The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is pleased to support FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) in launching Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk, a campaign designed to raise awareness of concussion – a brain injury which should always be taken seriously.
Football continues to be a popular sport in Uganda but is a contact sport, and therefore concussion is a risk to every player on the pitch while FUFA is proud to see approximately 150,000 people participating in football at all levels in Uganda, being aware of concussion can help to make it even more enjoyable.
Suspect and Protect aims to raise awareness of the fact concussion is a brain injury and is a risk to every player on the pitch. It is designed to increase sign and symptom recognition, highlight that symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear, and offer guidance on how to return to play safely following a suspected or confirmed concussion.
Clubs and teams at all levels throughout Uganda will be sent campaign materials to spread the message, including promotion on social media and display in training centres and sports facilities. Uganda national teams will also be given educational resources, for the benefit of everyone involved with our national teams.
‘Football ought to be a sport that is safe and secure for all players. The concussion campaign is a step in the right direction of ensuring the safety of all players. Everyone in the sport needs to notice the signs of concussion which can delay for up to three days. We are pleased to partner with FIFA and WHO in sharing vital education around concussion, and hope it helps to raise awareness throughout our football ecosystem. We would like to thank all clubs and leagues who will help to share the message throughout the country’
Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, Head of Medical – Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has come out and expressed gratitude to Ugandans following the end of the September FIFA international break when the National senior team Uganda Cranes played two AFCON 2025 Qualifiers against South Africa and Congo.
The fans poured their love for the team as they picked up a valuable away point in Johannesburg in a 2-2 draw with South Africa on 6th September. Three days later, the Cranes collected maximum points off Congo after a 2-0 win at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The Paul Put Coached Cranes are now joint leaders of Group K with South Africa on four points each.
In his recorded message through the FUFA Communications department, the FUFA President applauded the role played by the different stakeholders as Uganda marked the start of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.
The Almighty in control
I want to thank the Almighty God for the gift of life, gift of wisdom, gift of energy in this assignment we are undertaking of developing the game of football in Uganda most specifically in this ongoing campaign of the AFCON 2025 Morocco.
After the first section of this qualification campaign, I want to thank the Government of Uganda; it is very difficult to host matches away from home. The team disconnects from the fans and you lose the 12th player.
Government support
The Government has also given us back Mandela National Stadium and you could see that the players are now very familiar with the ground.
I also extend my gratitude to H.E., the President of Uganda who has supported sports, particularly football.
Our senior Minister Mama Janet Kataha Museveni who supervises and always guides us, our line Minister Hon. Peter Ogwang, the National Council of Sports, the Uganda Olympic Committee and the entire Government apparatus to be more specific the ministry of finance that eventually releases the funds to us to use, the Parliament of Uganda headed by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Anita Annet Among Magogo and her Deputy Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa for providing us with the resources as sport. This has not been the case before for us to be taking the direction we are taking. I am extremely excited that we have made Government understand their role and the support. We can only ask for more.
The 12th player in the stands
It is an opportunity to thank the fans now that we are back at Mandela National Stadium-Namboole. The supporters of the Uganda Cranes that have come to the stadium thank you so much. For whatever causes of inconvenience that you go through, it becomes feedback for us to make the next event better. We will continue trying to improve. Thank you for coming through always and supporting the players and the team. The Ugandans who supported us in South Africa, we had more fans in Orlando stadium than the South African national team and the result we got had everything to do with the Ugandan community living there. They mobilised themselves, showed us love. I can only say thank you so much for loving your country, thank you for loving football, you are part of this journey. All Ugandans and non-Ugandans supporting the national team here and the diaspora, those who watched on television and those who were following on their phones from wherever they were, we can only thank you and say without you this result may be would not have been achievable.
The Sponsors and partners
I also want to take the opportunity and singular honour to thank our official sponsors of the Uganda Cranes that is MTN that you are back at doing what you do best, being the number one supporter of football in this country. You are back home as we need to qualify and go back to the Africa Cup of Nations with you. I am very sure it is going to be a totally different experience so we thank you so much. Nile Breweries, Nivana, BIDCO thank you so much for walking with us.
