The qualifiers will also host CAF’s Capacity Building Programmes, including the Young Reporters, Young Referees, Young Medical Officers initiatives, CAF D License coaching course
Uganda will host the 2026 CAF African Schools Championship CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers from December 6–9, 2025, after the tournament was relocated from Ethiopia. CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde said Uganda stepped in to ensure smooth preparations for one of the region’s key youth competitions.
Ten boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams have confirmed participation, with the draw set for November 10th at the FUFA Studio in Mengo.
Participating Teams
Boys: Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia.
Girls: Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan.
The qualifiers will also host CAF’s Capacity Building Programmes, including the Young Reporters, Young Referees, Young Medical Officers initiatives, CAF D License coaching course, and safeguarding workshops.
CECAFA teams have enjoyed strong continental success since the Schools Championship launched in 2022, with Tanzania winning back-to-back boys’ titles in 2024 and 2025, while Ghana claimed this year’s girls’ crown after beating Uganda in the final.