After an exciting 2024, DBA Africa has hit the ground running in 2025 with renewed energy and commitment to sports for development. From community-level engagement to athletes competing on the international stage, we are proud of the programmes we run and the athletes within them. Here's a look at some of the most impactful stories from the first quarter of the year.

Partnership with Uganda Rugby Union and the Australian High Commission

A standout development this quarter has been the launch of a tri-partnership between DBA Africa, the Australian High Commission, and the Uganda Rugby Union. This collaboration aims to support Uganda’s Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams as they prepare for the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. The initiative provides professional training equipment, coaching mentorship, and team management education, support designed to help strengthen Uganda’s presence on the global rugby stage.

Uganda’s men's team recently competed in the Krakow leg of the Challenger Series, gaining vital experience despite mixed results. Unfortunately, the women’s team had to withdraw due to logistical and financial hurdles, underscoring the ongoing need for investment in women’s sport and meaningful international partnerships.

Scholarships Through Sport: New Pathways for Young Talent

In Kenya, the transformative power of sport has once again been evident through organic scholarship opportunities. Three girls from the Western Wanderers, who stood out at last year's DBA Futures Cup, were awarded scholarships to Goibei Girls High School. Similarly, Freddie Okoth of Nairobi Lightning secured a scholarship to Laiser Hill, one of Kenya’s top rugby institutions.

Another success story comes from the DBA Rugby Academy, where a promising young player has earned a scholarship to Kingsley School in the UK. This opportunity builds on a growing partnership between DBA and Kingsley School, which also co-hosts the annual DBA Kingsley U13 Cup in Kenya’s Rift Valley. These life-changing pathways show how sport, when nurtured in the right environment, can unlock educational and professional futures.

From Iten to Dubai: Frida and Dennis Race Internationally

Our athletics programme continues to expand, with standout performances from two upcoming athletes, Frida and Dennis, who travelled from the highlands of Iten to compete in Dubai earlier this year. Frida took on the elite women's 10K, while Dennis ran a highly competitive half marathon, both achieving personal bests and igniting their ambition to reach the top tier of international competition.

More than just strong race results, this trip provided Frida and Dennis with crucial exposure to international racing environments, helping them prepare for future opportunities. It’s a clear example of DBA Africa’s mission to bridge the gap between grassroots development and elite sport.

Kevin McCool Memorial Fund Supports and Inspires Athletics Athletes

In March, the newly launched Kevin McCool Memorial Fund supported 11 long-distance athletes, paying their race entry for the Eldoret City Marathon. The fund honours the legacy of Major Kevin McCool, an Irish runner and passionate sportsman who tragically passed away in Kenya. It provides essential financial support for race entry fees, transport, and training gear.

With KSh 680,000 donated in its first round, the fund is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of emerging athletes, especially those from under-resourced backgrounds. It’s a powerful tribute to Kevin’s spirit and a strong example of how international support can create local impact.

DBA Academies Kickstart the Year

Our academies in both Kenya and Uganda have been buzzing with activity throughout Q1. In Kenya, academies in the Western region, Nairobi, Rift Valley, and the Coast have continued to provide high-quality training and life-skills mentorship. Meanwhile, in Uganda, our lacrosse academy is developing a new generation of athletes in a sport that is just beginning to take hold in East Africa.

These academies remain central to our mission, offering consistent, structured environments where young athletes can grow both on and off the field.

Looking Ahead: Q2 2025 and Beyond

As we head into Q2, all eyes are on the upcoming Futures Cup, a key event for identifying and showcasing rising talent from across the region. With continued focus on international partnerships, support for women’s sport, and holistic athlete development, DBA Africa is proud to keep leading the way in sports for development across East Africa and beyond.