The Uganda Cranes held their final training session this evening at the Rhino Sports Centre in Karatu, Tanzania ahead of the CECAFA 3 Nations Tournament.
The tournament serves as a warm-up for the teams preparing for the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The team in camp
Deo Mutabazi – Leader of Delegation, Paul Put – Head Coach, Morley Byekwaso – Coach, Muhumuza Fred – Coach, Mandon Louis Francois – Performance Coach, Koukouras Petros – Video Analyst, Kiggundu Stephen Billy – Goalkeeping Coach, Massa Geofrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Doctor, Ssewanyana Ivan – Physiotherapist, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager, Bashir Ibrahim -Team Media Officer and Kazibwe Ashirah – FUFA Tv Production.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is inviting submissions of proposals aimed at improving regulations for the upcoming 2025/26 season from the stakeholders in Ugandan football.
According to an official communication issued by FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson Suubi, the federation is seeking contributions that will enhance the FUFA Competitions Rules as well as the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
Submissions are to be sent to rules@fufauganda.com or delivered directly to the FUFA Secretariat no later than Thursday, 31st July 2025 at 17:00 hours.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially launched the campaign for the much-anticipated TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, unveiling the tournament’s official poster and theme under the banner “PAMOJA”.
The 2024 edition of TotalEnergies CAF CHAN will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 02-30 August, 2025, marking a historic first-time collaboration between the three East African nations in staging a major continental football event.
At the heart of the campaign is the word PAMOJA, a Swahili term meaning “unity”. More than just a slogan, PAMOJA embodies the spirit of togetherness, harmony, and shared ambition. It reflects the collective strength of African communities and the values that football brings to life, teamwork, collaboration and solidarity.
The official poster, revealed today across CAF’s digital platforms and broadcast partners, visually encapsulates the vibrancy of African football and the unique cultural heritage of the host nations.
Designed with bold, energetic motifs, the poster showcases East African landmarks and symbolic elements that resonate with the values of PAMOJA.
To download the official TotalEnergies CAF CHAN poster, CLICK HERE
The TotalEnergies CAF CHAN is reserved exclusively for players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues. It is a celebration of homegrown talent and a showcase of the depth and diversity of African football.
As excitement builds for CHAN 2024, the PAMOJA campaign will roll out across multiple media platforms, incorporating fan engagement activities, digital storytelling, and grassroots football initiatives aimed at strengthening the connection between the tournament and African communities.
The Qualifier Round of the 2025 FUFA Tv Cup delivered a thrilling mix of tactical battles, emotional triumphs and unforgettable football moments as schools across the country fought for a coveted spot in the Round of 32. In total, the Qualifier Round produced a staggering 69 goals, 27 in the first leg and 42 in the second leg.
Among the 64 schools that featured in the qualifier round, only three managed to keep clean sheets over both legs. These are Kibuli SS, Bukoyo SS and Duhaga SS. Kibuli SS showcased dominance and maturity winning 2-0 away at Old Kampala SSS before sealing the tie with a commanding 3-0 victory at home. Duhaga SS also had a flawless defensive performance, edging St Edward’s Bukuumi 1-0 on the road before completing the job with a 2-0 win at home. Bukoyo SS also proved clinical, securing their ticket with a 1-0 win away at Bukooli College before confirming their spot with a 2-0 triumph in front of their home fans.
In one of the most dramatic ties of the round, St Mary’s College Kisubi survived a scare. Inaugural champions had to dig deep to eliminate Ndejje SS. After a 3-1 win in Kisubi, they traveled to Ndejje only to fall behind 2-0 at halftime and 3-0 early in the second half trailing 4-3 on aggregate. A late surge salvaged a 4-2 loss, making it 5-5 on aggregate. In the following spot kicks shootout, it was St Mary’s who held their nerve to progress with a 4-2 converted shots.
Iganga High School wrote a story of resilience. After a 2-0 first-leg loss to Mbale SS, they responded with an identical scoreline in the return leg. But in the end, it was Mbale SS who edged the dramatic shootout 8-7 to advance.
In northern Uganda, St Joseph’s College Layibi bounced back from a 1-0 away defeat to St Aloysius College Nyapea with a 2-1 win at home, sending the tie into penalties where Layibi triumphed 4-1 in front of their blissful crowd.
Several teams failed to capitalize on home support in the return leg. St Joseph’s SSS Naggalama scored early to cancel Mehta SS’s first-leg lead, but a second-half goal by Mehta ensured their 2-1 aggregate progress. Bishop’s SS Mukono produced a 2-2 home draw but it wasn’t enough to overturn their 3-1 first-leg defeat to Namilyango College. Meanwhile, King’s College Budo could not break down St Balikuddembe SS’s defense at home after a 2-1 first-leg loss, bowing out following a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Kiira College Butiki and Busoga College Mwiri, both tournament pioneers, clashed in an electric second-leg showdown. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Butiki rose to the occasion with a strong 3-1 win to progress with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Ngora High School put on a show at home with a 5-0 thrashing of Sebei College Tegeres, who had held them to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Pending Battles and Decisions
Manjasi High School and St Peter’s College Tororo will square off in their decisive second-leg fixture on Wednesday, 23rd July. Meanwhile, a petition case between Nyakasura School and St Leo’s College Kyegobe awaits resolution by the organizing committee to determine who secures the last spot in the next round.
