groups, ensuring a comprehensive ranking system. The International Testing Agency (ITA) will oversee anti-doping measures during the event, further emphasizing the championship’s commitment to fair play.

Flag football’s rapid growth in Africa underscores the importance of this championship, which not only provides a platform for emerging talent but also sets the stage for future global competitions. As Uganda takes its first steps onto the continental stage, the team’s performance could inspire a new generation of athletes and solidify the sport’s presence in the region.

Team Uganda Delegation: Official: Steven George Okeng Players: Henry Muwayire (Wide Receiver), Jonathan Odong (Centre), Joshua Wenowe (Wide Receiver), Enock George Anock (Running Back), George Bekunda (Quarterback), Denis Oduke (Quarterback/Wide Receiver), Ian Kafuko, Brian Kafuko

Tags:

#Uganda #Flag Football #IFAF #African Sports #Olympics