April 13, 2026
In 2018, the founders of Busoga Sports and Skills Development Academy encountered a group of young boys working at a waste-dumping site near Namboole. The boys spent their days collecting plastic bottles for sale in order to survive. It was a harsh reality—children engaged in hazardous work instead of attending school or pursuing opportunities that could help them realise their full potential.
The initial intervention focused on exploring ways of turning waste into useful products that could provide the boys with a safer and more sustainable source of income. At the same time, recognising their potential and the need for positive engagement, the organisation introduced evening football sessions to create a safe space where the boys could develop their talents and build meaningful aspirations for the future.
Before the waste project could be implemented, the local council closed the dumping site because of its proximity to the road and ongoing renovation works at Namboole Stadium. While this disrupted the boys’ primary source of income, the football programme continued and soon became the centrepiece of the intervention.
What began as informal evening training sessions quickly evolved into a structured football programme. Teams were formed, matches organised, and remarkable talent emerged from among the young participants. The initiative eventually led to the registration of Zion Football Club in the fifth division, creating opportunities for organised competition and talent development.
Beyond football, efforts were made to support some of the boys to return to school. Although resources were limited and not all beneficiaries could be reached, the programme succeeded in reconnecting several young people with formal education and providing a positive alternative to life on the streets.