Zeso Foundation Uganda: Fueling Dreams, Building Champions, Transforming Communities

At Kampala’s busy outskirts, Zeso Foundation Uganda operates as a football academy and serves as a critical support system for young Ugandans.  The nonprofit organization operated by former professional player Moses Kalanzi, who values his community, functions as a bridge between dreams and reality.  Zeso stands at the forefront of talent development through its elite facilities and legendary mentors while emphasizing comprehensive personal growth. 

Moses Kalanzi: From Global Pitches to Grassroots Impact

Moses Kalanzi’s story is one of grit and gratitude. After representing Uganda at the 2011 All Africa Games in Mozambique, he embarked on a professional career spanning Denmark’s Blokhus FC and Spain’s Málaga B. Yet, his proudest moment came in 2023 when he traded his boots for a whistle to launch Zeso Foundation Uganda.

“Football taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” Kalanzi shares. “At Zeso, we’re passing these lessons to the next generation. Our goal isn’t just to create players—it’s to build leaders who’ll uplift Uganda.”

Located in Bulenga, the academy welcomes over 80 children aged 4–18, many from underserved communities. Kalanzi’s vision is clear: merge elite training with education to break cycles of poverty.

Inside Zeso’s World-Class Football Facilities

Zeso’s facilities rival top academies worldwide, designed to nurture every aspect of a player’s growth:

• Natural Grass Pitches (x2): Mimicking professional stadiums, these pitches host tactical drills and weekend matches.
• Artificial Turf Field:Weather-resistant and perfect for honing technical skills year-round.
• Age-Specific Zones:Tailored spaces for U-8, U-10, U-12, and U-18 players ensure age-appropriate coaching.

But the academy’s heart lies in its holistic approach. Coaches blend technical drills with lessons in teamwork, nutrition, and academic support. “We prioritize education,” says head coach Erisa Ssekisambu. “A player without a plan B is unprepared for life.”

2025 League Finals: A Festival of Football & Unity

The 1st Zeso Foundation Uganda League, held in January 2025, was a month-long spectacle of skill and spirit. Teams named after East Africa’s iconic mountains—Rwenzori, Kilimanjaro, and Elgon—battled fiercely across age groups.

Championship Highlights:

• Rwenzori House’s Triple Crown:Dominating the U-8, U-10, and U-12 categories, this team claimed the league’s first-ever triple championship, showcasing unmatched teamwork across age groups.
• Kilimanjaro House (U-8 Runners-Up): The team’s youngest player, a 7-year-old rising star, delivered a thrilling hat trick in the semifinals, electrifying fans and coaches alike.
• Elgon House’s Resilience:Despite narrowly missing victory in the U-10 and U-12 finals, their 11-year-old captain earned the “Most Improved Player” award for inspiring leadership and growth.

The closing ceremony on January 29, 2025, was unforgettable. Retired stars like Vincent Kayizzi and Sula “King Bayiwe” Luzige played a charity match against Zeso’s U-18 squad, delighting 500+ spectators. Parents feasted on rolex (Ugandan street food) and matooke (plantains), while kids showcased dance routines blending traditional and modern styles.

“This league isn’t just about trophies,” says coach Erisa Ssekisambu. “It’s about teaching kids to handle pressure, celebrate teamwork, and respect opponents.”

Beyond the Pitch: Zeso’s Community Impact

Zeso’s influence extends far beyond football:

1. Health Initiatives: Monthly medical camps offer free check-ups and malaria prevention kits.
2. Women’s Empowerment: Kalanzi’s wife, Amina, leads workshops for mothers on entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
3. Environmental Drives: Players plant 100+ trees annually in Bulenga, fostering eco-consciousness.

“Zeso changed our village,” says local leader Hajji Musa Mutebi. “Children are healthier, families are closer, and crime rates have dropped.”

The Zeso Difference: Mentorship That Transforms Lives

What sets Zeso apart?  Proven mentors who’ve walked the path:

• Nicholas Ssebwato (U-12 Coach): Former KCCA FC defender teaches defensive strategies and life planning.
• Rickman Marik (Fitness Coach): A retired striker turned nutrition expert emphasizes “food as fuel.”
• Guest Clinics: African legends like Geoffrey Massa (ex-Uganda captain) host quarterly masterclasses.

“I trained with Massa last month!” beams 14-year-old midfielder Sharon Namutebi. “He told us to ‘play smart, not just hard’—that advice changed my game.”

Zeso’s 2026 Vision: Scaling New Heights

1. Girls’ League Launch (March 2026): Uganda’s first all-female youth league, targeting 50+ participants.
2. European Exchange Program: Partnering with Spain’s Málaga CF Academy for cross-continent training.
3. National Scout Day: Hosting Uganda Premier League scouts to fast-track standout players.

“We’re negotiating with Vipers SC and Express FC,” reveals Kalanzi. “By 2030, Zeso graduates will dominate Ugandan football.”

A Legacy in Motion

Zeso Foundation Uganda isn’t just shaping athletes—it’s crafting tomorrow’s leaders. Through football, children learn to tackle adversity, celebrate diversity, and dream bigger. As the sun rises over Bulenga’s pitches, the sound of bouncing balls and laughter echoes a simple truth: here, every child has a shot at greatness.

Consider one teenage participant who once struggled with self-doubt, spending afternoons helping their family at a local market. Today, they captain their age-group team, mentoring younger players with patience and empathy. “Football taught me that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about lifting others up,” they share. This transformation reflects Zeso’s core philosophy: the game is a bridge to confidence, not just competition.

Looking ahead, the academy will launch Leadership Labs in 2026, workshops where teens design community projects like rainwater harvesters for local schools. “We want them to see leadership as service,” explains a program director. “True growth happens when they solve real-world problems.” Collaborations with national education bodies integrate modules on financial literacy, public speaking, and conflict resolution into training schedules. “These skills transcend the pitch,” says a coach. “They prepare kids for life.”

Parents echo this sentiment. One mother recalls how her once-reserved child now organizes neighborhood clean-ups. “They found their voice here,” she says. “Now, they’re teaching me to recycle!”

Zeso’s vision extends beyond Bulenga. Plans to replicate the model in regions recovering from conflict aim to heal communities through sport. “Football unites,” emphasizes the founder. “In areas fractured by hardship, it rebuilds trust and hope.”

Your Role in This Legacy

Every child at Zeso carries a story of resilience. By supporting their journey, you’re not just funding boots or balls—you’re investing in a generation poised to redefine Uganda. Join through sponsorships, volunteering, or sharing their story. Together, we can turn today’s tackles into tomorrow’s triumphs.