Female footballer Joanita Ainembabazi is the fifth born in the family of six to Alfred Mbarinda and Provia Tumusiime.
She is the only football player in the family, a bold decision she undertook despite the resistance from the parents and some other family members.
Playing football was like a calling for me. I am the only football player at home and being a girl, it looked unusual. I persevered and continued to play until today
Joanita Ainembabazi, Rines Women Football Club player
Ainembabazi is definitely among the hundreds of female footballers in Uganda with a vivid dream to excel globally.
Nick-named Jovita, Ainembabazi was born on 3rd March 2003 in Murukoro Village, Butare Parish – Muko Sub County, Rubanda District.
She held her elementary education at Muko Butare (P1-P5) and Mukibungo Primary Schools (P5-P7).
Ainembabazi then joined Kyezimbire Secondary School in Isingiro district for S1-S2 classes.
She transferred to Entebbe road based St Noa Girls Zzana for continuation of S.2 and S3 before he joined King of Kings College where she completed her Advanced education studies before the Coronavirus pandemic struck.
Ainembabazi started her football journey in schools before she played for Tooro Queens Women Football Club.
Role Models:
Currently stationed at Rines Women Football Club, an entity in the FUFA Women Super League, Ainembabazi yearns to follow the path of Uganda U-20 and Crested Cranes player, Fauzia Najjemba.
Najjemba recently completed a dream move to European outfit BIIK Kazygurt, of the Kazakhstan Women Championship as first reported by Kawowo Sports.
Internationally, she is a vivid admirer for Dutch footballer Anna Margaretha Marina Astrid “Vivianne” Miedema Ron who also turns out for Arsenal Women Football Club.
Future Aspirations:
Like many sportsmen and women, the dream lies to surpass the bare minimum and excel in every training session and matches played.
Ainembabazi too shares the same school of thought of being the best and playing in the world’s best football leagues.
“I want to be the best female footballer in Uganda and also play in the world’s established women football leagues.” Ainembabazi attests.
Her memory lane recollects two matches that remain the best in her football journey thus far; the Tooro Queens against She Maroons duel as well as St Noa versus Rines contest.
The toughest football club she has ever faced is the Kawempe Muslim women club during the Fresh Dairy Secondary School games final at Mbale Municipal Stadium.
On any day, a well-cooked dish of sweet potatoes, rice, peas and meat makes her tick.
Come 3rd March 2022, Ainembabazi will be celebrating her 19th birthday.
Detailed Profile:
- Full Names: Joanita Ainembabazi
- Nick-name: Jovita
- Date of Birth: 3rd March 2003
- Place of Birth: Murukoro Village, Butare Parish – Muko Sub County, Rubanda District
- Parents: Alfred Mbarinda & Provia Tumusiime
- Education: Muko Butare Primary School (P1-P5), Mukibungo Primary School (P5-P7), Kyezimbire SS – Isingiro (S1-S2), St Noa Girls Zzana (S.2-S3), King of Kings College, Fort Portal (S4)
- Role Models: Fauzia Najjemba & Anna Margaretha Marina Astrid “Vivianne” Miedema Ron (Arsenal Women Club & Netherlands)
- Current club: Rines Women Football Club
- Previous club: Tooro Queens Women Football Club
- Position of play: Forward
- Best Dish: Sweet Potatoes, Rice, Peas and Meat
- Toughest opponents: Kawempe Muslim (Fresh Dairy Finals)
- Best matches played: Tooro Queens Vs She Maroons & St Noa Vs Rines
- Future Aspirations: To be best female footballer in Uganda and play in the world’s established women football leagues
I Know her very well. I wish her well bambi. She makes a strong and courageous lady. Joanitah Go beyond the heights. Am proud of you.