The Ismail Watenga Foundation once again proved that heroes don’t just shine on the pitch, but off it as well. Returning for its 3rd edition, the annual community outreach organized by Uganda Cranes assistant captain Ismail Watenga brought hope, joy, and support to the people of Nakaloke, his beloved hometown. This year’s theme, “Leave a Footprint Today,” reflected the foundation’s continued mission: to inspire change and impact lives.

Empowering Through Action

The event kicked off on June 14th at Nakaloke Primary School, where hundreds gathered for a day of giving, connection, and community service. Watenga and his team of volunteers, including fellow football stars Fahad Bayo, Richard Mato, Paul Mucureezi, and others, distributed essential items such as hygiene kits, reusable pads for girls, medical supplies, and hampers for mothers at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. In a heartfelt gesture, Watenga personally handed over items to beneficiaries, underscoring his commitment to real, grassroots change.

During the two-day outreach, the Ismail Watenga Foundation distributed a wide range of essential items aimed at uplifting the community’s most vulnerable groups. These included sewing machines to empower women with income-generating skills, reusable sanitary pads for school-going girls to promote menstrual health and dignity, and soccer kits to support budding young footballers in local academies. Additionally, medical care kits and hampers containing basic supplies and personal hygiene products were delivered to mothers at Mbale Hospital, while food packages were handed out to families in need across Nakaloke.

As part of the visit to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Watenga and fellow footballers including Fahad Bayo, Richard Mato, and Paul Mucureezi donated hampers and medical care kits to pregnant mothers in the maternity ward. The team spent time listening to the mothers’ stories and offering words of encouragement, turning the visit into a deeply emotional and uplifting experience. The gesture not only provided much-needed support but also reminded the community that they are seen, valued, and not alone.

The foundation also contributed sewing machines, soccer kits, and other items crucial to empowering the youth and women in the region. Donations are still being accepted to continue this life-changing work.

A Festival of Football & Unity

The celebration continued into June 15th with exhilarating charity matches that united the community through the beautiful game. Events included:

• ⚽ An Under-14 showdown between Wats Soccer Academy and Namunsi Soccer Academy, showcasing the region’s young, rising talent.

• ⚽ A dynamic clash between Highway Senior Secondary School Ladies and Mbale Select Ladies, promoting women’s empowerment in sports.

• ⚽ A friendly yet spirited corporate match between Nakaloke Corporates and Zam Zam Corporates, proving football is for everyone young, old, professional or not.

• ⚽ The highlight of the day: a thrilling encounter between Friends of Watenga Kampala Select and Friends of Watenga Mbale Select, featuring celebrated players like goalkeeper Derrick Ochan and Ibrahim Juma, who currently plies his trade in Spain. The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, much to the crowd’s delight.

Transforming Lives Through Education

One of the most emotional moments came when Watenga introduced students who have benefited from football bursaries, allowing them to attend top-tier schools across Uganda. These stories were a powerful reminder of the foundation’s impact — using football not only as a sport, but as a tool for education, opportunity, and lasting change.

Nakaloke Mayor Mwanika George praised the initiative, thanking Watenga for being a beacon of hope in the community. He emphasized the long-term impact such efforts will have on the youth and the entire town. Ritah Namuwenge, National Coordinator for Emyooga, also expressed admiration for the foundation’s work. She pledged her support and donated five footballs to aid the ongoing activities of the foundation.

The Ismail Watenga Foundation invites everyone to leave a footprint. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply showing up — your support matters. For financial and in-kind donations, contact the foundation at +256 701 888 055 or +276 879 825 76