FUFA Tv Cup 2025 | Qualifier Round, First Leg Result 🏆
With most ties concluded and 30 schools confirmed, attention now shifts to the Round of 32, with first-leg matches scheduled for the weekend of 26th and 27th July 2025.
Teams qualified for the Round of 32
The schools include Nabumali High School, Nganwa High School Kabwohe, Gombe SS, Jinja SSS, Lango College, Mengo SS, St. Charles Lwanga College Koboko, Mpanga SSS, Jinja College, Kako SSS, Bukooyo SS, Duhaga SS, Gulu High School, Kibuli SS, Kiira College Butiki, Mbale SS, Mehta SS, Namilyango College, Ngora High School, Nyakasura School/St. Leo’s College Kyegobe, Sir Tito Winyi SSS, St. Joseph’s College Layibi, St. Balikudembe SS Mitala Maria, St. Mary’s College Kisubi, the winner – St. Peter’s College Tororo/Manjasi High School, Aduku SS, Dr. Obote College Boroboro, Kololo SSS, Muntuyera High School, St. Kagwa Bushenyi High School, St. Charles Lwanga Kasasa and St. Joseph’s College Ombaci.
As Uganda’s home-based national team steps up its final preparations for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, optimism and belief are echoing throughout the Cranes’ camp.
The tournament set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, presents a golden chance for the Cranes to rewrite history. Despite multiple appearances at CHAN, Uganda has never progressed beyond the group stages. A record the team is determined to change this time around.
Morley Byekwaso who serves as Co-Head Coach acknowledges both the intensity of preparation and the weight of national expectations.
‘First of all, I have to thank the Almighty for the gift of life, and I appreciate the coaches and players for the hard work. It’s been a tough journey, but the boys have responded well. The level of focus and fitness we’ve achieved in this pre-season gives us confidence,’ he noted.
Byekwaso emphasised that beyond fitness, the technical team has been drilling the players in modern tactical demands from compact defending when out of possession to building meaningful attacking patterns.
‘We have spent a lot of time observing player combinations, how they understand each other, from build-up to finishing and how compact they remain when we lose the ball. Our focus is on getting results,’ he added.
Leadership within the camp has also been carefully managed with experienced players like Allan Okello, Rogers Torach and Jude Ssemugabi guiding the group. Byekwaso says that despite the pressure associated with performing on home soil, the team is grounded.
‘This is our senior team, and playing at CHAN is a big stage. But we are not afraid of the pressure. We are focused on doing what’s good for our nation.’
Among the players expected to play a pivotal role is AbdulKarim Watambala, the creative midfielder from Vipers SC, who brings with him the experience of two previous CHAN tournaments.
‘We have prepared well in camp and everyone is putting in the effort,’ Watambala shared. ‘Being summoned to the national team is already a big motivation but this time we want to make the nation happy and getting past the group stage would be a huge step.’
For Watambala, CHAN is not just another tournament. It’s a proving ground for local talent and an important stage for national pride.
‘It is a high-level competition and a great platform for any local-based player. Personally, I see it as a big opportunity. I want to help the team by scoring or assisting and more importantly by encouraging the younger players who are here for the first time.’
He also highlighted the team’s focus on mental strength especially for players unfamiliar with the pressure of a continental tournament.
‘Confidence is key. Some players may feel timid at first but the coaches are helping us believe in ourselves and play our natural game.’
As the CHAN 2024 kickoff edges closer, the tournament partly staged on home turf, the stakes and the hopes have never been higher.
The team in camp
Deo Mutabazi – Leader of Delegation, Paul Put – Head Coach, Morley Byekwaso – Coach, Muhumuza Fred – Coach, Mandon Louis Francois – Performance Coach, Koukouras Petros – Video Analyst, Kiggundu Stephen Billy – Goalkeeping Coach, Massa Geofrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Doctor, Ssewanyana Ivan – Physiotherapist, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager, Bashir Ibrahim -Team Media Officer and Kazibwe Ashirah – FUFA Tv Production.
Uganda Cranes travelling squad to Arusha for CECAFA 4 Nations Tournament in preparation for the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024
Ugandan refereeing continues to earn continental respect as three of the country’s top officials — Shamira Nabadda, Lucky Kasalirwe and Ronald Katenya were named by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) among the elite list of match officials set to officiate at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The prestigious tournament, reserved for players featuring in their respective national domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from August 1st to 30th, 2025, marking the first-ever CHAN edition to be jointly hosted by three nations.
And with Uganda as one of the hosts, the appointment of three of its own officials to the tournament adds a glowing endorsement to the country’s growing reputation in the refereeing landscape.
