History of Nakawa Buccaneers American Football Club Ltd

 Nakawa American Football Association (NAFA) was founded in 2019 to develop and promote American Football in Uganda. In 2020, during the COVID-19 period, NAFA established its subsidiary, Nakawa Buccaneers American Football Club Ltd, setting up its first offices at Banda, near Kyambogo University, Off Kampala - Jinja Highway.

Between 2022 and 2024, the Club 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, and Seeta Senior Secondary School. To operate professionally, the Club obtained a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in 2022 and a Trade License in 2024.

In January 2024, American Football was officially 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, Nakawa Buccaneers 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.

The Club is led by Coach Grace Imran Ssumujju, a USA Football Certified Coach, NFL FLAG Official (NFL & RXC Sports), and NFHS/NCAA Certified in eligibility. Nakawa Buccaneers has been officially enrolled with USA Football since 2022 (ID No. 57993).

On 15 November 2024, Nakawa Buccaneers and 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 Makerere, Kyambogo, Gulu, Muni, Busitema, Soroti, Kampala, and Kabale Universities among others.

The Club 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, American Football was presented 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 2025, the Club introduced American Football to Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education and Muteesa I Royal University. The Club 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 journey reflects Nakawa Buccaneers’ steady growth from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized pioneer of American Football, education, and youth development in Uganda.