Proline Football Club is back in the top flight after gaining direct promotion to the 2019/2020 season from the Elgon Group of the StarTimes FUFA Big League.
Proline defeated Kabale Sharp 2-0 away in Kabale to end the season with 42 points. Proline FC joins Wakiso Giants who had already qualified despite sharing teh spoils in a 1-1 draw with Doves All Stars on the final day of the Big League season on Thursday, May 9, 2019.
Joseph Mandela and midfielder Bright Anukani netted first half goals for Proline FC who are enjoying the season having also qualified for the final of the Stanbic Uganda cup to be played against Bright Stars FC on 25th May 2019 at the Masaka Recreational Stadium.
The Final Match day results also helped to get the final rankings of the teams and those heading into the play offs. Kyetume, UPDF (Elgon Group) , Kansai Plascon and Dove FC (Rwenzori group) all made it to the playoffs to be played on 16th and 18th May 2019 to determine the third team that makes it to the top flight this season.
Three teams were relegated from the Uganda Premier League this season and are; Nyamityobora FC, Paidha Black Angels and Ndejje University FC.
Stanbic Uganda Cup: Bright Stars FC in the Final, to play Proline FC on 25th May 2019 in Masaka.
Bright Stars FC saw off Express FC 3-2 at Mutessa II Stadium, Wankulukuku on penalties after the return leg had ended 1-1 for a 2-2 aggregate score to make it to the final of the Stanbic Uganda cup. It is the first time for Bright Stars FC and Proline FCto reach the final of the prestigious Competition played on knock out basis.
The final will be played on 25th May 2019 at the Masaka Recreation Ground.
Both clubs had never gone this far in the tournament.
Bright Stars FC player Austine Kacancu trying to go in for the ball during the game with Express FC in the Stanbic Uganda cup
Express scored an early goal through John Revita in the 3rd minute with a teasing free kick that went past goalkeeper Hamzah Muwonge.
James Angu who scored his first league goal for Bright Stars FC last weekend against Paidha FC, was on the mark with a wonderful headed goal for the equalizer 10 minutes to full time.
Musitafa Mujuzi (M) of Proline FC challenging Kyetume’s Robert Ssentongo during the semifinal return leg match at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo. Proline FC also qualified after penalty shootouts.
In the shootout, Farouk Katongole, Rajab Kakooza and Nelson Ssenkatuka scored their kicks while Angu and Walusimbi missed their chances.
Michael Birungi, Davis Mayanja and Sadiq Ssekyembe all missed for the Red Eagles while Disan Galiwango and Revita converted their kicks successfully.
MAIN PHOTO: Bright Stars FC Captain Nelson Senkatuka converted the winning penalty during the shootout
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) will host three top UEFA officials from 8th to 13th May 2019.
The visiting officials are UEFA Head of International Relations football operations specialist Eva Pasquier and two Consultants Stewart Reagan-former CEO of the Scottish Football Association and Ken MacLeod.
The football officials are coming under an international programme called UEFA ASSIST that addresses the needs of national associations and confederations outside Europe with the aim of increasing solidarity and enhance football development and knowledge sharing.
With FUFA keeping track on its 5 year strategic plan based on the 8 key focus areas, the visit comes at an opportune moment when football knowledge, ideas and guidance will be shared about Ugandan football learning on best practices how the beautiful game is administered in Europe.
It will be the first time for any African country to host the UEFA ASSIST official and also benefit from the programme.
During their visit, the football oficials will hold meetings with the FUFA President, Government, Executive Committee Members, FUFA CEO, Secretariat staff, Clubs, Uganda Cranes coach, fans, sponsors and media.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson is excited about the visit of the UEFA officials.
‘We hope to benefit a lot from the visit of UEFA officials as we expect to learn more on modern governance principles especially when they meet the various key stakeholders in the game. The same knowledge will be shared by the people who are the nucleus of the game in the 8 football regions’ said Watson.
UEFA officials will meet FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (L) and CEO Edgar Watson at FUFA House, Mengo
FUFA’s focus areas are; Governance, Development, Infrastructure, National teams, Competitions, Marketing and Communications, Finance and Administration, Membership.
An image illustrating FUFA’s 8 key focus areas in the 5 year strategic plan
About UEFA ASSIST:
UEFA ASSIS, is an international programme that addresses the needs of national associations and confederations outside Europe with the aim of increasing solidarity and enhance football development and knowledge sharing.
The main scope of UEFA ASSIST is essentially to share knowledge and best practices to help UEFA’s sister confederations to develop and strengthen football within their respective territories. UEFA ASSIST is designed to provide practical rather than financial assistance and to offer support through development activities.
UEFA ASSIST is composed of four pillars, each providing specific support to member associations and confederations worldwide:
Education and knowledge sharing
Development of youth football
Support of infrastructure projects
UEFA national association support programmes
MAIN PHOTO: UEFA Head of International Relations Eva Pasquier
FUFA launched a new tournament called ‘Odilo’ on Wednesday morning at FUFA House designed for grassroots football to be played by Primary Schools in Uganda.
However how much do you know about the choice of word ‘Odilo’ for FUFA’s newest baby on the 13 strong lCompetitions list organsied by FUFA.
The FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza patiently told the story during the press conference.
