FUFA’s Coronation Plans Collapse as Kawempe Muslim Steal the Show

By Kayiira Jackson 

Against all expectations, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC completed one of the most dramatic title turnarounds in recent women’s football history, clinching the 2025/26 Finance Trust Women Super League crown on Sunday evening in a finale that caught even the football authorities unprepared.

Kawempe Muslim secured their sixth league title after defeating relegated Olila Women FC 3-1 at the Valley Grounds, while title rivals She Corporate FC were held to a goalless draw by She Maroons FC in Njeru.

Heading into the final day of the season on May 17, She Corporate appeared destined to reclaim the championship they first won in the 2022/23 campaign. The Buikwe-based side led the standings with 50 points, one ahead of Kawempe Muslim on 49.

The equation was straightforward — victory would guarantee either side the title. However, while Kawempe needed to win and hope for a slip-up from their rivals, many believed She Corporate’s formidable home record would comfortably carry them over the line.

Before Sunday’s encounter, She Corporate had not lost or drawn a home match all season, apart from a 2-0 defeat to Kawempe Muslim earlier in the campaign. Confidence around Njeru was so high that preparations for the title celebration had reportedly already been finalized.

Sources indicate that FUFA’s branding and events team delivered ceremonial materials to the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Friday, with the league trophy arriving a day later. Rehearsals for the coronation ceremony were conducted throughout Saturday, under the assumption that She Corporate would finish the job at home.

Little attention was paid to Kawempe Muslim’s fixture at the Valley.

As has become tradition in the league, both final-day matches kicked off simultaneously at 10 a.m. FUFA reportedly assigned only a small delegation, including UWFA chairperson Margaret Kubingi and safeguarding officer Sarah, to oversee proceedings at Kawempe.

But as the minutes ticked away, the title race took an unexpected twist.

Kawempe Muslim took command of their match and, with just minutes remaining, led Olila 2-1. Meanwhile, nerves intensified in Njeru as She Corporate failed to break down a resilient She Maroons side.

In the 85th minute, Kawempe striker Latifah Nakasi scored the decisive third goal to seal a 3-1 victory and ignite celebrations among the home supporters.

By the time Kawempe’s match ended, the game in Njeru was still ongoing. FUFA officials reportedly held onto hope that She Corporate could produce a late winner and rescue what had already become an increasingly awkward situation.

That goal never arrived.

At the final whistle in Njeru, panic reportedly swept through organizers. The trophy, branding equipment and ceremony materials — all stationed nearly 85 kilometres away — had to be rushed from Njeru to Kawempe for an emergency coronation setup.

FUFA’s events team eventually arrived at the Valley at approximately 2:40 p.m., where a modest platform was hastily assembled before Kawempe Muslim were officially crowned champions in a scaled-down ceremony.

Despite the chaotic finale, the triumph marked another historic achievement for Kawempe Muslim, who also claimed the Fair Play Award.

Individual honors, however, largely went to She Corporate players. Goalkeeper Molly Naava was named Best Goalkeeper, while Jesca Namanda earned both the league MVP and Top Scorer awards after netting 15 goals — level with Kawempe’s Nakasi.

What was expected to be She Corporate’s coronation instead became a story of resilience, heartbreak and an embarrassing logistical scramble for Uganda’s football authorities — all sparked by Kawempe Muslim Ladies’ remarkable, against-the-odds title victory.