Fortress Namboole
I also want to thank the management of Mandela National Stadium that keep and manage the facility for us to find it in good condition. It is a very improved facility in terms of the dressing rooms, big screen and the pitch itself. We want to thank the chairman of the board and the Managing Director that we now have a facility we are proud of. Our neighbours are now using the facility to host their games. It is our duty now that we keep it in good shape, we keep it as home and not to let it go down like it had gone and surely with the support of everybody this should be achievable. The entire management and staff of the stadium we are proud of what you are doing and happy that you provide us with a home. The few things that need to make the facility better we can only work together to ensure that we have a complete finishing of the stadium ready for CHAN next year and AFCON 2027.
The Uganda Premier League sending players to the Uganda Cranes
This brings me to thank the Uganda Premier League clubs and all the clubs in Uganda because this is where we pick the players from. The organisers of the Uganda Premier league, that is the UPL board and staff. It is very important for us to thank them; we appreciate what you are doing. We now have very many players coming from our local league that are actually contributing to the national team. When we see Denis Omedi, Jude Semugabi, Joel, Serunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, James Begisa, Allan Okello and others that are making a contribution. This is the effort of the clubs. I also want to thank StarTimes, the sponsors of the league because you move with us through out the season. At the end of the day people are going to see players playing in the national team but these are players playing with us so StarTimes the official broadcasters/ official title sponsors of the league I want to take this opportunity on behalf of FUFA and on behalf of football to thank you as well.
The Invincible FUFA Staff
The staff at FUFA, who are normally not thanked, thank you so much. We normally ask people to get out of their job descriptions. You may be a lawyer at FUFA and the next thing you are asked to work in the VIP section, you could be a referees’ manager and the next thing you are at the gate managing people. So, thank you so much the FUFA staff, delegates, officials and the entire football fraternity.
The gallant Uganda Cranes players
The gallant players, we can not thank you enough. I want to tell Ugandans that we have a group of very disciplined players, very organised, really work very hard and want to succeed. I can see the hunger in the dressing room in the meeting when we are talking, these players want to succeed. We shall not let you down, Captain Khalid Aucho and the entire group of players please, on behalf of FUFA, on behalf of football we want to thank you for the job you are doing for your country and like
The coaches, referees, Put and his team
The different coaches, referees wherever you are for your contribution but particularly the technical team of the Uganda Cranes; Coach Put and the technical staff you are doing a good job. We believe that when we support you then you will deliver us where you want to go. You could see that there is a lot of contribution from the coaching on the way we are playing now and doing different things. Coach Put and team we only thank you and the entire coaching industry in Uganda for the different contribution you are making.
The fourth estate
I want to thank the media, the fourth estate; those that have promoted the different players right from wherever the players are, those that promoted the event, those that criticise us to make us actually work better thank you so much. You are really part of this result and effort trying to change whatever we trying to do.
The way forward with South Sudan in sight
I want to conclude with the way forward. This is a marathon and we have only moved a few miles. It is a long journey and we need to keep steady. We have our next assignment against South Sudan at home and back-to-back in Juba between 7-15th October. These are not easy matches at all. There are no longer smaller opponents on the continent. It is even more difficult with South Sudan because some of their players play in our league, we understand each other, it is more of a derby kind of match up, derbies do not conform with which team is better than the other.
As a federation, we are going to take these two matches very seriously to ensure that we put up our best team for the best performance because it is not yet done until it is done. We will go out and fight, we will go out and prepare but we must remember that this is a team in transition.
We have been talking about transition and people seem not to appreciate it asking when is it ending? Transition continues, it is going to be frustrating but what is important that now we start to see a new era after Dennis Onyango, Geofrey Massa, the new Uganda Cranes trying to take stability that now there is a new group of players trying to take responsibility. Now, what we need to do it to appreciate that these are players in development.