Once upon a time there lived two brothers, Gipir and Labongo who moved South from the land called Bahel-Gazel and settled in present-day West Nile with their families and children.
Due to inter-family jostles and glitches involving the loss and recovery of the Royal Spear from the wilderness by Gipir and the extraction of a bead from Labongo’s daughter’s ripped stomach, the two brothers decided to part ways.
Consequently, on one morning at a place called Wang-Lei in present-day Pakwach they buried an axe and parted ways.
FUFA Finance Decolas Kiiza while briefing the media at FUFA House on the choice of the word ‘Odilo’ for the Primary School Championship. Odilo means ball among the ALur and Luo Communities.
Gipir and his family took the area west of the Nile and became the Alur Community while Labongo moved eastwards settling off through Acholi, Lango, Bunyoro, Bukedi up to areas of Western Kenya as Luo Community.
Amongst the Alur was born a boy called ODILO in the remote village of Pavungu.
While a teenager, Odilo ventured his way to Kampala where he found a group of boys kicking around object which excited him very much.
He manoeuvred and sneaked away with the round object up to Pavungu imagine in two days!
L-R; Grace Abalo, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Under Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports Aggrey Kibenge and 2nd FUFA President Darius Mugoye
The youths and men of Pavungu were so agitated and started playing using the round object on the guidelines of Odilo and easily named it Odilo which would later turn out to be the BALL and the game, Football.
Odilo spread out to the Greater Northern Uganda that hosts two FUFA Regional Football Associations of West Nile and Northern like wildfire.
In recognition of the Alur, the people of Pavungu, the Greater Northern Uganda and Odilo himself, the FUFA Executive Committee decided that the newly introduced FUFA Primary Schools Championship to be played across Uganda hereby named “ODILO”.
MAIN PHOTO: Official Logo of the FUFA Primary Schools Championship ‘Odilo”
A new baby is born. In FUFA’s quest to implement its five year strategic plan to develop football from the grassroot level, a new boys’ football tournament for Primary Schools in Uganda has been created by the local soccer governing body.
L-R; Grace Abalo, FUFA President, Aggrey Kibenge and 2nd FUFA President Darius Mugoye
The Championship is code-named Odilo – meaning a ball in the Alur and Luo communities.
At a fully packed press conference at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday morning, the official launch was performed by the Under Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports Aggrey David Kibenge, who was Chief Guest, together with the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
The Official FUFA Primary Schools Championship ‘Odilo’ Logo
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
Magogo noted that it is the federation’s strategy to achieve its Vision of becoming the number one football nation in Africa on and off the field.
‘We can only achieve our vision by following procedures laid down for developing grassroots football. There is no shortcut to football development. We take responsibility to create the category of U15 so that we can track these players. The top clubs in Europe can only recruit players at the age of 17 to take them to the academies and prepare them for the bigger stage.
‘Uganda is endowed with plenty of talent which is diverse. The new Championship unveiled today is looking at the categorisation of the players below the age of thirteen years,’ the FUFA boss observed.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo while addressing the media at FUFA House, Mengo
Under Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports Aggrey David Kibenge
Kibenge expressed his delight to witness the ceremony and applauded FUFA under Magogo’s leadership for the milestones achieved so far in Ugandan football during his tenure so far.
‘I thank God for this morning of unveiling such a wonderful football product. It is a game changer. I would like to congratulate FUFA and Eng. Moses Magogo for the vision to Ugandan football and all the milestones achieved. It is a project that was overdue. I am glad that FUFA will take the lead charge in the competitions and technical expertise will be applied. Such competitions have values attached to them but need technical expertise which FUFA provides. We shall engage all stakeholders to take part and I speak with authority that the Ministry will support these competitions.’
Aggrey David Kibenge while addressing the media at FUFA House, Mengo
National Council of Sports –Ivan Niwamanya
Ivan Niwamanya from local sports regulators National Council of Sports (NCS) said that grassroots football is the way to go.
‘We must tap the talent at this level to get the best results. If we don’t start with the grassroots, we should expect little or nothing’
Ivan Niwamanya addressing the media during the launch of the championship
Playing format, registration
Registration is in progress at the FUFA Regional offices and 400 primary schools have already confirmed participation. Deadline for registration is Wednesday 15th May 2019. The Qualification process will start with matches at the district level to determine District Winners who will play at the Regional Finals.
The Championship will kick off 5th June 2019 at various grounds to determine District Champions before they feature at the Regional level.
FUFA Primary Schools National Finals
The National Finals will be played by the eight Regional Primary Schools Winners at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Organising Committee formed
A committee to be headed by FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha will be in charge of the championship. It also has the 2nd Vice President at FUFA Darius Mugoye, Hajji Abdu Sekabira Lukooya, John Bosco Masiko, Farouk Kigongo and one representative from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Group photo after the launch of the championship at FUFA House, Mengo
The launch ceremony was also witnessed by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, Executive Member Hamid Juma (Chairman of FUFA Competitions Committee), Grace Abalo (Senior Education officer-Department of Physical Education and Sports), Pollbert Agobe (Principal Education Officer-Department of Basic Education-Primary Schools), Ivan Niwamanya (National Council of Sports, who represented General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel), Uganda Youth Football Association Delegates to the FUFA Assembly John Bosco Masiko and Farouk Kigongo.
MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo and Guest of Honour -Under Secretary Ministry of Education and Sports Aggrey David Kibenge holding the placard of the Odilo logo at the launch of the FUFA Primary Schools Championship. The fucntion was held at FUFA House in Mengo on Wednesday morning.
Uganda Cranes to feature in COSAFA Tournament in South Africa 25th May-8th June
Uganda Cranes COSAFA Squad starts training on 15th May at Lugogo
Uganda to start at Quarterfinals stage in the COSAFA Tournament
Uganda Cranes AFCON Preliminary Squad to enter camp on Monday 13th May at Kabira Country Club, starts training on same day in the afternoon at Lugogo
AFCON Finals 21st June-19th July 2019 in Egypt
Uganda Cranes Squad to United Arab Emirates for training camp will be named on 20th May
Uganda Cranes in Group A with Egypt, DR Congo and Zimbabwe at AFCON Finals
Uganda Cranes head Coach Sebastien Desabre has named two separate Squads of local based players to start preparations for the forthcoming 2019 COSAFA and Total AFCON Finals tournaments in South Africa and Egypt respectively.
On National team duty: KCCA FC skipper Timothy Awany (M) with Vipers’ Taddeo Lwanga (R) have been named in the Uganda Cranes preliminary AFCON Squad of local based players. On the exreme left is Emma Okwi who plays for Simba in Tanzania.
Training details
AFCON Finals-Preliminary Squad of local based players
The AFCON Preliminary Squad will camp at Kabira Country Club for residential training starting Monday 13th May 2019. From this Squad, the Head coach will select some players for the 26 man Squad for further training in the United Arab Emirates to join the foreign-based players from which a 23 man squad to feature in the Total AFCON Finals in Egypt will be named.
Uganda Cranes players warm up during training at the Star Times stadium Lugogo.
AFCON Preliminary Squad of 19 local based players unless stated (in italics-players who have completed their seasons in foreign leagues)
Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), James Alitho (URA FC), Majwega Brian (Maroons FC), Godfrey Walusimbi, Awany Timothy (KCCA FC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Mujuzi Mustafa (Proline FC), Hassan Wasswa , Sadam Juma (KCCA FC), Daniel Isiagi (Al Nassr FC- Egyp)t, Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Okelo Allan (KCCA FC), Waiswa Moses (Vipers SC), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Balinya Juma (Police FC), Kaddu Henry (KCCA FC), Madondo Joel (KJSSS FC), Bevis Mugabi (Yeovil Town FC– England), Khalid Aucho (Churchill Brothers- India)
COSAFA Squad –20 Local based players
The Squad for COSAFA Tournament will hold non-residential training that starts on Wednesday 15th May 2019 at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo. The COSAFA tournament will be played from 25th May-8th June 2019. However, some players from the initial preliminary AFCON Squad will be considered for COSAFA tournament if they don’t travel to the United Arab Emirates.
Squad
Said Keni (Sc Villa), Willa Paul (Police), Kizza Mustafa (KCCA FC), Revita John (Express FC), Eyam Ivan (Mbarara City FC), Serunkuma Daniel (Vipers SC), Owori David (SC Villa), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Bashir Mutanda (SC Villa), Mucuurezi Paul (Mbarara City FC), Mbowa Paul Baker (URA FC), Mutyaba Muzamiru (KCCA FC), Isinde Isaac (KJSSS FC), Senkatuka Nelson (Brights Stars FC), Kagimu Shafik (URA FC), Kasozi Nicolas (KCCA FC), Kayiwa Allan (Tooro United FC), Hassan Musana (KCCA FC), Obenchan Filibert (KCCA FC), Birungi Michael (Express FC)
Uganda Cranes XI that played against Kampala Regional select in the Regional tour at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Total AFCON 2019 Finals
Groups:
A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe
B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi
C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania
D: Morocco, Cote D’Voire, South Africa, Namibia
E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola
F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea Bissau
MAIN PHOTO: Head coach Sebastien Desabre with Uganda Cranes players during one of the National team’s training sessions.
The month of April had a series of events and number of stories about football in Uganda.
In this issue of the FUFA Monthly Newsletter we highlight the major headlines.
We have hinted on a number of issues which include; The FUFA Drum, CAF Club licensing regional workshop, the Uganda U17 National Teas maiden appearance in AFCON among others.
The President of the World football governing body FIFA Gianni Infantino sent a congratulatory note commending KCCA FC for winning 2018/2019 StarTimes Uganda Premier League title.
Infantino made the statement through the President of FUFA Eng. Moses Magogo.
He praised KCCA FC for winning the fifth title in seven years and congratulated the players, coaches, administrators plus the fans.
‘I was delighted to hear that KCCA FC has been crowned 2018/19 Champions of Uganda. it gives me great pleasure to congratulate them for their fifth championship title in the last seven seasons!’ Said Infantino
‘It is no doubt, the result of effort and hard work, and everybody involved can be proud of this great achievement. I shall be grateful if you could extend my congratulations to the players, the coach, the administration, the entire technical and medical staff as well as the fans. I encourage them to continue working with determination and motivation!’ Infantino added
‘On behalf of the international football community, I take this opportunity to thank KCCA FC and your federation for helping spread the positive message of football and foster the practice of this beautiful game that unites us all.’ He concluded.