Trailblazing Shamira Nabadda – Centre Referee
Leading the Ugandan trio is Shamira Nabadda, who remains one of the most recognized female referees on the continent. A CAF and FIFA-accredited referee, Nabadda has previously handled matches at several high-profile tournaments including the CAF Women’s Champions League, the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Olympics and World Cup qualifiers.
Her appointment as a centre referee at CHAN 2024 is a testament to her consistent performances, composure under pressure, and command of the game. It also reaffirms CAF’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and rewarding excellence regardless of gender.
Nabadda has become a role model for aspiring female referees in Uganda and beyond, breaking barriers in a sport historically dominated by men. Her presence at CHAN will be one to watch — symbolizing not just representation, but competence at the highest level.
Lucky Kasalirwe – Centre Referee
Joining her on the central whistle duty is Lucky Kasalirwe, another experienced and technically sound referee whose performances on the domestic and continental stage have not gone unnoticed.
Kasalirwe has steadily risen through the ranks of Uganda’s refereeing structure, consistently officiating key Uganda Premier League clashes and performing admirably in regional CAF competitions. His selection for CHAN 2024 crowns a period of continued growth and development, validating the Uganda Football Referees Association’s efforts to produce world-class match officials.
Known for his strong game-reading ability and calm demeanor, Kasalirwe’s inclusion will offer him a platform to further cement his place among Africa’s best.
Ronald Katenya – Assistant Referee
Ronald Katenya completes the Ugandan trio and will serve as an assistant referee, a role he has executed with precision and professionalism over the years. Katenya has earned a solid reputation on the lines, with excellent flag discipline, sharp offside judgments, and seamless coordination with his centre referees.
His appointment to the CHAN tournament represents the reward of years of dedication, including assignments in regional CECAFA tournaments and CAF competitions. At CHAN, Katenya will bring his experience to bear in crucial match situations where the accuracy of assistant referees can define games.
A New Era for Ugandan Officiating
The trio’s selection is not just a personal victory, but a significant milestone for Ugandan football and the Uganda Football Referees Association (UFRA). It reflects years of investment in referee development and signals that Uganda can now supply top-level officiating talent to the African stage.
With CHAN 2024 set to be played on home soil, the presence of Nabadda, Kasalirwe, and Katenya will serve as a point of pride for the Ugandan football fraternity and an inspiration for the next generation of match officials.
As the region prepares to welcome Africa to East Africa for the month-long football festival, these three officials will have the task of not only enforcing the laws of the game but also showcasing Uganda’s refereeing class to the entire continent.
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania enter final stretch to host historic TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 finals
Final Countdown in full motion in East Africa
Tournament to be staged between 02 – 30 August 2025
With just two weeks remaining until kick-off, the countdown to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is reaching fever pitch, as host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania enter the final stages of readiness for Africa’s premier national competition for locally-based players.
This year’s eighth edition will be remembered as a watershed moment in African football history—the first time three countries will co-host a CAF competition of this scale.
Each host nation will play a distinct and integral role in delivering a world-class football spectacle that showcases the best of Africa’s domestic talent.
The tournament, running from 2–30 August 2025, will unite East Africa through football, delivering a vibrant showcase of local talent, passionate supporters, and pan-African unity.
The opening match will ignite the tournament at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. From there, the journey will wind through Kampala, Uganda for the third-place playoff, and climax in Nairobi, Kenya, where the final match will crown the new champions of Africa’s most celebrated home-based competition.
As excitement builds across the region, CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba reiterated the Confederation’s pride and confidence ahead of kick-off:
“We are now just two weeks away from writing a new chapter in African football. The TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 is more than a tournament—it’s a powerful statement of African excellence, unity, and belief in local talent. East Africa is ready to welcome the continent.”
The final draw has already been conducted, with 19 teams, including defending champions Senegal, now placed in their respective groups. Every match promises to deliver drama, national pride, and a platform for emerging stars to shine.
With the final phase of preparations underway, CAF and the Local Organising Committees are working around the clock to finalise logistics, fine-tune stadiums, and roll out fan engagement campaigns across the host cities. The ticket sales and other competition marketing initiatives are expected to be unveiled shortly, bringing fans closer to the action.
East Africa’s moment on the continental stage is near. The energy, anticipation, and unity surrounding the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 signal not only a festival of football—but a historic celebration of African resilience, identity, and homegrown brilliance.
For more on the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, visit www.cafonline.com
Uganda is stepping up its preparations for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 by finalising a dedicated team of volunteers set to play a pivotal role in the East African nation’s co-hosting duties.
With just weeks to go until the continental tournament kicks off on 2 August 2025, Uganda’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) has completed the initial phase of its volunteer recruitment drive, drawing a remarkable 1,884 applicants during the application window held from 14 to 22 June.
The overwhelming response reflects the growing public excitement ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Following strict eligibility checks—particularly the age requirement of 18 and above—1,222 applicants have advanced to the next stage of the programme.
These selected volunteers will undergo comprehensive training beginning 25 July, led by experts from the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).
The training will cover venue-specific protocols, operational standards, and service excellence to ensure that volunteers are fully prepared to contribute to the success of Africa’s premier home-based player competition.