Uganda U20 Men’s National Football Team, got to know the journey they will have to take in order to defend their crown.
The Hippos who are the defending Champions in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for AFCON U20 were pitted in Group B in the draws conducted on Thursday.
The draw event was supervised by the CECAFA Competitions Manager, Yusuf Mossi at the Azam TV studio in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uganda won the trophy in 2022 in Khartoum have been placed in Group B alongside South Sudan, Burundi and Ethiopia.
The other Group (A) has hosts Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda and Djibouti.
The Zonal qualifiers will be played October 6-20th, 2024 in three venues, Azam Complex, KMC Stadium and the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.
Mossi explained that the best two teams in each group will automatically qualify for the semi-finals. The finalists will qualify to represent CECAFA at the AFCON U-20 to take place next year.
“We hope to have a very competitive and exciting tournament in Tanzania,” added Mossi.
FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick was full of praise for FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim for his able leadership that has witnessed the growth and development of football in Uganda.
Pinnick who was in Uganda for a working visit in his capacity as a FIFA Council member lauded FUFA for the commitment and dedication towards developing, promoting and protecting football.
“What FUFA has been doing under the leadership of my friend Moses Magogo is beyond imagination. You can see there is a plan for developing football and I’m confident they can reach those goals in the near future,” he stated in a press conference organized at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday.
“For us who have had a chance to work closely with him know how intelligent he is. When he sees something good, he comes to you and asks what it takes to do it. The next thing you know, he has implemented it in Uganda and working perfectly well.”
Pinnick was impressed that FUFA owns a radio and Television station, citing the critical role such outlets play in promoting football.
“At FIFA, we highly value the role media plays in promoting the game and you see how many journalists are accredited to cover our events and tournaments. So for FUFA to own both radio and Television stations is incredible. I toured their studios and also got informed that they are broadcasting the ongoing AFCON Qualifiers here. This is a great move from FUFA and not so many Federations across the world have been able to do this.” Pinnick noted.
The experienced football administrator who watched Uganda Cranes taking on Congo on Monday was impressed with the performance and believes the team has what it takes to compete at the big stage.
“I was here and watched the game. I must say I’m impressed with the quality of players Uganda has especially the left back who was outstanding. Uganda has the ability to compete against any other team.” He added.
FUFA President who also attended the Press Conference thanked Pinnick for visiting Uganda and appreciated FIFA for always extending support to Uganda.
”As FUFA, we are extremely delighted to host Mr. Amaju Pinnick in Uganda. He is an experienced football administrator who is passionate for the game. We are thankful to FIFA and the Leadership of President Gianni Infantino who have always supported FUFA and Uganda whenever we approach them.” The President stated.
From Uganda, Pinnick will visit Tanzania, Ethiopia and Botswana to continue with his supervisory duties.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Diploma Coaching Course on Tuesday, 10 September 2024 resumed with module two at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. The course resumed with block three of the training setting pace for the second module and will last for five days. All the coaches who completed module one in June are in attendance.
FUFA Capacity Building Human Resource Manager and CAF instructor Jackson Nyiima hinted on the contents of the second module of this course.
“We completed the first module and we have today embarked on the second module with block three which will take five days,” he said on Tuesday.
“All the coaches have been recorded and we are going to take them through; what management and leadership is all about, and how to help players manage problems that they normally encounter during games.”
“We will be having sessions as to how coaches make analysis through video footage, and all the training sessions that are going to be conducted this week will be recorded. Hopefully by Saturday, we will be closing this module.”
CAF instructors – Livingstone Kyambadde, Nyima Jackson and Ali Mwebe (FUFA Football Development Director) are the facilitators handling the training sessions for this block.
Uganda Cranes continued with their brillant start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers after picking maximum points against Congo on Monday at Mandela National Stadium.
In the game played under the floodlights and watched by a capicty crowd, Uganda secured a 2-0 win to compliment the 2-2 draw from the fist game against South Africa.
A goal in either half from defender Abdu Aziizi Kayondo and substitute Jude Ssemugabi ensured Uganda sailed to victory.