KCCA FC won the title with two games to the end of the season and it was their 13th in th3 club’s history.
MAIN PHOTO: KCCA FC players with the 2018/19 title.
Isra Soccer Academy 0-2 Olila High School Muteesa 1 Royal University 1-0 Dynamic Jjeza Asubo Gafford Ladies 0-2 She Corporate Kampala Queens FC 2-1 UCU Lady Cardinal Kawempe Muslim Ladies 0-1 Lady Doves Makerere University 2-0 Olila High School Rines WFC 1-0 Ajax Queens
The final bend of the 2018/19 FUFA Women Elite League regular season is exciting than ever before with teams still fighting for survival and playoff slots.
Whereas Kawempe Muslim and Lady Doves have already sealed their slots in the playoffs from Victoria group, the other group (Elizabeth) is far from being decided following results from match day twelve over the weekend.
Kampala Queens gave their hopes of reaching the playoffs for the second successive time a huge boost after edging UCU Lady Cardinals on Sunday.
Goals from Lilian Mutuuzo and Damalie Matama ensured the team coached by Faridah Bulega bagged all three points despite Hasifa Nassuna pulling one back for the University side.
UCU Lady Cardinals forward Hasfa Nassuna (R) taking on Kampala Queens young star Lillian Mutuuzo during the FUFA Women Elite League
Victory for Kampala Queens coupled with Olila’s loss to Makerere University on Sunday means three teams are level on 24 points.
Kampala Queens have a superior goal difference and lead Elizabeth group with UCU Lady Cardinals and Olila in second and third place respectively.
Uganda Martyrs High School who are fourth on 22 points also have a chance to qualify for the playoffs but have to beat Kampala Queens in their final game.
Fifth-placed Isra on 19 points still have a chance but have to win their remaining two games and hope the other teams lose.
It should be noted that only the top two teams in either group qualify for the playoff stage.
In Victoria group, Kawempe Muslim unbeaten run was brought to a halt by Masindi based outfit Lady Doves who won 1-0 at the Valley grounds.
Winnie Babirye scored the lone goal of the game coming in stoppage time. She had also scored in the reverse fixture that ended in a one all draw thus making her the only player who has scored against Kawempe this season.
However, the biggest contention in Victoria group is about relegation with Rines WFC and Asubo Gafford Ladies still in the mix to join Dynamic SS who already got eliminated.
Rines stunned Ajax Queens 1-0 courtesy of Kauthara Naluyima to move out of the relegation zone now on 12 points, one ahead of Asubo Gafford Ladies who lost 2-0 at home to She Corporate.
There was more drama in the Victoria Group as seventh-placed Rines who are struggling for survival defeated Ajax Queens 1-0 and Asubo Gafford Ladies who were sixth before Sunday lost at home 2-0 to She Corporate.
Rines scored through midfielder Kauthara Naluyima a win that moved them from relegation to go sixth on the table with 12 points in twelve games but just one point away from relegation.
Muteesa 1 Royal University completed a double over hapless Dynamic winning 1-0 in Kabojja.
The University side won the first round fixture 3-1 in Muduuma, Mityana.
Skipper Margaret Birabwa scored the lone goal for the home team to go fourth on the table with 16 in twelve games.
MAIN PHOTO: Kampala Queens forward Resty Nanziri breaking through UCU Lady Cardinals defence in the FUFA Women Elite League
2019 FUFA Corporate Tournament: Hosts KISU emerge champions
2019 FUFA Corporate Tournament Final KISU 0(3)- 0(1) Corporate League Team
Third place Diamond Trust Bank 2-0 UPL Secretariat
Hosts Kampala International School Uganda(KISU) emerged winners of the 2019 FUFA Corporate Tournament defeating favorites Corporate League Team in the final.
Running for the 5th successive year, KISU encrypted their name on the list of winners on Saturday edging Corporate League Team in a closely contested final that ended goallessly but the former won 3-1 on penalties to clinch their victory.
The Corporate League Team finished runners up
Phillip Tumwine, Saad Musonera, Robinson Katabarwa converted their kicks from the spot for KISU.
On the other hand, John Musisi scored for Corporate League Team but John Mbaziira’s effort rattled the crossbar.
It should be noted KISU and Corporate Tournament Team were in the same group and played out a goalless draw as well at that stage.
The winners were awarded a trophy, medals and cash prize of three million shillings.
The first and second runners up walked away with medals while each team got a certificate of participation.
KISU skipper Tumwine lauded his teammates for work hard and believes it is the reason why they emerged champions.
” We came here to just compete and we didn’t think of winning the championship. I thank my teammates for the commitment and hard work.”
In the third place, playoff Diamond Trust Bank won 2-0 against Uganda Premier League Secretariat.
FUFA EXCOM member Ronnie Kalema who was the Guest of Honour lauded the several teams that took part and believes the federation is achieving its targets of bringing the Corporate world close.
” We are grateful as FUFA that the tournament has continued to grow in stature over the years. Several companies have participated today and this fulfils our main objective of the FUFA Corporate Tournament which is bringing together different corporate companies through soccer.”
