Football has become a center of hook for majority of the youth in Nwoya regardless of the gender. Photos by Jimmy Komakech
By Jimmy Komakech
Nwoya: Once infamous for its rampant poaching and wildlife crimes, Nwoya District is now steadily rewriting its story as a rising hub of football talent and youth transformation.
This remarkable shift is driven by deliberate community efforts and significant investment from Total Energies, which is breathing new life into local football and reshaping the district’s identity.
Through the Total Energies Mini League, launched in 2015, over 700 footballers have already participated, a figure that continues to grow each year. The recently concluded 2025 edition has become a symbol of renewal, hope, and unity among the youth of Nwoya.
The rolling landscapes of Nwoya, once marred by the echoes of gunfire and wildlife poaching, are now filled with the cheers of football fans. The same fields that once served as hideouts for poachers have transformed into vibrant grounds for sporting excellence.
Local coach Okello Maxwell believes football is doing more than building athletes, it’s saving lives.
“Football growth in the district not only brings youth together but also helps them understand the importance of preserving wildlife,” he said. “We want to show them that there are better ways to succeed than through poaching.”
For Anena Carmella, a respected community leader, investing in sports is investing in the district’s future.
“By investing in football, we are investing in our children’s future. It inspires them to chase dreams rather than resort to illegal activities that harm our environment,” she explained.
Young player Ochen Jackson shared a personal testimony; “Playing football has changed my life. It keeps me focused and gives me hope. I want my peers to know that we can achieve our goals without destroying our natural resources.”
According to Charles Killama, the District Sports Officer, the vision goes far beyond winning trophies.
“This initiative is not just about football; it’s about changing lives. We are providing our youth with opportunities and steering them away from illegal activities,” he noted. “The investment from Total Energies is a game-changer for us.”
Total Energies: A Catalyst for Community Transformation
Total Energies has committed to strengthening Nwoya’s sports infrastructure by funding training facilities, equipment, and talent scouting programs. The company’s representative, Ojok Holly Moses, emphasized their long-term vision.
“We believe in the power of sports to unite and empower communities. By investing in football, we are investing in the future of Nwoya.”
Ojok noted that while the partnership has achieved great milestones, more support is needed to expand facilities and improve the quality of pitches across the district. The initiative has sparked immense enthusiasm among young players, who now attend training sessions with renewed ambition and discipline.
Local leaders are equally energized. Ojok, the Vice Chairperson LC5 of Nwoya District, said the project has rekindled community pride.
“Football is bringing our people together, building pride in our district. We are witnessing a shift in mindset, where young people now see football as a viable career path rather than resorting to poaching.”
Kitara FC A Beacon of Inspiration
The transformation in Nwoya is also being bolstered by Kitara FC, a Premier League club based in Hoima City.
Joshua Atugonza, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) representative and CEO of Kitara FC, highlighted the importance of nurturing both male and female talent.
“Our goal is to create a pathway for young players to showcase their skills. With support from Total Energies, we can now offer professional coaching and competitive opportunities,” Atugonza said.
Godfrey Lukwango from Total Energies added that the company continues to learn from every tournament to improve future events and ensure more youth participation in sports across its operational areas.
The just-concluded Nwoya Mini League saw the finalists rewarded with trophies and sports equipment worth millions of shillings, courtesy of Total Energies. The district’s flagship team, Young Elephant FC, has already made waves by competing in Uganda’s FUFA Big League.