Coach Paul Put made two changes from the team that had started against South Africa last week with Kenneth Semakula starting at right back in place of Elvis Bwomono and Shaban Muhammad ahead of Steven Mukwala.
Uganda’s first attempt at goal came in the 15th minute through Rogers Mato who dashed into the area after receiving a long pass from Ronald Ssekiganda but the former failed to find the back of the net.
Five minutes later, Kayondo opened the scores with his swerving cross finding its way into the back of the net to send fans into a frenzy.
The roving left back was at it again in the 25th minute when he made a lunge bursting run into the box but his cross didn’t find any teammate.
Mato too had a chance to double our advantage when he beat his opponent on the left wing but his low drive missed the target by a few inches.
Shaban was substituted in the 43rd minute after pulling a muscle and was replaced by Ssemugabi.
In the second half, coach Put made changes bringing on Halidi Lwaliwa for Elio Capradossi and Allan Okello for Travis Mutyaba.
Okello made an instant impact and created the second goal in the 87th minute scored by Ssemugabi.
The creative dynamo made a run on the right, dashed inside and laid up Ssemugabi with the outside of his left boot. The former was well stationed to connect home and seal the win.
Victory means Uganda has four points from two games and will face South Sudan in a double header next month.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Isima Watenga, Kenneth Semakula, Abdu Aziiizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Muhammad Shaban, Rogers Mato
Substitutes Nafian Alionzi, Charles Lukwago, James Penz Begisa, Halidi Lwaliwa, Joel Sserunjogi, Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Muleme, Calvin Kabuye, Joachiam Ojera
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put and captain Khalid Aucho addressed the media on Sunday ahead of TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualfier match against Congo at Mandela National Stadium on Monday.
The gaffer and skipper spoke with confidence ahead of Monday game indicating the target is securing maximum points.
Coach Put believes his troops are in perfect shape and ready to face the Red Devils.
“We had a game on Friday where we had to fight hard to get a result on the road but the focus has now shifted to Congo. I believe the players have recovered well despite having limited resting time between Friday and tomorrow’s game,” he stated.
“We are still work in progress but I am impressed with the progress and I know we will get there soon.” Put added.
The coach gave an update on striker Muhammad Shaban who missed the game against South Africa.
“Shaban picked up an injury in the final 15 minutes of the last training session ahead of the game against South Africa. We will see how he reacts in training today and hopefully he can be available tomorrow.” The coach revealed.
About our opponents Congo, coach Put believes they are a good team that cannot be under looked.
“Congo has a lot of quality with very good players featuring in big Leagues. We definitely do not undermine them but our target is to pick maximum points.”
Skipper Aucho is unfazed with the limited resting time and highlights that everyone is ready for Monday’s encounter.
“Well, we played on Friday and travelled the next time. We literally have no time to rest but as players, our spirits are high and we are ready to throw our bodies on the line to make ourselves and Ugandans proud,” he said.
The combative midfielder believes a point picked away against South Africa is a good foundation in the quest to qualify for AFCON 2025.
“We earned a point away in our first game and that was important for us to start the campaign on a positive note. We therefore don’t have any excuse not to win at home tomorrow .”
Uganda Cranes camp has been boosted with the addition of defenders Kenneth Ssemakula and Halidi Lwaliwa.
Uganda is in Group K alongside Congo, South Africa and South Sudan.
Uganda Cranes picked a point on the road against South Africa as the quest to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations 2025 began on Friday.
In the game played at Orlando Stadium on Friday, Uganda showed resilience and character to earn a point in a pulsating encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw.
The newly launched Uganda Cranes jersey was used for the first time with goalkeeper Isima Watenga donning all black while the outfield players wore white.
In a game of two halves, South Africa were too dominant in the first half and led through Lyle Foster who scored in the 14th minute.
However, Uganda bounced back stronger after recesss and scored two quick goals through Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato.
A late Thalente Mbatha goal in added time denied Uganda maximum points with the game ending into a two-all draw.