A total of 15 teams participated in the 5th edition that got underway with an aerobics session in the morning.
Winner – Kampala International School Uganda
Winner – Kampala International School Uganda
1st Runners up – Corporate League Team
1st Runners up – Corporate League Team receive their accolade from Hajat Aisha Nalule
2nd runners up – Diamond Trust Bank
2nd runners up – Diamond Trust Bank receive their accolade from Hajat Aisha Nalule
Most Valuable Player – Felix Muhabuzi(Corporate League Team)
Most Valuable Player – Felix Muhabuzi of Corporate League Team receives his envelope of cash from Denis Mbidde
Top Scorer – Rogers Kateregga (Corporate League Team) 7 goals
Top Scorer – Rogers Kateregga (Corporate League Team) 7 goals receives his envelope of cash
Teams that took part
Nile Special, Sogea Satom, Airtel Uganda, Kyagalanyi Coffee, Diamond Trust Bank, UPL Secretariat, National Population Council, Civil Aviation Authority, KISU, Corporate League Team, Ecobank, FUFA FM, Red Pepper, Bidco Uganda
The CAF Regional Club Licensing Workshop held in Kampala- Uganda at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel climaxed on Friday evening.
The workshop attracted forty four participants from twenty three English speaking member countries. The participants were divided into two groups for the exercise that started on Monday 22nd April 2019.
FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi presided over the closing ceremony.
Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs also FUFA Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi presents a plaque to South African Kabelo Bosilong. On the right is Rogers Byamukama-FUFA Club Licensing Manager and Executive Member.Middleby Robbie making a presentation at the closing day of the CAF Workshop
‘I thank CAF for choosing Uganda to host such a wonderful and educative workshop of this magnitude not forgetting the FUFA team that has helped to organise and make this workshop a success. I ask all participants to keep in touch and keep sharing information so us to develop the game of football together’ noted Nakiwala.
Participants at the closing ceremonyCAF Instructors L-R Ahmed, Sidat, Kabelo, Emmanuel Dasoberi, Salihu
Closing remarks by CAF Instructors
Middleby Robert David –FIFA Expert on Professional Football (Australia)
I ask participants to learn from various Members Associations who have moved steps ahead. Football needs team work for success.
Kabelo Bosilong (South Africa)
It is great that you know the value of club licensing on the continent. We need such engagements in Africa to keep working and helping each other to see African football move places.
Emmanuel Dasoberi Newton (Ghana)
The workshop has been a success. Club Licensing departments need to strategise, work closely with club administration and owners to ease their work. Keep close with CAF and we shall monitor the progress of your work.
Salihu Abubakar (Nigeria)
I am over whelmed by the hospitality by Uganda and therefore I will ask CAF to bring another of a kind to Uganda. We shall keep passing on football knowledge to every one on the continent.
Muhammad Sidat (Mozambique)
I ask all participants to make use of the instructors at any time so that they keep refreshing on what we have learnt here. I also applaud the organizers for the wonderful work done.
CAF Club Licensing committee member Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Mokhtar Harraz
Ahmed Harraz (Egypt)
We are confident that we have provided various football stake-holders information to make sure this exercise goes on well in the Member Associations. Club licensing is not a punishment. Let’s embrace it and take football in Africa to another level.
Uganda Premier League clubs are happy that they got an opportunity to hear from the CAF officials about the Club Licensing exercise.
On Wednesday afternoon, six CAF Licensing Instructors held a four meeting with CEOs, Owners and the leadership of the 16 clubs playing in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.
The Uganda Premier League was also represented by board members Humphrey Mandu and Fred ‘Guy’ Kawuma. Rogers Byamukama (FUFA Club Licensing Committee Chairman) and Ivan Kintu Bayige (FUFA Club Licensing Manager) were also in attendance.
Earlier in the day, the CAF Club Licensing Manager Ahmed Harraz and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson had held a press conference where they addressed the local media on the exercise at the same hotel.
‘FUFA requested CAF for this opportunity to meet the people who run the game at the top level in club football. Hearing from CAF officials would give them another view about club licensing. It will make magic for us when we continue with implementation of the exercise’ noted FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
Harraz addresses sports media
Harraz told the media that big dreams have happened in African football and at a global stage as a result of club licensing.
L-R: Edgar Watson with Ahmed Harraz during the press conference earlier on Wednesday
‘Iceland decided to take on the exercise and implement the guidelines through UEFA that resulted into a good performance at the Euros and the FIFA World Cup’ noted Harraz.
‘Uganda is very privileged especially the Clubs that have embraced the Club licensing process because the results are visible with National team’s performance following back to back qualification to the AFCON Finals (2017 and 2019). KCCA FC taking part in the group stages of CAF Champions League alos shows big strides of club licensing in Uganda’ added Harraz.
CAF Instructor Mohamed Sidat during presentation to the club officials
The club officials were given an opportunity to ask questions which were ably answered by the other five CAF Instructors Middleby Robert David (Australia), Sidat Muhammad Feizal (Mozambique), Dasoberi Emmanuel Newton (Ghana), Bosilong Kabelo Keorapetse Hubert (South Africa) and Salihu Abubakar(Nigeria)
Group-Club officials, FUFA and CAF Club Licensing Instructors
Participants speak out
Uganda Premier League CEO Bernard Bainamani
‘We are overwhelmed with the knowledge shared CAF. It is going to be up to us to implement the requirements during the next season of the Uganda Premier League because it is what will benefit the game of football in Uganda’
URA FC Chairman James Kizza.
