Five 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.

Muni University, Lira University, MUK Jinja Campus, Aga Khan and KIU Ishaka Campus 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 Tuesday, October 27, 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.

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.

She added that the introduction of the sport in Uganda goes beyond playing flag football, highlighting its potential to promote leadership, teamwork and stronger ties between Uganda and the United States.

Aanyu, a Mandela Washington Fellowship alumna, explained that YALI decided to reintroduce the sport in Uganda as part of activities marking 250 years of American excellence.

“This is a crucial and important sport in the United States. As a US exchange alumna, I got to learn about it through the Mandela Washington Fellowship. As we celebrate 250 years of American excellence in Uganda, YALI decided to bring the sport back because there is so much more to it than flag football and American football.

“The sport teaches values such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, commitment and healthy competition. We believe introducing it here gives Ugandans an opportunity to learn from these values. Most importantly, we want to use sport to strengthen partnerships and collaboration, building bridges between Uganda and the United States through the US Embassy and the US Exchange Alumni,” she said.

Meanwhile, Yale alumna Stella Nakaweesi revealed that she will represent the Central Cluster, one of the five participating clusters.

“This is a good community to be part of, and I would like to explore more about how the game is played and challenge myself,” she 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.