South Africa started on the front foot and dominated proceedings with Uganda failing to match the pace.
Foster fired the hosts into an early lead in the 14th minute, calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Isima Watenga.
South Africa had several chances moments later to stretch the lead but Uganda had goalkeeper Watenga to thank, pulling off save after save.
In the second half, Uganda returned a much improved side with coach Paul Put making a change when he introduced Allan Okello in place of Travis Mutyaba.
In the 51st minute, Omedi had yards of space unmarked and decided to shoot from distance. His ferocious strike went straight into the back of the net to level matters.
Two minutes later, Mato almost in similar fashion shot from distance and this time, goalkeeper Mothwa fumbled with the former’s effort to grant Uganda the lead.
From then onwards, Uganda absorbed pressure from the hosts and indeed looked like they were taking all three points.
Coach Put made more changes with Joseph Ochaya and Joachiam Ojera replacing Rogers Mato and Steven Mukwala respectively.
However, substitute Mbatha found the equalizer in the fourth minute of the six added minutes, firing a low drive into the bottom corner.
The result means Congo who defeated South Sudan 1-0 lead group K with Uganda and South Africa level on one point apeace.
Uganda will return to action on Monday at Mandela National Stadium against Congo.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI Isima Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Elio Capradossi, Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi
Unused substitutes
Charles Lukwago, Nafian Alionzi, James Penz Begisa, Isaac Muleme, Joel Sserunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, Calvin Kabuye, Jude Ssemugabi
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and Finance Director Julian Namuganga are undergoing a one-week CAF Football Management Executive Programme in Cape Town, South Africa.
The programme that was officially opened by the CAF President Dr. Patrice Mostepe on Monday 2nd September 2024 has attracted General Secretaries and personnel from the Finance departments of CAF’s various Member Associations.
The CAF Football Management Executive Programme, which underscores the governing body of African football’s commitment to partnering with its Member Associations in growing African football marks yet another giant step taken by CAF towards achieving CAF President’s vision of making African football globally competitive and self-sustaining.
The programme is a collaboration between CAF and University of Cape Town. This follows the successful conclusion of the first phase of the programme that was held virtually between 19 – 22 August.
The uniquely designed programme will see all General Secretaries and selected staff of different CAF Member Associations graduating with advanced skills and knowledge in the fields of Strategic Planning, Marketing, Sponsorship, Legal & Governance as well as Finance amongst other key modules.
The Programme has seen internationally acclaimed and seasoned sport and academic experts from various occupations share their experiences with the participants.
The Uganda Cranes conducted their last training at the Orlando Stadium this evening ahead of tomorrow’s match against the Bafana Bafana.
The FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim joined to cheer the team. He was accompanied by the 3rd Vice President Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA EXCON Members Rogers Mulindwa (Leader of Delegation) and Ronnie Kalema.
The FUFA Tv Cup 2024 ended today at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru as Nganwa High School and Nabumali High School wrestled it out in the evening.
The first half ended 2-0 in favour of the Mbale-based side with goals from Gerald Ochwo in the sixth minute and Edwin Wokoli in the thirteenth minute.
Nabumali High School’s Edwin Wokoli sealed his side’s victory after scoring in the sixtieth minute.
The FUFA Tv Cuo 2023 top scorer Gift Fred Mutalya from Kiira College Butiki delivered the new competition trophy to the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, before kickoff.
The FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim attended the event in the company of Exco Members-FUFA Tv Cup Chairman Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe and Ariga Rasoul. The President conducted pre-match ceremonies including an inspection of both teams.
Earlier during the day, Jinja SSS played against Lango College as they tussled it out for third place. Hamisi Magumba scored twice for the eastern side while Emmanuel Ogwal scored the consolation goal for Lango College.
FUFA’s vision to create community clubs as a solution to rally fans to support club football has started being realised as the owners of Busoga United FC have legally handed over the club to the community of Busoga with immediate effect.
