Under the theme “Game on for Change – Youth Transformation through Sport,” the event brought together over 120 refugee and host community youth from Kampala, Kamwenge, Kikuube, and Adjumani Districts, proving once again that sport is a powerful lifeline for mental health, resilience, and social cohesion.
Organized by AVSI Foundation in partnership with the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), Youth Sport Uganda, Right To Play, and UNHCR, with support from the Olympic Refuge Foundation, the gala was more than a tournament; it was a celebration of the Olympic values of respect, friendship, and excellence in action – values that reflect the dignity of a person. The event representation featured different ministries of the Ugandan government - Education, Gender, Health - Local Government, Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, and Kampala City Council Authority. National Olympic Committee, Talent Identification Committee, implementing partners from Kyangwali refugee settlement, media, community members, and Olympic Refuge Foundation also graced the occasion
More than a game: Healing and Building Skill
For the participants, the field was a sanctuary. “When I’m playing netball, I really feel relieved. I feel stress-free,” shared Uwimana Francine, who gained confidence and friendships through the program. “Before, I could not stand in front of a camera and speak. Now, I can face people and express myself.”
This sentiment was echoed widely. Anitah Komujuni from Kikuube said, “I feel better when I play because it has helped me improve my talent. I have made new friends, and the life skills we learn help me solve problems.”
The games themselves became practical lessons in the very resilience the program teaches. “This year, my team didn’t win as expected. But it reminded us about coping with loss and demotivation, lessons we’ve been emphasizing all along,” explained Game Connect officer Happy Nanziri.
Jasper, a participant from Kampala, learned a similar lesson: “Even though we lost, sport has taught us critical thinking and controlling emotions. There’s always a winner and a loser, and that helps us grow.”
The impact extended beyond the players. Benson Tukwasibwe, an AVSI staff member, reflected: “This environment has improved my own mental health. I feel so much happier and uplifted just being here.”
A platform for talent and inclusion
The gala was meticulously designed to be inclusive and fair. Teams for football, volleyball, and netball were composed to ensure gender balance and the participation of persons with disabilities. For instance, each football team had at least one or two girls selected. Priority was given to youth who had not attended a previous gala, ensuring new voices were heard.
A thrilling display of talent and competition:
- Volleyball: Kikuube emerged as champions, with Kampala as runners-up.
- Netball: Adjumani took the top trophy, followed by Kikuube.
- Football: Adjumani claimed victory, with Kikuube securing a strong second place.
But beyond the scores, the real victory was in the connections made. “I am happy to have met new friends and to show love. Holding this accolade as best volleyball player makes me proud, but the friendships matter most,” said volleyballer Jonathan.
Coaches saw the results of dedication. “Last year, we lost to Kampala, but this year we replanned and came back strong. The players worked hard,” said Coach Ronald Kazoora. Newcomers like Coach Nunu felt immediately included: “It’s my first time here, and I like it. I’ve made new friends.”
A unifying force for communities and ethnicities.
Stakeholders emphasized the gala’s role as a powerful unifier. Patrick Isingoma, Head Teacher of Kyangwali Secondary School, noted, “A refugee from Kikuube can now connect with a footballer from Adjumani. That’s what we want.” Amon Zondora, Inspector of Schools in Kikuube, added: “Sports is a unifying factor. I could see children rejoicing together. We are all one in sports.”
The call to expand this successful model at the national level was made. Fred Nabirano, Commissioner of Youth and Children Affairs, stated: “We cannot underestimate the importance of sports. Game Connect has brought together ethnic groups and countries. This model should be expanded to other districts and included in schools.”
“Game Connect's strength lies in its consortium partnership, allowing us to work together effortlessly to build our youth to unlock their potential. We will continue to evolve, leveraging our learnings and achievements, and empowering young people through sport.” - Jeroen Carrin, Olympic Refuge Foundation. In reflection of Carrin’s words, the project Consortium Manager - Lydia Murungi, noted, “The success of this project owes to cooperation among all stakeholders and this event is a testament to such collaboration. Today, the exhibition stall we set up helped guests understand the model better.”
As the sun set on Kikuube, trophies were handed out, but the real legacy was clear. As Patrick Vukole, a participant from Adjumani, summed up: “I am excited because we are champions. But more importantly, for the peaceful coexistence showcased here today.” Champions were crowned, but the ultimate victory was in the friendships formed and the resilience built for a brighter future.
About Game Connect
Game Connect 2.0 is a 3-year sport for mental health intervention (August 2023 to July 2026) implemented by a consortium led by AVSI Foundation, including Right to Play, Youth Sport Uganda, Uganda Olympic Committee, and UNHCR, with support from the Olympic Refuge Foundation.
The project aims to improve the psychosocial and mental health resilience of 16,550 refugee and host community youth (aged 15-24) in Kampala, Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement (Kamwenge), Kyangwali Refugee Settlement (Kikuube), and Pagirinya Refugee Settlement (Adjumani). Through a structured curriculum delivered by trained coaches, it uses sport to promote a culture of peace, life skills, and social cohesion.
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