Cheza Trains 99 Participants in Positive, Safe Coaching and ChezaDodge Across Uganda
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by
Cheza
99 participants took part in Cheza’s training rollout across Kampala, Mbarara and Gulu, combining the TAFISA Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway with ChezaDodge/Kwepena Level 1 coaching to support implementation of the game in schools.
The workshops brought the international Pathway into Uganda’s school and community sport context. Alongside approaches to girls’ participation, body confidence and safeguarding, participants underwent game-specific coaching training that they could use when introducing ChezaDodge/Kwepena to learners.
One programme, three regional locations
The rollout began at Era92 Hub in Kampala on 25 July 2026, with an online follow-up on 31 July. Training continued in Mbarara on 1 August and concluded in Gulu on 8 August.
Kampala sessions were led by Banura Sharon, Rianne Bateeze and Solomon Mwine. In Mbarara, Solomon Mwine and Bridget Muhumuza Nakanka delivered the training. Gulu’s training team comprised Amali Phiona, Solomon Mwine, Simon Peter Tumukunde and Rianne Bateeze.
The three locations provided a regional foundation for sharing the learning through schools and community activities. The total of 99 represents participation across the trainings.
Putting girls’ experiences at the centre of coaching
Developed by TAFISA with support from Nike, the Pathway aims to address gender inequity by improving how coaches work with girls. Cheza’s delivery focused on three Pathway modules: the Coaching Girls Guide, Body Confident Sport and Safeguarding in Sport for All.
These themes connect closely in practice. Welcoming coaching can encourage a girl to take part; a supportive approach to body confidence can help her feel more comfortable being active; and safeguarding provides an essential foundation for her wellbeing.
Cheza also delivered its local module, Traditional African Sports Redefined for Inclusion, linking these principles to games and sporting traditions that schools and communities can use.
Level 1 coaching: taking Kwepena into schools
The ChezaDodge/Kwepena Level 1 component gave the programme a practical route from workshop learning to school implementation. Participants underwent coaching training to help them introduce the game and organise school play.
Kwepena’s place in African play culture makes it a meaningful starting point. Through ChezaDodge, Cheza is developing a structured sporting pathway that retains the game’s cultural connection while supporting organised coaching and participation.
The combination matters: knowing a game and understanding how to create a positive sporting experience are both needed. The training connected ChezaDodge delivery with attention to girls’ needs, inclusive participation and participant safety.
The next stage is school delivery
With the regional workshops completed, the next priority is supporting participants to apply their learning. Introducing the game in schools can create opportunities for regular activity, while positive and safe coaching practices can shape whether those opportunities are welcoming and sustained.
The 99 participants provide a starting network for that work. Their participation is an important milestone; the longer-term impact will depend on how the learning is used in schools and communities.
Read about Cheza’s selection for the 2026/27 Pathway or explore the official Pathway resources.
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