This decision was blessed by the Patron of the club His Royal Highness the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Wilberforce Kadumbula Nadiope IV during a meeting held with the FUFA President at Igenge Palace on the 16th August 2024. The Kyabazinga delegated his 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Owek. Noor Ousman to represent him in the consequent meetings.
In the legal documents to transfer the club ownership from the previous owners to the Community of Busoga, FUFA was mandated to name the transition Executive Committee to run the Club. In executing this mandate, today Tuesday 3rd September 2024, the FUFA Executive Committee has named Hajji Abubakar Walubi as the Chairman and Madam Diana Hope Nyago as Vice Chairperson. The other members of the committee are Kitonto Ronnie, Kawanguzi Geoffrey, Nkutu David Nelson, Mukoka Yusuf, Atiisa Patrick, Mutesi Deborah, Sylvia Naigaga and Mugabi Samuel. Mr. Gulere Daniel (FOMACO II graduate) has been named the Chief Executive Officer to run the day-to-day operations of the club.
Relatedly, the community of Busoga composed of the prominent personalities in the academia, political circles, Busoga Kingdom, civil service, private business and well wishers have made a kickstart contribution of UGX 200M (Two Hundred Million Shillings) and other logistics towards the club. Mr. Henry Dhikusoka, the proprietor of St. Michael International School-Wakiso, has offered the bus to be used to whichever destination the club may need
The FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who is also the MP of Budiope East in the Busoga region made a contribution of training kits which was handed over today.
Wednesday 4th September 2024 the new Executive Committee will meet the players of the Club in Jinja
With a couple of days left to the all-important fixture against South Africa, Uganda Cranes have intensified preparations to ready themselves.
Uganda Cranes take on Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Friday 06 September 2024 at the Orlando stadium when the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers kick off this week.
Uganda is in group K with the 2023 AFCON semi finalists South Africa, Congo and neighbours South Sudan.
The Uganda cranes will be aiming to get off to a positive start to better their chances of qualification and put a stop to a frustrating run that has seen the soccer crazy country miss out on the past 2 editions (Cameroon 2021 and Ivory Coast 2023).
The two teams that will top the group at the end of the qualification matches that conclude in November will book their places at the final tournament that will be hosted in Morocco.
‘I have been to 5 AFCON finals and I want to add to that number with this team. You are a group of young and undoubtedly very talented players. You have what it takes to qualify but you need to work hard for it because it will not be given to you just like that. You will have to fight for the right to be in Morocco next year and the fight starts this Friday against South Africa.” Coach Put told his charges after Wednesday’s training session at the Balfor football club training ground in Johannesburg.
‘I love what I am seeing so far; the energy, teamwork and the positive spirit. These will be very crucial in this fight’. He added.
The first Uganda Cranes contingent consisting of majorly locally based players arrived in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon and for a training camp that was aimed at helping the team adjust to the cold weather. The group that is camped at the Red Radison hotel in Rosebank has since been joined by all the professional players that Put summoned.
After facing South Africa on the Friday 6th, the Cranes will shift focus onto the home fixture against Congo Two days later in Kampala at the Mandela national stadium, Namboole.
The FUFA TV Cup 2024 has been a showcase of passion, skill, and resilience, culminating in a highly anticipated final between Nganwa High School and Nabumali High School. Both teams have showcased their strength and might at every stage.
Nganwa High School’s campaign began with a preliminary round against St Kagwa Bushenyi High School. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Nganwa High School’s home ground, setting the stage for the return leg. In a captivating encounter, Nganwa played out a 4-4 draw at St Kagwa Bushenyi High School, progressing to the round of 64 on the away goals rule.
Their group stage campaign in the Giant 8 kicked off with a tense goalless draw against Mpanga SSS. The match, dominated by Mpanga in the first half, saw Nganwa’s defense put under significant pressure. Despite several close calls, Nganwa’s tactical resilience shone through as they held firm. Adjustments in the second half saw Nganwa mount their own attacking threats, though neither side could find the breakthrough.
