Jovia Nakagalo joined Building Hope Project in 2014 and has since become a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Raised by her single father in Jinja amidst financial hardship, Jovia’s love for football was born playing with boys in her neighborhood. That early passion transformed into purpose—she was scouted while still in school, and her dedication on the field has taken her to national and continental stages. In 2025, she earned MVP honors as the top female soccer player in all of Uganda and traveled to Tanzania, where she helped Uganda place third in an elite tournament representing the continent.

Throughout her journey, BHP played a vital role—not just through access to education, but by providing a stable, nurturing environment that allowed Jovia to focus on her sportsmanship and academics. The relationships she built at BHP gave her encouragement in moments of doubt, helped her develop a strong sense of discipline, and instilled in her the confidence to lead. “Even if it’s challenging, I have to push,” Jovia says. “I pray for my country, and I know that what I’m doing is bigger than me.” Now a university student at Uganda Christian University studying Human Resource Management, Jovia returned to BHP in 2024 to lead a sports camp, pouring into younger students the same way others once poured into her. Today, she plays for Uganda. Tomorrow, she just might own the team.

• Photo 1: Jovia for school pictures as a P5 student (2016)

• Photo 2: Jovia in football training (2024)

• Photo 3: Jovia and her MVP trophy and regional championship awards (2024)

• Photo 4: Jovia with her colleagues (2024)

• Photo 5: Jovia doing a football celebration

• Photo 6: Jovia with her father and BHP volunteer (2016)