FFI Heads to Nairobi for East African Legends Tournament

KAMPALA – Uganda's Former Footballers Initiative (FFI) will depart for Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday, 24 October 2026, to participate in the second edition of the East African Legends Tournament, with a Shs15 million contribution from the National Council of Sports (NCS) providing a significant boost to the delegation's preparations.

The regional competition, scheduled for 26–28 October 2026 at Nairobi City Stadium, will bring together former footballers aged 60 years and above, celebrating the sporting heritage of East Africa while promoting healthy ageing, dignity and solidarity among football veterans.

Kenya will host the tournament for the second consecutive year, with Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar among the countries confirmed to participate.

Organised by AgeWatch Africa, the tournament forms part of the East African Legends Festival, a regional initiative associated with the International Day of Older Persons. This year's festival is guided by the theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives."

Government Support Strengthens Uganda's Participation

FFI's participation has received important institutional backing through Uganda's National Council of Sports.

According to FFI General Secretary John Kennedy Lubogo Mutatwala, NCS has provided UGX 15 million towards the delegation's trip, through the support of the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.

The contribution will support FFI's participation in a competition that celebrates individuals who helped build Uganda's footballing identity.

Mutatwala also indicated that ICON Medical Centre came forward with additional support.

The NCS contribution is particularly significant for an organisation whose work extends beyond sporting competition to the wider welfare of former footballers.

For FFI, government recognition of veterans' participation represents an encouraging step towards ensuring that footballers remain part of Uganda's sporting development long after their playing careers.

A Second Edition Built on Regional Football History

The tournament returns to Kenya following its inaugural edition in 2025, which brought together former football stars from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania at the University of Nairobi.

Tanzania emerged as champions of the first edition, with a team led by veteran football figure Abdalla Kibadeni.

The opening tournament demonstrated that retirement from professional football does not necessarily mean retirement from the game itself.

Former players, many of whom represented their countries during the celebrated decades of East African football, reunited on the pitch to renew old rivalries, friendships and their shared appreciation of the sport.

The Late Ouma, a former Uganda Cranes captain and prominent member of FFI's Executive Committee, was among the outstanding figures of Uganda's Golden Generation. His football journey extended from the playing field into coaching, administration and advocacy for former players.

His participation in the inaugural tournament offered a powerful example of the enduring connection between Uganda's football legends and the game they served.

Sadly, Captain Ouma passed away on 30 December 2025, making this year's competition the first edition without one of its most distinguished Ugandan participants.

As FFI returns to Nairobi, his legacy of leadership and service to football remains an important reminder of why preserving the history and dignity of former players matters.

More Than Football: Challenging Stereotypes About Ageing

While the tournament promises competitive football and renewed regional rivalries, its importance extends well beyond the final score.

By bringing together footballers aged 60 and above, the festival challenges the perception that older people should withdraw from physical activity, community engagement or public life.

AgeWatch Africa, the organisation behind the festival, promotes the dignity, inclusion and wellbeing of older persons.

Speaking to Kenya's Daily Nation in September, AgeWatch Africa chief executive Richard Waindi explained the wider objective:

"We use football to bring together legends, to improve their lives."

Waindi also outlined ambitions to create opportunities for former players through mentorship, football academies and programmes that support their social, economic and physical wellbeing.

For Uganda's veterans, this approach closely aligns with the work of FFI, which advocates for former players to remain active contributors to society.

Football legends possess decades of experience in teamwork, discipline, leadership and talent development. Their involvement in community football and mentorship can help younger players appreciate both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with a sporting career.

Nairobi Participation Advances FFI's Life After Football Mission

Established to improve the lives of Uganda's former footballers, FFI has continued to expand its work through five strategic pillars: Sports, Education, Health, Business and Welfare.

Its participation in the East African Legends Tournament directly supports the sports pillar by encouraging physical activity, social interaction and continued involvement in football among older members.

The benefits also extend to the initiative's broader welfare mission.

For many retired footballers, leaving competitive sport can mean losing not only a source of income but also the daily routines, relationships and sense of belonging associated with their playing careers.

Veterans' competitions provide opportunities to rebuild those connections, strengthen friendships and maintain a sense of purpose.

The Nairobi trip also comes during a period of growing activity within FFI.

Earlier this month, the initiative formalised a healthcare partnership with ICON Medical Services, establishing a framework through which eligible former footballers and their families can access selected free and subsidised medical services.

Together, such initiatives demonstrate FFI's emphasis on practical support, sustained wellbeing and a dignified Life After Football.

The regional tournament provides another opportunity to build relationships with organisations pursuing similar goals across East Africa.

Keeping Uganda's Golden Generation in the Game

Uganda's football history is inseparable from the contributions of its former players, including the men who represented The Cranes in regional competitions and on the continental stage.

Their achievements created memories that continue to inspire supporters and players across generations.

Yet preserving those memories requires more than celebrating historic victories. It also means ensuring that the people behind them receive recognition, care and opportunities to remain involved in the game.

The East African Legends Tournament represents an important platform for advancing that principle.

As FFI prepares to travel to Nairobi, attention will turn to Uganda's performances against fellow regional veterans, the friendships renewed across borders and the opportunities that may emerge from the gathering.

Regardless of the results, the initiative's involvement carries a message that extends beyond the tournament itself: football careers may end, but the bonds of the game and the responsibility to support its legends must endure.

For Uganda's former footballers, Nairobi 2026 is another opportunity to demonstrate that their contribution to the beautiful game is far from over.

Follow the Former Footballers Initiative for updates on Uganda's participation in the East African Legends Tournament. Visit FFI Events for tournament coverage and upcoming activities.