The Rays of Grace Academy is a Ugandan association football academy based in Njeru Municipality of Buikwe District.[1][2] Rays of Grace Academy were crowned the inaugural winners of the FUFA Primary Schools championship Odilo Champions in August 2019[3] as well in 2022 they defended the title emerging the winners of the 2022 edition.[4][5]

History

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The Rays of Grace Academy was established in 2015 by Robert Kiwanuka.[6][7] In September 2014, he started a school, which is now home to 1000 pupils, 50 of whom are registered under their football academy which is recognized by the Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA).[8]

The academy comprises over 900 registered students aged between 6–18 years and operates throughout the year from 1 training centre which is found in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District [9][1] (2022). Footballers who started their careers at the academy include Travis Mutyaba, Issa Bugembe, Elvis Ssekajugo.[1][10]

In 2022, Rays of Grace Academy represented Uganda at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association in Arusha, Tanzania.[11][12][13]

Notable players

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  • Travis Mutyaba [14]
  • Issa Bugembe
  • Vicent Mulema
  • Elvis Ssekajugo
  • Arafat Nkoola
  • Leonard Kasanya
  • Ratib Gulanyago
  • Ronald Kigoye
  • Faizo Kifumba
  • Frank Ssekanjako
  • Gideon Jjemba
  • Ismael Remo Sampuli
  • Mukisa Daniel Kirumira
  • Elisa Talema
  • Ryan Giggs Osinya
  • David Balondemu Lukisi
  • Enock Luyima
  • Samuel Mubiru
  • Peter Abalilya

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Njeru's Rays of Grace Academy giving orphans hope". 7 February 2021.
  2. ^ "Mawejje impressed by Rays of Grace Academy, youngsters delighted » Sports Ocean Uganda". 31 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Rays of Grace crowned inaugural 'ODILO' winners". 8 August 2019.
  4. ^ "Rays of Grace successfully defend Odilo tournament | Ndege Ndogo". 8 September 2022.
  5. ^ "Rays of Grace, Divine girls win Airtel Rising Stars qualifiers".
  6. ^ "How Rays of Grace successfully defended primary schools' football title". 9 September 2022.
  7. ^ "Rays of Grace Defend Buganda Primary Schools Title". 15 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Excitement as Rays of Grace Register Amazing Performance in PLE | Voice of Bugerere". 16 July 2021.
  9. ^ "FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo): Rays of Grace edge Paorihner to retain crown". 7 September 2022.
  10. ^ "Coaches Highlight the Impact of New Astro turf on Rays of Grace Academy Growth". 5 August 2020.
  11. ^ "Rays of Grace, Bombo UMEA, Nakirebe Present FEASSSA trophies to USSSA President -". 8 October 2022.
  12. ^ "Uganda's Rays of Grace Academy, Bombo UMEA win U-16 boys & girls football | FEASSSA Games 2022". 22 September 2022.
  13. ^ "Rays of Grace Wins 2020 National Netball Rally Championship". 20 March 2020.
  14. ^ "Rays of Grace Win Second Successful Odilo Championship".
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