Six Ugandan universities will compete in the inaugural US Exchange Alumni Gridiron Superbowl championship as the American Football Federation of Uganda (AFFU) steps up efforts to grow the sport in the country.

Makerere University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Jinja Campus, Muni University, Lira University, Aga Khan University Uganda and Kampala International University (KIU) will participate in the 2026-2027 competition, which will be played in the flag football format.

The championship was officially launched at the American Center in Kabalagala, Kampala, on Thursday, in a partnership between the United States Embassy in Uganda, the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa Nairobi Alumni Chapter of Uganda and AFFU.

The initiative has secured $34,000 (approximately UGX148 million) in funding to support its implementation, with at least 70 per cent of the money already remitted, according to AFFU president Steven George Okeng.

Okeng believes the partnership will provide a major boost to efforts to popularise American football in Uganda, using university students and the wider alumni network to introduce more young people to the sport.

“This is a major milestone for the Federation. Through the partnership, we can reach more than 6,000 U.S. exchange alumni and use that network to spread American football across the country,” Okeng said.

“At least 70 per cent of the funding has already been remitted, with the balance expected in January. We are ready to implement the programme and believe it will support the growth of American football in Uganda.”

Flag football, a non-contact version of American football in which players stop opponents by pulling flags attached to their waists instead of tackling them, will serve as the entry point for participating students.

Beyond competition, the project aims to use sport to promote youth leadership, mentorship, empowerment and sports diplomacy.

US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley officiated at the launch, emphasising the championship’s potential to develop the game and strengthen connections among participants.

“The US Exchange Alumni Gridiron Superbowl championship in Uganda will help to build skills, connect alumni and precipitate the growth of the game in the country,” Cleverley said.

YALI alumni chapter president Jessica Shiella Aanyu welcomed the support from the US Embassy, calling on partners to work together to ensure the initiative succeeds.

“We are humbled for the support from the US Embassy to initiate the US Exchange Alumni Gridiron Superbowl championship in Uganda. We call upon the partners to come together as one,” Aanyu said.

Dr Bobwealth Omontese, director of VetVille LLC, also highlighted the wider opportunities created by international exchange programmes, noting that flag football could open doors for participants beyond the playing field.

“Such exchange programs are a big platform to connect to different people around the world. The game (flag football) is an entry point. There is so much more beyond the game,” he said.

The championship adds to AFFU’s efforts to expand American football’s reach in Uganda, with university participation and the US exchange alumni network expected to provide a foundation for wider grassroots development.