To promote talent and community development among the youth living in semi-urban areas, the WEHAT Foundation launched its inaugural football tournament over the weekend, aimed at uplifting the standards of living for its beneficiaries.
Founded three years ago, the WEHAT Foundation is a Ugandan non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a poverty-free, child-empowered society, guided by the principles of equity, inclusion, and accountability. WEHAT stands for Welfare, Education, Healthcare, Advocacy, and Talent Development. The organisation operates in the regions of Mbale, Mbarara, Buikwe, Jinja, and Kampala.
The tournament features a total of 17 teams and is designed to promote football talent among youths in Ggangu, Busaabala, Salaama, and Makindye. It is part of the WEHAT Foundation’s commitment to community development. Prior to the tournament, the foundation held a cleaning initiative to improve sanitation in Busaabala village.
According to WEHAT’s Team Leader, Musa Rugumayo, the tournament will take place twice a year, with the primary objective of fundraising for the WEHAT Education Fund, Health Outreaches, and Youth Development Programs.
“We believe that sports can be a powerful tool for social change. By promoting football talent and healthy lifestyles, we aim to empower the youth and contribute to the development of our communities. We plan to hold this tournament in the first and last quarters of the year, specifically in March and November,” Rugumayo said.
Rugumayo emphasized that football is the most popular sport among the youth in Makindye division, with every suburb featuring at least five pitches accommodating various competitive teams, creating opportunities to engage with the youth and encourage them to participate in transformative activities.
“The tournament promises to be an exciting platform for young footballers to showcase their skills, while also fostering teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship,” Rugumayo added.
After the tournament, the winners will receive UGX3million to help develop their team, along with a trophy and medals. The second-best team will be awarded UGX1.5million along with medals, while the third place will receive UGX500,000. All other teams will receive certificates of participation to help build their performance portfolios.
According to Rugumayo, WEHAT aims to attract more teams in the second season, with a keen eye on female participants.