Mr. Justus Mugisha, Chairman of the Workforce and Volunteers Committee, expressed his delight at the level of enthusiasm shown by Ugandans during the application process.
“The ambiance around this exercise has created a lot of excitement from the public, and the enormous numbers received indicate what kind of memories will be created at the end of the tournament,” he said.
The selected volunteers will be stationed across Uganda’s designated venues and will assist with logistics, hospitality, protocol, media operations, and fan services.
Organisers believe the volunteers’ energy and commitment will be instrumental in delivering a world-class experience to players, officials, and visiting fans.
As CHAN 2024 draws near, the spirit of unity and participation continues to grow across the host nations.
Uganda’s volunteer programme stands as a testament to the country’s readiness to welcome Africa and deliver a tournament to remember.
Fresh from helping SC Villa clinch the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League title, defender Arnold Odong is now channeling that same intensity into Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Odong, who played a pivotal role for SC Villa last season with 24 appearances, believes the high-intensity training camp underway at the FUFA Technical Centre in Kisasi is sharpening the Cranes for what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
The camp is part of the team’s final build-up to the continental event, which is reserved for players plying their trade in their home countries.
“The first week of camp has not been easy,” Odong admitted.
“The intensity has increased, training has become tougher, but it’s good for us. We appreciate it because it’s going to help us perform better as a team in the coming games. Our coaches believe a lot in hard work, and that’s exactly what it takes to compete.”
Under the watchful eye of co-coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza, Uganda’s locally-based stars have embraced the demands of the residential camp, blending tactical drills with physical conditioning.
Odong says the camp is also creating vital chemistry in the squad.
“First of all, it’s a very good thing as a team to enter camp because it has brought us all together,” he explained.
“The players are working together, bonding, getting to know each other more. We’re able to train collectively and the coaches can monitor what each and every player is doing. It’s really helping us grow as a team.”
The 24-year-old defender brings more than domestic pedigree to the squad.
Odong featured for Uganda during their 2023 AFCON qualification campaign and friendlies against continental heavyweights such as Cameroon and Gambia—experiences he believes have equipped him with insights that are now benefiting the CHAN squad.
“Moving with the team during AFCON qualification gave me a lot of experience,” he said.
“I got to play with top players, learned from them, and understood how the national team operates. That same style of play is now being used for CHAN, so I come in with a bit of insight I can share with the squad to help us work better together.”
Placed in a tricky Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea and Niger, Uganda will need every ounce of grit, unity, and tactical clarity to progress.
“We’re home and we need to give it our all,” Odong added. “We need to work really hard to get out of the group and go far in the tournament.”
With Odong’s blend of leadership, league-winning experience and international exposure, the Cranes may well have the defensive backbone needed to make a strong CHAN 2024 run.
The 2024/25 season concluded in different months, and numerous Ugandan female footballers who play their trade outside the country fared remarkably well.
Over 30 players contributed to their teams’ successes, helping them win trophies, achieve promotion, stave off relegation, and secure individual awards, among other notable accomplishments.
Here are some of the standout names from the concluded season.
Resty Nanziri – East Bengal
Crested Cranes striker Resty Nanziri played a pivotal role in East Bengal’s Indian Women Super League title triumph.She scored six goals and registered one assist in 13 games, delivering a tremendous performance that significantly contributed to East Bengal’s success.
Sandra Nabweteme – Santos Laguna
Regarded as one of the greatest Ugandan female players of all time, Sandra Nabweteme scored seven goals and made five assists for Santos Laguna.
Since joining the team in 2024, Nabweteme has endeared herself to Mexican fans, particularly Santos Laguna supporters.
She has already returned to Mexico for preseason preparations ahead of the new season.
Daphine Nyayenga – Fortuna Hjørring
Crested Cranes goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga was an integral part of the Fortuna Hjørring squad that secured a double, winning both the Danish Women’s Super League and Cup titles.
Although she did not feature in any games, Nyayenga’s role extended beyond playing, as she was appointed to a coaching position within the academy’s technical team.
Her team successfully qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League playoffs.
Fauzia Najjemba – Dynamo Moscow
The speedy forward had a promising start to the season, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the first five games.Unfortunately, she suffered a knee injury that kept her sidelined for the remainder of the season. Najjemba returned to action in June 2025.
Fazila Ikwaput – Gokulam Kerala
The prolific Crested Cranes striker netted 24 league goals and registered one assist in 14 games.She claimed the Golden Boot award and played a crucial role in helping her team finish second in the table.
Phiona Nabulime – FC Masar
After captaining Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC to the 2023/24 League title triumph, Nabulime joined Egyptian giants FC Masar in January 2025.She played a crucial role in the team’s Egyptian Women’s Super League title win, featuring in nine league games and two cup games, registering two assists.
Juliet Nalukenge – 1207 Antalya Spor
The 2019 FUFA Best Female Player of the Year scored a winning goal in the semifinals of the playoffs, helping Antalya Spor secure promotion to the Turkish Women’s Super League.
Nalukenge joined the Turkish side after a brief stint with Kayseri Gençlerbirliği.
