History of Nakawa American Football Association (NAFA)

Nakawa American Football Association (NAFA) is a nongovernmental, and nonprofitable or Charitable Association, which was Founded  on February 3 - 2019, and its (X account creation) on the same date https://x.com/NAFAUganda with an to develop and promote American Football in Uganda. Between 2019 and 2026, NAFA expanded into schools, affiliating with St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), Namilyango College, Nakifuma Modern Secondary School, St. Augustine’s College Wakiso, Seeta High School A-Level Campus, Lubiri High School Mengo, Lubiri Nabagereka Primary School Mengo, and Seeta Senior Secondary School, including University.

In January 2024, NAFA introduced American Football officially and incorporated into college sports at Namilyango College, marking a historic milestone as the first secondary school in Uganda to include the sport in its curriculum. On 17 May 2024, during the school sports day, NAFA showcased the game to parents and students, firmly establishing its place in the college’s sports program. Namilyango College, founded in 1902 by the White Fathers, thus became a pioneer of American Football in Ugandan secondary education.

Nakawa American Football Association (NAFA) is Founded by Coach Grace Imran Ssumujju, CEO & Executive Director of Marketing, and International Relations, a USA Football Certified Coach, NFL FLAG Official (NFL & RXC Sports), and NFHS/NCAA Certified in Eligibility. NAFA has been officially enrolled with USA Football since 2023 (ID No. 55651).

On 15 November 2024, NAFA formally presented American Football to the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) during its 09th Annual General Assembly at Mountain of the Moon University. The presentation was attended by representatives from over twenty eight (28) universities, including Muteesa 1 Royal University, Makerere, Kyambogo, Gulu, Muni, Busitema, Soroti, Kampala University, Kampala International, and Kabale Universities, Mbarara, among others.

NAFA has built strong partnerships and support, including a one-year partnership with Jibu Uganda (2023–2024) and sponsorships from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Sun Ventures, Sawyer Developers, and individual supporters. 

In the same year 2024 the club also introduced American Football at Kitintale Village Mirambo Pitch in Mutungo Parish, Nakawa Division A1.

In 2024–2025, Nakawa American Football Association (NAFA) presented the sport to USAID Uganda through the Education for Youth and Childhood Development (EYCD) office during the introduction of the new USAID Mission Director at the USAID Learning Hub, while celebrating the International Women's Day Kampala.

On 12th, July - 2025 the Nakawa American Football Association (NAFA) was invited by the National governing body of the Sport in Uganda, that is , American Football Federation of Uganda to Manage Officiating programs with Uganda Flag Football League, and this was an incredible moment to Officiate the Demonstration exhibition game between the US Embassy Kampala (US Marine Corps Vs the National Team (Generals) for American Football during the launch of the Sport in Uganda.

In November, 2025, NAFA introduced American Football to Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education and Muteesa I Royal University. 

NAFA also became an Education Recruitment Agent Partner of Alfred State College of Technology, State University of New York, supporting EducationUSA programs, international students, and student-athletes with academic scholarships, study-abroad pathways, and F-1 visa guidance.

This year April 11, 2026, NAFA hosted the First ever an International Game in Uganda, which took place at Lubiri Mengo between Lubiri High School and City Rose Academy from Kenya, Playing Nakawa International Flag Football Championship in partnership with International Flag League (IFLAG) from the USA recognized event by the Guinness World Records. Tap on the link to witness; https://youtu.be/_3YUG89YEnQ

Currently, NAFA is creating a strategic partnership with the Buganda Kingdom promoting American Football in the 52 Clans (Ebika), 18 counties (Amasaza), Over 80 schools foundations and affiliated to Buganda Kingdom in Uganda. With an Aim of Establishing American Football Playing Fields, and also a Campaign to Construct Buganda International American Football Stadium on 50+ acers of Land (Sports Complex). Coach Grace Imran Ssumujju to be considered as the Brand Ambassador of Nike Football company in Africa from the United states of America soon, evidence, https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_ugandans-tackle-american-football/6184350.html , And also is an International Student at University of the People, a Degree Seeking Student and Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) online program, from Pasadena - California, USA.

This Journey reflects NAFAs’ steady growth from a grassroots initiative into a Nationally and Internationally recognized pioneer of American Football, education, and youth development in Uganda.