‘It has always been difficult for us to implement the Club Licensing thinking it was a forceful project from FUFA on to clubs but now with the CAF meeting we know the task ahead of us as club owners’
KCCA FC CEO Anisha Muhoozi
‘We have been in CAF Champions League and we know the requirements. CAF coming here is a great impact to help us work together to develop football in the Country and now we are going in the CAF Champions League, we shall try to implement all requirements’
Tooro United FC Chairman- Peter Emojong
‘I thought that I knew it all. The meeting has given me an opportunity to know more about the exercise. I know there will definitely be change with how the exercise will span out during the off season’ Emojong also passed a vote thanks on behalf of the clubs.
Vipers SC officials L-R Alex Luganda, Ahmed harraz (CAF), Ken Muwanga-Media and CEO Peter Lwanga
Uganda is ranked among the best countries in Africa in implementing the basics of Club Licensing and the development of football is visible with the results of the National team and club performance on the continent.
The CAF Club Licensing regional workshop will resume tomorrow with another group of 26 participants from 13 countries taking part till Friday. The participants for the remaining two days are from Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
MAIN PHOTO: URA FC Chairman James Kizza. UPL CEO Bernard Bainamani and Tooro United FC Chairman Peter Emojong during the meeting
Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) starting 8 am
Group A: Nile Special, UPL Secretariat, Kyagalanyi Coffee Limited, National Population Council, Diamond Trust Bank
Group B: AAL, KISU, UMEME, Corporate League Team, Sanyuka TV
Group C: Civil Aviation Authority, Airtel Uganda Limited, Red Pepper, BIDCO, Ecobank
Group D: FUFA FM, NIC Holdings, Roofings Limited, SOGEA SATOM, Pepsi
Licensed players featuring in the 5 divisions recognized by FUFA are not allowed
Champions wins a trophy and cash prize of 3 million shillings
Red Pepper Limited won the FCT Cup in 2018
For the fifth year running, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) continues to bring together the corporate world through its annual corporate tournament.
Running under the theme, fun, networking and soccer, the 2019 edition returns bigger and better and the draws were successfully held on Wednesday at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
20 teams were drawn in four groups with each pool having five teams. The draw was witnessed by CAF Club licensing Manager Ahmed Harraz andFUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
CAF Club Licensing Manager hmed Harraz picked Kyagalanyi Coffee from the main pot during the draw
Three new teams will take part in this year’s edition and these include; National Population Council, Corporate League team, Sanyuka TV and Pepsi.
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson went for UMEME Ltd during the draw
Mr. Rogers Byamukama, the head of marketing and communications indicated that the tournament has gained popularity since its inception in 2015 with the prime target of bringing together different corporate companies.
L-R Esther Musoke (FUFA Markeitng Director), Rogers Byamukama (FUFA Executive Member), Charles Masereka (Diamond Trust Bank) and Jakisa Karlos (National Population Council).
‘We are proud as FUFA that this tournament has continued to grow in stature. We started in 2015 with eight teams but I’m proud that we now have 20 teams this year. The main reason behind the corporate tournament is networking and creating a platform of interaction among the several companies’
Sembera Simon- Quality Assurance Engineer Sogea Satom drew KISU from the pot
FUFA Marketing Director Esther Musoke stated that she had an overwhelming number of teams that wanted to take part but could only accommodate twenty.
‘I’m humbled with the numbers that turned up this year. We actually had so many teams that wanted to be part. This gives us the confidence that we have the trust of the different companies. The winners will walk away with a trophy and a cash prize of three million shillings’
BIDCO was picked from the pot by Uganda Premier League’s Gordon Roy Mundeyi during the draw
The tournament played for one day will take place on Saturday at KISU with two teams qualifying from each of the four groups for the quarterfinals and thereafter advance to the subsequent stages.
At KISU, four pitches will be set aside and these have been named after current and former FUFA Presidents. These include; Moses Magogo(current FUFA President), Lawrence Mulindwa, the late Dennis Obua and the late John Ssebana Kizito.
Prior to the start of the group games, there will be an aerobics session in the morning.
Confederation of African Football Association (CAF) is largely impressed by the gradual path and progress for Uganda in implementing the club licensing tool.
CAF’s commendation was conveyed by the CAF club licensing manager, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Mokhtar Harraz from Egypt on Wednesday during a media interface at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Harraz, flanked by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson and the FUFA Club licensing manager Ivan Kintu Bayige appreciated FUFA for taking the lead to implement to the dot, the club licensing tool.
L-R: Edgar Watson (FUFA CEO) with the CAF Club licensing manager, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Mokhtar Harraz addressing the media at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
‘The CAF Club licensing tool is to ensure that federations are well organized. CAF is impressed by the path taken by Uganda. We keep monitoring and have realized how well organized FUFA has been in recent times. We are happy that FUFA accepted to host us for the CAF club licensing regional workshop. The Club licensing tool takes focus in five key priority areas of Sporting criteria, Infrastructure, Administrative and internal criteria, Legal criteria and financial criteria. We are very proud with the Ugandan situation since they have exceled and it has been shown by the back to back qualification to AFCON in 2017 and 2019, KCCA and Vipers’ progress on the continent and this reminds me of Iceland that has perfected the club licensing tool in Europe” CAF Club licensing manager, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Mokhtar Harraz remarked.
