Angel Auki Kigongo says football has shaped both her life and ambitions after earning a place in Uganda’s U20 women’s national team camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Queen Cranes midfielder credits her late father for sparking her interest in the sport. “My father was a footballer, and although I lost him early, I believe that inspired me,” she said, recalling how she began playing informally with boys her age without proper equipment or coaching.
She explained that football became a lifeline during her school years, helping support her education through bursaries from primary school up to Senior Six. Despite early resistance toward girls playing football in her community, she stayed committed after first trying athletics before switching fully to the sport in primary school.
Auki also highlighted the role of mentorship in her progress, particularly Coach Alex Kalema, who introduced her to structured training at Kick It Soccer Academy. “Coach Kalema played a key role in my development. The environment he created, especially for young girls, motivated me to fully commit to football,” she said.
Now in national team camp, she views the call up as both recognition and responsibility while continuing club football with Uganda Martyrs Lubaga Women FC. She draws inspiration from Mohamed Salah’s style of play but says her main focus has always been balancing education with football rather than following a single role model.
Her journey has included setbacks, notably a serious knee injury that once threatened her career and studies. “At that moment, it felt like everything was at risk,” she said, adding, “Football has given me the opportunity to be where I am today.”
Auki also used her platform to encourage families to support girls interested in football. “For some girls, football is more than a game. It is a calling,” she said.
Among her fondest memories is contributing to Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga’s 2023 Women’s Cup triumph, when a cross she delivered was converted by Nagadya Catherine to secure the team’s first title.
