NEBBI, June 20, 2026 — Celebrations erupted across West Nile on Saturday after Packwach Young Stars sealed qualification to the Fufa Big League, earning the region's slot in Uganda's second-tier football competition.
The Young Stars defeated Pajule Lions 2-0 at Luo Grounds in Nebbi to overturn a 1-0 first-leg defeat and progress 2-1 on aggregate in the Northern Region Big League qualifiers.
Jalal Adinan gave the hosts a dream start when he converted a free kick in the 12th minute to level the aggregate score at 1-1. The breakthrough energized the home side and their supporters as Packwach pressed forward in search of the decisive goal.
The winner arrived through Okumu Victor, whose well-curled corner kick found its way into the net, leaving Pajule Lions with a mountain to climb and ultimately securing promotion for the Packwach side.
The victory marks a historic milestone for football in Packwach District, with Young Stars becoming the first team from the district to reach the Fufa Big League. The achievement comes nearly two decades after the club last reached the Fufa Mini League qualification stage in 2007.
Club officials described the promotion as a landmark moment not only for Packwach but also for the wider West Nile region, which now boasts four representatives in the second tier alongside Onduparaka, Paidha Black Angels and Calvary, which was relegated from the Uganda Premier League last season.
Head coach Caesar Okuti praised his players for their resilience and determination after suffering defeat in the first leg.
“We told the boys this was not over after the first leg. We trusted our home crowd from Greater Nebbi and attacked from the first whistle,” Okuti said.
He added that becoming Packwach's first Big League team was a dream come true for the district and would inspire more young people to pursue football.
“It's a dream for the whole district. We believe this achievement will motivate many young players to take football seriously,” he said.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations as hundreds of supporters poured onto the streets of Packwach and Nebbi, singing, dancing and waving club colours.
Boda boda riders joined the festivities by sounding their horns while youth lit bonfires outside Luo Grounds, chanting the names of their heroes.
“We have waited years for this moment. Today Packwach showed Uganda that we can play football too,” said supporter Safina Masturah, who has followed the club since its district league days.
Mothers, children and traders joined victory processions through the town centre as residents celebrated what many described as the district's biggest sporting achievement.
The victory also continued West Nile's dominance over Northern Uganda teams in regional qualification playoffs. Previous Northern Uganda representatives, including Patongo FC, Northern Gateway and Young Elephants Academy, all failed to overcome West Nile opposition in similar qualifiers.
Pajule Lions head coach Dickson Lumumba Ongwech accepted the outcome and congratulated the winners.
“We won the first leg 1-0 at home, but football is 90 minutes. Packwach were better today and they deserve to go through,” Lumumba said.
He acknowledged the challenge Northern Uganda teams have historically faced against West Nile opponents in qualification playoffs but expressed confidence that the trend would eventually be broken.
“We shall come back stronger next season,” he added.
Packwach Young Stars will now turn their attention to life in the FUFA Big League, where they will face more established clubs with greater resources and experience as they seek to cement their place in Uganda's competitive second tier.
