This Is Not Just a Game
In May 2025, the 11th edition of the Watoto Wasoka Slums Derby brought over 2,000 children to life through football at Makerere University Sports Grounds. Organized by Watoto Wasoka, a local nonprofit using sport to empower underserved youth, the tournament featured 96 boys’ teams and 30 girls’ teams from across Kampala, Wakiso, and surrounding areas. More than just a sporting event, the Derby served as a space for inclusion, mentorship, and community-driven empowerment—particularly for children from informal settlements.
The weekend unfolded with thrilling matches, victories by Black Star Soccer Academy (boys) and UCC Soccer Academy (girls), and a strong display of talent, sportsmanship, and teamwork. But the impact went far beyond the pitch. Through meals, health support, life skills, and psychosocial care, the event created a holistic, safe environment for children to feel seen, valued, and inspired. As the CivLegacy Foundation and CivSource Africa continue to champion community-led initiatives, the Slums Derby stands as a compelling reminder of how locally rooted efforts can create joyful, transformative experiences for youth, not through charity, but through dignity.