Aminah Nababi – Sethu Women FC
Nababi scored seven goals and registered two assists in 14 league games, becoming the club’s top scorer in her first season in the Indian Super League after winning the FUFA Women’s Cup top scorer and MVP award with Rines SS WFC in 2024.
Ruth Aturo – Tausi FC
The goalkeeper guided Tausi FC to Tanzanian Women Super League promotion, playing six games and registering six clean sheets since joining the team in 2025.
Bridget Nabisalu – Modern Sport
Nabisalu played 18 league games, scoring five goals and providing four assists, contributing to nine goals in the process.
Her versatility as a defender has made her a key member of the club.
Damalie Matama and Lillian Mutuzo – Yei Joint Stars
The former Kampala Queens duo scored a goal each in the last game, helping Yei Joint Stars lift the South Sudanese Women Super League title and qualify for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers.
Hadijah Nandago – Sethu Women FC
Nandago joined Sethu Women FC from Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC in 2025 and played the second round of the Indian Women’s Super League, netting four goals and two assists in just seven games.
Shadia Nankya – Dallas Trinity (Loan)
The tall and experienced defender Shadia Nankya joined National Women’s Super League (NWSL) outfit Washington Spirit in February 2025 on a two-year employment contract with an option for extension.
This mega and dream career deal marked a significant milestone in Nankya’s career.She was later loaned to Dallas Trinity, where she hasn’t featured much but is expected to rejoin her primary club ahead of the new season.
Vanessa Karungi – Nordsjaelland Women
The modern goalkeeper Vanessa Karungi missed the entire season due to injury but has started rehabilitation.She will be part of Nordsjaelland’s squad that will play the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League playoffs.
Other Notable Mentions
Joan Nabirye – Trabzonspor
Phionah Nabbumba – Midtjland
Margret Kunihira – Ceasia Queens
Ritticia Nabbosa – Simba Queens
Lukia Namubiru – Ceasia Queens
Aisha Nantongo – Changchun Dazhong
Joanitah Ainembabazi – Kickstart
Viola Nambi – Aland United
Ritah Kivumbi – Mallbeckens
Natasha Shirazi – Hitabspor
Laki Otandeka – Kayserispor
Yudaya Nakayenze – Rethymothiaks
Sylvia Nantume – Vihiga Queens
Sharon Namatovu – Gokulam Kerala
Tracy Jones Akiror
Sharon Naddunga
Ashiat Nakugwa
Patricia Akiror: Playing college football in the USA
The FUFA TV Cup 2025 continued to deliver fireworks on Sunday as the first leg of the qualifier round wrapped up with a thrilling slate of seven matches played across the country. From dominant home wins to tense draws and dramatic finishes, the day had it all.
Kibuli SSS kicked off the Sunday drama with a commanding 2–0 victory over tournament heavyweights Old Kampala SS, putting one foot firmly into the next round. Their sharp attacking play and organized backline left the visitors with little room to breathe, giving the hosts a crucial first-leg cushion.
One of the standout performances of the day came from Namilyango College, who swept aside Bishop’s SS 3–1 in a game filled with attacking brilliance. Goals from Kirungi Mathew, Wankoko Julius and Muwando David fired the hosts to a memorable win. Although Ssenyonjo Joshua pulled one back for Bishop’s SS, it was only a consolation as Namilyango controlled the tie.
At Ngora High School, fans witnessed a tightly contested clash as the home side was held to a 1–1 draw by Sebei College Tegeres, setting up a nervy return leg. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t break the deadlock again after exchanging goals early in the encounter.
In Zombo District, St Aloysius College Nyapea edged St Joseph Layibi College 1–0, with Opolot proving the hero thanks to a first-half winner. The narrow margin means it’s still all to play for in the return leg.
Elsewhere, Sir Samuel Baker School played out a 1–1 draw with Gulu High School, with both teams cancelling each other out in a game of equals. It was a fixture full of end-to-end action, but neither side could find the breakthrough to tilt the advantage.
A highly anticipated clash between St Balikuddembe Mitala Maria and King’s College Budo lived up to its billing. The hosts edged the contest 2–1 thanks to goals from Gabunga Exavior and Ahabwe Brandon. Katumba Rahim gave Budo hope with a well-taken goal, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a result.
Busoga College Mwiri and Kiira College Butiki also shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, leaving the tie finely poised heading into the second leg. Both teams showed resilience and will need to raise their levels to progress.
The weekend action concluded in style as Kabalega SS secured a convincing 2–0 home win over Sir Tito Winyi SSS, delivering a composed performance in front of their supporters to round off a weekend of quality football.
With the first legs now in the books, the focus swiftly shifts to the return fixtures, where teams will aim to overturn deficits, hold onto narrow leads, or cause surprises.
CAF, LOC fine-tune final preparations ahead of much-anticipated kick off
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 to take place between 02 – 30 August 2025
East Africa gears up to host record-breaking TotalEnergies CAF CHAN competition
The Confédération Africain de Football (“CAF”) has concluded a highly successful 8-day inspection tour of host venues for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, set to be staged in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 2 to 30 August 2025.