Edgar Watson, FUFA CEO addressing the media at Sheraton Kampala Hotel
FUFA CEO, Watson thanked CAF for the honour to host such a high profile workshop.
‘It is a big privilege for FUFA and the entire Country Uganda to host such a unique event. This is the first time ever that Uganda is hosting the CAF Club licensing workshop. Since, 2012, we all embraced the tool of club licensing as a tool of development. We have a very firm and solid committee. Coming next season, FUFA has set new requirements that clubs in the first and second division must meet. Another wave is going to the clubs through the club pro agenda. It was initially by request, but now, it is mandatory.’ Stated FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson.
With the first batch of the CAF Club licensing regional workshop done and dusted on Tuesday, more delegates are arriving ready for the second session that will kick off on Thursday, 25th April 2019 and climax on the following day.
The press conference at Sheraton Kampala Hotel was well attended
CAF/FUFA Activities on Wednesday 24th April 2019 at Sheraton Hotel
10am: CAF/FUFA Club Licensing Press Conference 10am
10.45 am: Draw for the 2019 FUFA Corporate Tournament
2 pm: CAF Club Licensing Officials meeting with Uganda Premier League CEOs
Arrival of Group 2 participants for the workshop due on Thursday and Friday
The first group of the CAF Club Licensing Regional workshop at Kampala Sheraton concluded their session on Tuesday with high hopes of turning the beautiful game into a better product.
With participants being taken through the five key areas of club licensing, many shared their experiences and challenges encountered during the exercise
Club licensing helps federations and clubs to get proper administrative channels by employing qualified human resource with technical expertise in areas like finance, marketing, communications to help football move forward with delivery of the final product.
Proper infrastructure is an investment to a federation or club which helps to create a safe environment for players to train on daily basis and fans to come and enjoy football at good stadiums.
Australian FIFA expert Middleby Robert David (standing) taking through officials from Somalia Nur Hassan Ahmed and Mohamed Ali Abdi
The participants were also taken through on how financial records are very important for transparency and credibility.
The other key areas are legal which brings out the proper structures of the clubs, sporting that specifies ownership of a club while youth development programmes which help to feed the senior teams.
Botswana delegation James Hamza Setete and Victor Kelekwang Sebolao being taken through the exercise by Bosilong Kabelo and Sidat Muhammad during the group sessions
Participants are from 26 African countries while the instructors are; Middleby Robert David (Australia), Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Mokhtar Harraz (Egypt), Sidat Muhammad Feizal (Mozambique), Dasoberi Emmanuel Newton (Ghana), Bosilong Kabelo Keorapetse Hubert (South Africa) and Salihu Abubakar(Nigeria) taking the participants through the workshop.
Malibuseng Mary Mafethe listens attentively during the presentationsNigerians Salihu Abubakar and Nasiru Sarkintundu Jibril listen keenly to Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi and Ahmed Harraz
The second group will hold their workshop on Thursday and Friday (25th and 26th April) still at Sheraton.
What participants say about the workshop
James Setete (Botswana)
We are here to learn from other participants. The workshop will acme he difference towards how African football should be run.
Nasiru Jibril (Nigeria)
Such opportunities are good for African football. We shall be able to share our experiences and challenges with the exercise but it is a good project.
MAIN PHOTO: Participants of Group 2 on Day 2 in a photo moment
The Rujumba Family in Hoima has offered 20 acres of land to FUFA for infrasture development. developing football. The land is found, 3km on Hoima- Masindi road. FUFA has confirmed that they will construct a stadium on the land.
The land is part of 150 acres registered under their grandfather’s name-the late Dr. James Rujumba who gazetted 20 acres for a public project to be decided on by the family.
The Rujumba Family
‘Our aim is to create a legacy for our great father Dr. James Rujumba, and in our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FUFA, we will propose for the for the naming rights of the stadium’ Chairman of the Rujumba Family Mr. Elifazi Kiiza
Chairman of the Rujumba Family Mr. Elifazi Kiiza (hat and back to camera) showing FUFA the land that was donated to the institution in Hoima
FUFA delighted
The 1st Vice President of FUFA Justus Mugisha who also heads Projects represented the federation during the site inspection on Easter Monday.
Mugisha welcomed the idea and thanked both the family for the offer, Kitara Region Football Association for the leadership and envisioned strategy of owning a stadium upcountry.
‘FUFA is grateful for this offer to develop the game of football. Namirembe church offered us land in Rubaga division in Kampala, the Kabaka of Buganda did the same with 10acres in Lugazi and now more from the Rujumba family. I am taking back a good message to the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo the FUFA President and the entire executive so that we find resources for this project to start’ said Mugisha who ws accompanied by Execuitve Member Ronnie Kalema.
FUFA will release the full details of how the land will be put into use.
