A New Dawn in Naguru

Amid the bustle of a Kampala suburb, the sound of children laughing breaks the dusty corridors of Naguru Katali Primary School. Life here has often been a marathon of suffering: poverty, inadequate educational possibilities, and weak health systems characterize many of the community’s everyday struggles.

Yet, a fresh wind of hope now blows through these playgrounds, carried on the promise of a powerful new alliance — the Naguru Social Sports School Uganda.

The Power of Partnership: Real Madrid Foundation, Fundación Xcalibur, and I&M Bank Uganda

Starting next season, a groundbreaking agreement between Fundación Xcalibur, the Real Madrid Foundation’s global programs, and I&M Bank Uganda will consolidate and expand the school’s reach.

Leaders unveiled the initiative at a vibrant ceremony attended by dignitaries, community leaders, and pupils.

Transforming Lives Through Sport

With a firm goal of embedding values like solidarity, respect, and teamwork into young hearts, the initiative will directly engage over 280 children — with more than 700 family members benefiting indirectly.

“For us, this is about offering children a safe space where they can dream, learn, and grow into their fullest selves,”
— Julio González Ronco, General Director of the Real Madrid Foundation.

Origins and Vision of Naguru Social Sports School Uganda

Launched in 2022, the Naguru Social Sports School Uganda has quietly but powerfully transformed lives through sport.

The school combines sports with academics, life skills, and personal growth, advocating for “education through sport.” Football training becomes a tool to teach respect, teamwork, and discipline.

Developing Future Community Leaders

This approach ensures that young players develop not only as athletes but also as future community leaders.

Fundación Xcalibur: Leading Social Transformation

Fundación Xcalibur, a nonprofit devoted to empowering marginalized groups through education, sport, and culture, spearheads daily operations at the school.

Its experienced staff ensures that funds provided by I&M Bank Uganda are channeled effectively toward program costs, scholarships, and infrastructure.

Holistic Support and Daily Operations

The method is comprehensive, combining

• Hygiene instruction

• Mental health assistance

• Coaching and mentoring

Special Focus: Fundación Xcalibur tackles menstrual hygiene awareness among young girls — a crucial but often overlooked aspect of Uganda’s educational landscape.

“This agreement empowers us to reach even more children, creating ripples of positive change across communities,”
— Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Fundación Xcalibur.

I&M Bank Uganda: Investing in the Nation’s Future

The Naguru Social Sports School Uganda project offered a perfect opportunity for I&M Bank Uganda‘s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The bank guarantees the program’s growth and sustainability with significant financial support.

Corporate Commitment to Social Change

“This cooperation is about giving the next generation chances for development, education, and inclusion by investing in them,”
— Robin Bairstow, CEO of I&M Bank Uganda.

Funding Sustainable Growth

The funds help support:

• Scholarships

• Facility improvements

• Academic tutoring

• Coaching

These measures guarantee the school’s positive impact for years to come.

Youth Sport Uganda: Ground-Level Implementation

Youth Sport Uganda has been instrumental in implementing the school’s programs. Their cultural expertise ensures local ownership and long-term success.

Tangible Outcomes of the Program

Among the program’s measurable outcomes:

• Increased girls’ participation in sports

• Improved mental health indicators (reduced depression and anxiety)

• Strengthened interpersonal skills and self-confidence

• Heightened menstrual hygiene awareness among young girls

These achievements are vital in a society where gender inequality and mental health are often marginalized topics.

Voices of Hope: Children Shaping Uganda’s Future

Children vividly demonstrated the program’s impact during the unveiling ceremony.

Bright-eyed pupils like Raymond Jakisa Mungu, Stephania Eunice Aromo, Alice Ansy Leniey Scarlet, Ivan Mungungeyo, and Margret Acam stood as living testaments to its success.

Their smiles, determination, and gratitude embody the dream that the Naguru Social Sports School Uganda seeks to preserve and expand.

Distinguished Guests and United Support

Among the distinguished guests at the launch were:

• Ceaser Barole Scott, Patron, Xcalibur Foundation

• Edward Gibson Nangono, CBO, I&M Bank

• Sam Ntulume, Chief Operations Officer, I&M Bank

• Matilda Tino, Assistant Head Teacher, Naguru Katali Primary School

• Suubi Kiwanuka, Katogo Golf Series Official

• Milton Otalai, Science and Mathematics Teacher, Naguru Katali Primary School

Their presence underscored the broad coalition behind the mission — a fusion of educators, financiers, athletes, and children committed to unlocking Uganda’s youth potential.

Future Expansion Plans for Naguru Social Sports School Uganda

Looking ahead, the partnership envisions

• Expansion to five more schools within Kampala and surrounding regions

• Introduction of academic tutoring for enrolled students

• Scholarship programs for outstanding participants

• Family support programs to extend the initiative’s impact beyond children

By 2027, the goal is to serve over 1,500 children annually, making Naguru Social Sports School Uganda a flagship project in East African sports-based education.

Leadership Training and Mental Health Workshops

Additionally, leadership training and mental health workshops are planned to deepen the school’s holistic impact.

Why Sports Matter: A Global Perspective

Globally, sport-based education programs have proven transformational. Initiatives led by organizations like the Real Madrid Foundation have

• Reduced dropout rates

• Promoted gender equality

• Enhanced community cohesion

Similarly, Naguru Social Sports School Uganda draws from this global wisdom while tailoring its approach to local realities.

How You Can Support Naguru Social Sports School Uganda

The journey to empower Uganda’s youth is just beginning — and you can be a part of it.

Ways to Help:

• Volunteer: Help coach sports, tutor academics, or mentor young leaders.

• Sponsor a Child: Your contribution can fund education, sports gear, or mental health programs.

• Partner as an Organization: Local and international companies can collaborate to scale the initiative’s impact.

By standing with Naguru Social Sports School Uganda, you invest not just in a child’s future, but in the future of a nation.

A Future Forged in Dreams

As the sun sets over the Naguru hills, lighting the eager expressions of its children, one thing is evident:

This is not merely the signing of an agreement. It is the building of futures, the shaping of a new story for many Ugandan families — a story where ambitions are not denied but achieved through the unifying language of sport.

The story of Naguru Social Sports School Uganda is still being written. Yet today, with every kick of the ball, every cheer of encouragement, and every lesson learned, a new chapter of hope is underway.