The final round of inspections and workshops kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday, 3 July where the CAF delegation conducted final inspections at the Kasarani Stadium – hosts of the Final, as well as the Nyayo International Stadium.
The inspection proceeded to the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, as we well as Dar Es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium which is set to host the Opening Ceremony.
The final rounds of inspections concluded on Thursday, 9 July at the Mandela International Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The comprehensive inspection mission was led by CAF’s various functional leads from key departments such as Competitions, Marketing, Media, Broadcast, Safety & Security, and Infrastructure, who were joined by their Local Organising Committee counterparts across the three host nations.
With just days to go before the kick-off of the tournament, the successful conclusion of the final round of inspections marks a significant milestone in the exciting countdown East Africa’s hosting of what promises to be a spectacular celebration of African football.
The successful inspection reflects the collective readiness and growing excitement across the three host nations ahead of the start of the competition.
CAF expresses its appreciation to the Governments and Local Organising Committees of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their commitment and cooperation to delivering a successful TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship event.
For more on the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, visit www.cafonline.com
The first leg of the qualifier round of the FUFA TV Cup took place today, with the opening ceremony hosted at St Mary’s College Kisubi. The hosts took on Ndejje SSS in a match that ended 3–1 in their favour.
Goals from Ronald Odong, Shawn Bwogi, and Sherin Tukashaba sealed the victory for the inaugural winners of the competition. The visitors got on the scoresheet through Daniel Okello before the half-time break to make it 1–1, but the home side added two more in the second half.
While speaking to the press after the match, the St Mary’s College Kisubi Head Coach highlighted the team’s preparation, especially after falling short in the previous edition.
‘Being the first game of this tournament, edition number three, we had to prepare a lot having come in the second edition as defending champions and we didn’t make it any further,’ he said.
‘Like any other team, the target is reaching far and of course reaching the finals and consequently taking the trophy. That is our target, nothing else,’ he added.
The five-day FIFA MA Referee Course, organised by FUFA under the auspices of FIFA, was successfully completed today, 11th July 2025, at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
FIFA Referee Technical Instructor Abdel Fatah Essam and FIFA Fitness Instructor Hannachi Boubaker conducted the course alongside a local referee instructor.
The 30 referees successfully completed the intensive course, which comprised a fitness test, theory, and practical sessions. The course aims to enhance the knowledge, fitness, consistency, and overall performance of elite referees—aligning their skills with international standards and preparing them for high-level competition.
FUFA Executive Committee Member Samuel Mpiima, who represented the FUFA President at the closing ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the instructors for dedicating their time to impart valuable knowledge to the referees, who play a crucial role in the game.
Mr Mpiima congratulated the referees on successfully completing the course and commended their performance during the recently concluded FUFA League season. However, he also challenged them to maintain discipline and prioritise fitness, emphasising its importance in advancing to higher levels.
“We have been briefed that our fitness gadgets need to be improved to a standard that ensures better performance. I promise to deliver this message to the FUFA President. We don’t want to fall short due to such gaps. We shall work to acquire equipment that meets the required standards,” he added.
FIFA Technical Instructor Mr Abdel Fatah Essam thanked FUFA for its commitment to the development of Ugandan referees, and the Referees Committee for their vital contributions to the success of the course.
“You are here as referees to uphold the integrity of the game, to respect the laws of the game, and to conduct yourselves with honesty and professionalism,” Mr Essam said.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Chairman of the Referees Committee Mr Nsubuga Miiro, Referees Manager Mashood Ssali, FUFA Instructor Ali Tomusange, and FUFA Fitness and Physical Instructor Ali Karyango.
List of Participants
Kasalirwe Lucky Razake Ongiera immaculate Musisi Brianson Nayebare babra Outeke Daniel Jjumba Solomon Okello dick Nantabo Lydia Katerega Ashiraf Assimwe Natasha Nasser kirya Lubwama Ivan Oloya William NASSOLO Elizabeth Okudra Emmanuel Nantongo josephine Mafumu mustapha TUMUSIIME Tuge Olemu Georgie Mutoni Jane mulindwa hakim Namazzi Miriam Happy badru Ocan Isaac Dduula Joshua Murungi Diana Katenya Ronald Magoola Ashiraf Opolot sharif Tumuhaise John Baptist
The President made the call while addressing the media after watching the team’s training session on Wednesday morning at the Prisons Stadium in Luzira.
‘As the host country for the upcoming CHAN competition, it is my responsibility to ensure our team is adequately prepared. To gauge our progress, I have made it a point to visit the training sessions. I am excited to see the coaches’ efforts and the players’ commitment. The level of energy and attention to detail is impressive and I am confident that our preparations are proceeding as planned’ stated FUFA President.
‘I have been engaging with the players to ensure they are in the right conditions, as it is crucial to bridge the gap between office plans and on ground reality. As part of our preparations, we are exploring trial games before the competition to give the team valuable practice. We are working with our colleagues to secure these matches and provide the players with the best possible preparation ahead of the CHAN tournament’ added the leader of football in Uganda.