MAIN PHOTO: Chairman of the Rujumba Family Mr. Elifazi Kiiza, Ronnie Kalema, FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha and Hon. Pius Wakabi- MP Bugahya County-Hoima who is also a family member.
The CAF club Licensing Regional Workshop has kicked off in Uganda at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala on Monday 22nd April 2019.
The workshop that has been divided into two groups, attracted 52 participants from 26 countries and will be organised from Monday to Friday 26th April 2019.
CAF Executive Committee Member and the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Eng. Moses Magogo graced the opening ceremony.
FIFA Professional Football Adviser Middleby Robert David from Australia, CAF Instructors on Club Licensing Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Mokhtar Harraz (Egypt), Sidat Muhammad Feizal (Mozambique), Dasoberi Emmanuel Newton (Ghana), Bosilong Kabelo Keorapetse Hubert (South Africa) and Salihu Abubakar (Nigeria) are in charge of the workshop.
The workshop wil alos see Ugandan Club CEOs (in the Uganda Premier League) hold a session with the CAF Club Licesning Instructores. on Monday the Uganda Premier League CEO Bernard Bainamani and Head of Communications of the league Gordon Mundeyi attended the afternoon session.
L-R Harraz, Middleby, Kabelo and Sidat sharing some notes befoire the CAF Club Licensing workshop got underway on Monday morning at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala
Eng. Magogo applauded CAF for giving Uganda the opportunity to host the workshop and was pleased with the way the continental soccer body is supporting federations.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo making his remarks during the opening ceremony on Monday
‘It’ is a great opportunity to host such a function. Cub Licensing is a tool we understood way back in 2008. It’s a tool that we use to develop our football in the country and when we develop the clubs, automatically we are increasing on the human resource. If we have very powerful clubs we can surely have very powerful national teams. This is a tool that is going to push all of us on the continent and probably may drive the dream for Africa to win the World cup in feature’ said Eng. Moses Magogo
‘As FUFA we hope that in the near feature we shall be able to achieve our Vision through hosting such functions, learning and sharing ideas and we hope by 2026 our National team will play in the FIFA World Cup’ added Magogo
‘If we are to develop Club football on the continent, Club Licensing is very important. It is a major priority in all the aspects of developing football. Uganda is one of the countries that is doing very well in Club Licensing process. Hopefully we can see the benefits mainly at the continent in club football and National teams. The process takes time to show the results but when time comes great achievement will be noticed mainly in 2-3 years to come’ said Harraz
CAF Instructor Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Mokhtar Harraz speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop
Club licensing helps federations and clubs to get proper administrative channels by employing qualified human resource with technical expertise in areas like finance, marketing, communications to help football move forward with delivery of the final product.
Proper infrastructure is an investment to a federation or club which helps to create a safe environment for players to train on daily basis and fans to come and enjoy football at good stadiums.
CAF Instructors will also be in position to guide clubs on how to keep financial records in a bid to improve transparency that leads to promotion of credibility and public trust especially the football stakeholders.
The legal criteria brings out the proper structures of the clubs in terms of ownership while the sporting criteria establishes any possible double ownership of clubs.
The workshop will also guide participants on how National federations can help clubs to come up with quality youth development programmes to feed the senior teams.
‘I’m privileged to be here on behalf of FIFA. Club licensing is a major pattern of developing football worldwide. Africa has world class players but the clubs have to provide the best with all what is required to achieve the best performance. It’ i a tool for developing football and I urge club managers and CEOs to attend to it. Federation members and clubs should use Club licensing to enhance football’ said Middleby Robert David
Middleby Robert David making his remark at the opening ceremony of the workshop
FUFA Club Licensing Chairman Rogers Byamukama who is also a participant in the workshop commended CAF for giving Uganda the opportunity to host the workshop. Byamukama is also the Chairman of the FUFA Club Licensing Committee.
‘It is a great opportunity for us to host the workshop here in Uganda. Our clubs are going to benefit a lot and the football fraternity. It is a milestone towards professional football in our country’ noted Byamukama
FUFA Marketing and Communications manager Rogers Byamukama participated in workshop
FUFA Club Licensing Manager Ivan Kintu Bayige confirmed that the workshop will provide expertise and awareness on the exercise. It is a step taken to develop club football in Uganda.
‘This is a very big chance to develop club football in our country. It will provides us information and expertise on hour to handle club licensing process. It also provide awareness on the exercise. It is a step taken to develop club football in Uganda.
FUFA Club licensing Manager Ivan Kintu Bayige during the workshop
Summary: Objectives of the workshop are;
Provide Federations with an update on the club licensing system at the continental level
Receive a full update on the status of the club licensing system at National level
One on one meetings with Member Associations (MAs) in order to provide special attention and assist them with specific needs
Assist the MAs with near future planning, in order to have clubs ready before the deadline for engagement in the next CAF Inter Club competitions
Organize interaction group sessions between MAs to share best practices.
Countries attending the workshop are Botswana, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Uganda, Namibia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Lesotho and Liberia.
Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The workshops have been organised in two groups. The first group will cover two days (22nd and 23rd April) while the second group (25th and 26th Apil 2019).
MAIN PHOTO: Instructors, participants with FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (holding ball) in a group photo during the opening ceremony of CAF Club Licensing workshop at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