Needing a win to boost their semi-final hopes, Nganwa faced a setback with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nabumali High School in their next match. However, they bounced back emphatically, defeating Mengo Senior School 5-0 in a dominant display that showcased their attacking flair and secured their place in the semi-finals as one of the best-placed runners-up.
In the semi-finals, Nganwa faced Jinja SSS in a hard-fought match. A lone goal sealed their place in the final, capping off a journey.
Nabumali High School’s Road to Glory
Nabumali High School’s path to the final was marked by a combination of offensive firepower and unyielding spirit. Their campaign began with a closely contested match against Mengo Senior School, where they secured a 2-1 victory. Emma Watiti opened the scoring in the added minutes of the first half, and despite an early second-half equalizer from Mengo, Shakiri Wandera’s decisive finish sealed the win for Nabumali.
Building on this momentum, Nabumali edged past Nganwa High School with a 1-0 victory, thanks to an early goal from Wandera. Their disciplined defense held firm, denying Nganwa any chance of a comeback. Nabumali’s final group game saw them draw with Mpanga SSS, earning them the top spot in Group A with seven points from three games.
In the semi-finals, Nabumali faced Lango College, winning 3-1 and booking their place in the final.
New Trophy
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has unveiled a new trophy for the competition.
In an epic and entertaining final under the floodlights at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Sunday evening, Bul FC successfully defended their FUFA Super 8 title with a nail-biting 6-5 victory over Vipers SC in a dramatic penalty shootout. The match ended in a goalless stalemate after both normal and extra time, despite numerous opportunities for both sides to break the deadlock.
The game was a showcase of intense football action, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and relentless attacking efforts. Bul FC, known for their resilience and spirited play, matched Vipers SC stride for stride, creating a series of chances that tested both goalkeepers. However, the defensive lines held firm, forcing the contest to be decided from the penalty spot.
The decisive moment of the evening came during the shootout when Vipers’ teenage left-back Enock Luyima, under the weight of the occasion, sent his kick soaring over the crossbar. The miss handed Bul FC the victory, crowning them the FUFA Super 8 champions for the second consecutive year. The Eastern giants celebrated jubilantly, having added yet another chapter to their growing legacy.
Uganda Cranes Select Team Claims Third Place
Earlier in the day, the Uganda Cranes select team secured third place in the tournament with a comfortable 2-0 win over Kitara FC. Henry Kitegenyi was the hero of the day, scoring twice to secure victory for the Cranes select side, while Kitara FC settled for a respectable fourth-place finish.
Final Standings and Post-Tournament Awards
The FUFA Super 8 tournament brought together some of the country’s top clubs, providing fans with thrilling football action and a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming season. The final standings saw KCCA FC finish in fifth place, NEC FC in sixth, SC Villa in seventh, and Maroons FC rounding out the table in eighth position.
The post-tournament awards recognized individual brilliance, with Bul FC’s new forward Isaac Wagoina being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. His teammate Joel Mutakubwa, who played a crucial role in Bul FC’s defensive solidity, took home the Golden Glove award for his outstanding performances between the posts.
Kitara FC’s forward Denis Omedi, currently on international duty with the Uganda Cranes in South Africa, claimed the tournament’s top scorer accolade.
The 2024 FUFA TV Cup has been a thrilling showcase of school football, with unexpected turns and moments of brilliance. Nabumali High School and Nganwa High School, have fought their way into the semi-finals, each carving a unique path through determination and strategic play.
Nabumali High School’s Impressive Journey
Nabumali High School kicked off their campaign facing off against Mengo Senior School in a highly anticipated opening match on Monday 26th August 2024. The game started at 12:30 pm with a palpable sense of excitement as both teams sought to establish dominance. Nabumali took an early lead through Emma Watiti, who scored a well-timed goal in the added minutes of the first half. His strike gave Nabumali a crucial advantage going into the break.
