“If you want to compare, don’t compare with us. We are sorry. Please surrender.”
These bold lyrics, sung by a football team composed of refugees and host community girls, reflected more than just playful competition, they embody confidence, hope, and a winning spirit.
This display of high self-esteem and resilience is the kind of empowerment the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and its partners OPM and UNHCR, aim to foster through sports. JICA has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of refugees and host communities in Uganda through its Sports for Development initiative.
The pledge was made by Japan’s Chief Representative to Uganda, Inoue Yoichi, during a recent visit to Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Terego and Madi-Okollo districts, where young girls competed in the TICAD CUP football qualifiers.
For the past four years, JICA has been at the forefront of organising the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) CUP, a football tournament exclusively for girls from refugee settlements and neighbouring host communities.
The program, which falls under JICA’s broader Sports for Development agenda, recognises the power of sports in driving sustainable development.
“Sports are more than just games. They are a means to foster health, education, gender equality, and social cohesion,” said Inoue Yoichi.
“Through this initiative, we aim to create opportunities for young refugees, promote mutual understanding, and build peaceful communities.”
The tournament’s fourth edition will culminate in September at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Technical Center in Njeru. But before the finals, regional qualifiers have been held in refugee settlements, including Palorinya in Obongi district, Rhino Camp, and upcoming matches in Rwamanja.
The Rhino Camp qualifier, held in Ofua Zone, saw three teams: Omugo, Ofua, and Tika Village battle for a spot in the finals. The competition was fierce, with Tika Village clinching victory in a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout against Ofua. Peter Okwaji, coach of Tika Village, praised his team’s resilience.
“These girls have faced so much hardship, yet they play with such passion. This tournament gives them hope and a chance to dream bigger,” he said.
To ensure the players receive top-tier training, JICA partnered with Uganda Premier League’s Soltilo Bright Stars FC. Harold Atukwase, the club’s CEO, emphasised the importance of the initiative:
“Football is a powerful tool for social trans- formation. By nurturing these young talents, we are not just building athletes, we are shaping future leaders.”
An excited spectator commented that when these girls play, they are not just representing their teams, they are breaking barriers and inspiring others. The upcoming tournament in September will feature four teams from refugee settlements; Rhino Camp, Palorinya, Pagirinya, and Rwamanja, alongside select teams chosen by FUFA.