The boys are motivated and committed
‘I want to assure Ugandans that our preparations are progressing well. The team is motivated, committed and working hard. Now, it is up to the people of Uganda to show their support. These players are our brothers, our children and they deserve our love and encouragement. We will face tough competition, but with determination and teamwork, I am confident we will give a strong performance’
I would like to address the nation regarding team selection. As you know, players are chosen and sometimes dropped, which can spark questions like why 41 players? or why drop certain players’ The reality is that team selection is a technical process. Our coaching staff makes decisions based on what is best for the team and those decisions are guided by technical expertise.
We understand that every player deserves love and support, but ultimately, the technical team must make tough choices to ensure the country’s success. Every coach wants to win and every player has an equal opportunity to prove themselves. Let us trust the technical team to make decisions that will bring out the best in our national team.
As administrators, our role is to provide the necessary environment and resources, while giving our coaches the authority to make technical decisions. As a football fan myself, I sometimes wonder about certain selections, but the reality is that our technical team has been tasked with achieving results.
Let’s rally behind our team, regardless of individual preferences. Every player in camp is a Ugandan, deserving of our support and love. With limited spots available, tough decisions must be made. Instead of questioning individual selections, let’s focus on cheering on our team and trusting the process.
Let’s rally behind our coaches and the team. Without being present at training, it is hard to fully understand the challenges they are facing. Even as someone who has observed training today, I have gained new insights. The players may be dealing with injuries, psychological challenges or other issues that are not immediately apparent.
Let us focus on supporting our team as they work towards delivering for Uganda. With our love and encouragement, we believe they will rise to the occasion and give their best.
We want to thank Onyango
We’d like to extend our gratitude to Denis Onyango, the former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, for joining our technical team during his stay here for holidays.
He was a Uganda Cranes goalkeeper for many years. He has graciously agreed to share his experience and expertise with our goalkeepers during his stay. We are confident that his guidance will greatly benefit our players, and they will learn valuable lessons from his wealth of knowledge.
The FUFA Big League will expand to sixteen clubs starting with the 2025-2026 season, up from the previous fifteen.
In an official communication signed the FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson and addressed to the Chairman of the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA), reads;
‘This is to inform you that the FUFA Executive Committee has decided to increase the number of participating clubs in the FUFA Big League from fifteen (15) to sixteen (16) starting with the upcoming season. This decision was reached upon by the need to ensure parity and balance in the structure of the league.’
As part of this adjustment, the newly introduced 16th slot has been allocated to the Northern Region for the 2025–2026 season only.
The letter further highlighted FUFA’s intention to address disparities in regional club distribution, supporting the ederation’s commitment to equitable regional representation.
‘In line with FUFA’s commitment to equitable regional representation and in recognition of the current disparity in regional club distribution, the Executive Committee has allocated the 16th slot to the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA), for only the season of 2025–2026,’ the letter reads.
To maintain long term balance, FUFA will design a promotion format that ensures regional fairness in future promotions to the FUFA Big League.
The third edition of the FUFA TV Cup is set to kick off this weekend, 12th and 13th July 2025. This was announced by the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr Apollo Ahimbisibwe, who was flanked by the Vice Chairperson, Jeremiah Mugerwa, during a press conference held on Wednesday, 9th July 2025, at the FUFA Complex.
The competition will be played on a home and away basis and five balls will be given to the participating schools. The teams that qualify for the next round will then receive Janzi-branded jerseys.
The chairperson of the organising committee Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, while making the announcements, highlighted the success stories.
Students Joel Shama Muwanguzi and Anthony Luis Kagenyi from St Mary’s College Kisubi have been admitted to Law School, while Phillip Katumwa of King’s College Budo has been admitted to Medical School, all on national merit.
‘The message that we are sending is that you can play football and still excel in academics,’ he said.
‘Gift Fred Mutalya and Jimmy Lagoro excelled in the tournament and are now playing for big teams in the country. BUL FC and Express FC respectively,’ he added.
While making the opening remarks, the Vice Chairperson, Jeremiah Mugerwa, thanked the schools for their patience and gave assurance about the timing of the competition.
‘I would like to thank you for being patient. We feel this is the best moment and we are not late,’ he said.
A total of 54 schools are participating in this edition of the FUFA Tv Cup. Ten schools have earned direct qualification to the Round of 32—these include last season’s Giant 8 and the two best-performing schools from the round of 16.
The ten schools are: Nabumali High School, Nganwa High School, Mengo Senior School, Jinja SSS, St. Charles Lwanga Koboko, Mpanga SSS, Lango College, Gombe SSS, Kako SSS, and Jinja College.
The remaining 44 schools will compete in the Qualifier Round on a home-and-away basis, with the 22 winners progressing to join the ten seeded teams in the Round of 32.
St. Marys College Kisubi vs Ndejje SSS will be the opening ceremony fixture.
The FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, made his maiden media appearance since his re-election last Saturday in Hoima on NTV’s ‘Sports Knights’ on July 7, 2025. Hosted by Mabel Kebirungi, with Ismail Dakhaba Kigongo, Andrew Mwanguhya and Rhema Daniels, the discussion covered Magogo’s football journey, delegate roles, FUFA’s stakeholder relationships, the future of the game and challenges as outlined in his manifesto. Below are excerpts from the show.
FUFA President on the Manifesto 2025-2029 under the theme: ‘The Game: Past, Current and Future’.
The booklet, which doubles as a manifesto, is a reflection on the past, present and future; both for me personally and for the institution. FUFA now operates a budget of 40 billion shillings and to date, there have been no scandals related to financial mismanagement.
FUFA President on the delegates system
Thank you for the Congratulations regarding the national teams and I truly appreciate it. Regarding the perception of FUFA as a closed group, let me clarify that to become a delegate, one must own or belong to a football club. This so-called ‘closed clan’ actually has a very clear point of entry.
Our delegates are elected from over 1,000 clubs across the country, with each investing a minimum of ten (10) million shillings annually to run their clubs. When I became President, regional funding was a mere One (1) million Uganda shillings; however, we have increased that to 25 million Uganda shillings per region.
The FUFA Statutes mirror those of FIFA. This governance structure was not invented by Magogo. I have also had proposals turned down within this structure. We have made deliberate efforts to engage stakeholders, including visits to all the eight (8) FUFA football regions.
Above: Stakeholder engagement in Kampala Central DFA in 2024
There is a claim that we “hide” delegates. In truth, there are 34 FUFA members. If someone genuinely wants to find out who the delegates are, they can.
Engagement with delegates is ongoing. Naturally, this familiarity gives one an advantage if they later decide to run for FUFA President.
FUFA President on the sporting side and League development
On the sporting front, there are undeniable struggles. Success on the pitch attracts business interest. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to fully finance the league, it urgently needs increased funding.
— StarTimes Uganda Premier League (@UPL) May 25, 2025
We have made progress such as bringing CHAN and AFCON hosting rights to Uganda. These were deliberate efforts to shift the mindset of Ugandans about local football. While we have made significant strides in engaging internal stakeholders, we need to enhance our outreach to external stakeholders, particularly the government and media. Even if someone has personal issues with Magogo, let’s not lose focus on the football.
FUFA President on the Masaza Cup vs Uganda Premier League (UPL)
Perception is shaped by marketing. In this region, anything related to the kingdom receives positive PR. Media is a powerful tool in shaping perception, and truthfully, we have not done enough for the league. That is why we must overhaul several elements.
Globally, top leagues rely on strong clubs to drive visibility and revenue. In Uganda, underdeveloped club structures have limited the league’s potential. So yes, comparisons to Masaza are valid in some aspects.
FUFA President on why our players struggle internationally
One major reason is branding. But fundamentally, it starts with the football itself. That is why the FUFA Technical Master Plan (TMP) emphasises early talent identification and development.
Take Lamine Yamal, for instance. Years of structured training went into his development. We must start identifying talent as early as 9 years old. We already have trained personnel who understand talent spotting basics.
Players are logged into a system, coordinated by our Chief Scout Joram Katende. Senior scouts visit villages, and identified players are placed in academies. We have reached about 25% rollout, but we now need mass enrolment in institutions and schools. The goal is to build a robust pipeline.
FUFA President on club weaknesses and fixture disruptions
We are not claiming to be perfect. Over the past two to three years, we have been revising the calendar. Clubs have rightly raised concerns about fixture disruptions. However, national team friendlies always fall within the international window.
FUFA President on Government funding and public misconceptions
It is a myth that FUFA inflates numbers to get money from the government. People need to understand how government budgeting works. The funds FUFA receives are strictly earmarked for national teams not for general operations.
FUFA President on criticism and media relations
I did not attack the media but I criticised individuals within the media who push false narratives. FUFA has no problem with constructive criticism. But when people manufacture perceptions that do not reflect our work, we must address it.
FUFA President on CHAN hosting delays
There has been progress behind the scenes, but I cannot claim we are satisfied. This should have been accomplished sooner. Football stakeholders understand the significance of CHAN. However, we are often working with Government departments to make things move.
I submitted a comprehensive document in December, and implementation only began recently. I thank the President for his role in cutting through the red tape.
FUFA President on affordability and fan experience as CHAN looms
We want the game to be affordable for fans, while also improving their matchday experience.
FUFA President on lessons from CHAN and the road to AFCON
CHAN is a precursor to AFCON. The lessons learned here will be vital for our preparations.
FUFA President on prize money in the League
We can only distribute what the league earns. Until the league generates substantial revenue, prize money will remain modest. This also ties into the broader changes we plan to make.
FUFA President on the anti-match fixing campaign
We’re actively tackling match fixing. We’ve contributed to the development of the Sports Act and engaged institutions like the police, DPP, and soon, the judiciary. System-wide understanding is essential for lasting impact.
The FUFA Technical Master Plan (TMP) addresses referee training and development. That said, using refereeing as an excuse for violence is weak. We must strive to improve officiating but never resort to aggression.