Mengo Senior School, determined not to go down without a fight, equalized just five minutes into the second half when John Sekabira took advantage of a defensive error. Shakiri Wandera restored Nabumali’s lead with a decisive finish, securing a 2-1 victory. It was a thrilling contest marked by end-to-end action and showcased Nabumali’s offensive prowess and resilience.
Building on the momentum from their first match, Nabumali faced Nganwa High School in their second encounter on Wednesday 28th August 2024. Nabumali High School struck early with Wandera once again finding the net in the 10th minute. Nganwa, though relentless in their pursuit of an equalizer, could not break through Nabumali’s rock-solid defense. Nabumali’s 1-0 win not only secured three crucial points.
Today, the team drew against Mpanga SSS, cemented their place at the top of Group A, boasting seven points from three games and booking their spot in the semi-finals.
Nganwa High School’s Gritty Path to the Semi-Finals
Nganwa High School’s journey was characterized by tactical resilience and defensive strength. Their first game was a tense battle against Mpanga SSS that ended in a goalless draw. Despite the absence of goals, the match was far from lackluster. Mpanga dominated the first half, creating numerous scoring opportunities and rattling the woodwork multiple times. However, Nganwa’s defense held firm, absorbing the pressure and weathering Mpanga’s relentless attacks.
The second half saw Nganwa High School make crucial tactical changes, increasing their attacking threat. Substitutions injected fresh energy into the team, and Nganwa began to put Mpanga under significant pressure. Despite their efforts, both sides could not break the deadlock, resulting in a point apiece.
With one point from their opening match, Nganwa knew they needed a strong performance against Nabumali and Mengo Senior School to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Although they fell 1-0 to Nabumali in a tightly contested match, they won against Mengo Senior School 5-0 and Nganwa High School qualified for the semi-finals as one of the best-placed runners-up, proving that resilience and strategic planning could propel them forward.
FUFA Competitions Department has released the Finance Trust Women Super League fixtures for the 2024/25 season.
The new season will commence on Friday, 27th September 2024 with Kampala Queens FC hosting Wakiso Hill WFC at MTN-Omondi Stadium.
Matchday One will continue on Saturday with three fixtures. Lady Doves FC will be at home to FC Tooro Queens, newly promoted teams Olila High School WFC and Amus College WFC (formerly Byafaayo Queens) will face off in Soroti while reigning Champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC will start their title defence at home to Rines SS WFC.
On Sunday, 29th September, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga will host She Corporate FC in Bugolobi while Makerere University WFC will play She Maroons FC.
It should be noted that the League has changed name from FUFA Women Super League to Finance Trust Women Super League, following the unveiling of Finance Trust Bank as title sponsors for both the top tier and second division.
The new season also comes with an increase in the number of teams from ten to twelve, following the promotion of She Corporate FC, Amus College WFC, FC Tooro Queens FC and Olila High School WFC.
With majority of the teams having attachments to Clubs in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, selected fixtures have been highlighted to be played on the same day as the men’s League. This has been done in a bid to promote Women’s Football in the country.
The first round will run up to 15th December 2024 and the League will break off up to 1st February 2025 when the second round will begin.
The 2024/25 season is expected to end on 3rd May 2025.
These fixtures were drawn in line with the FUFA 2024/2025 Activity Calendar and may change due to TV Schedules and National team engagements.
Uganda Cranes select side showcased their prowess by defeating the Northern Region select side 4-0 on Thursday evening at a fully packed Booma playground, Apac District in the Nile Special sponsored regional tour match.
Forward Henry Kitegenyi opened the scoring in the 16th minute, expertly converting a low cutback from skipper Isma Mugulusi.
Despite creating multiple opportunities, the Northern Region select team managed to hold the visitors to a 1-0 lead at halftime.The second half, however saw a flurry of goals from the substitutes for the Uganda Cranes Select Team.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe doubled the lead in the 50th minute followed by quick goals from Joseph Akandanwaho in the 53rd and Moses Aliro in the 57th minute sealing a comprehensive victory.
Coach Sam Ssimbwa ensured that all 22 members of his travelling squad saw playing time, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the match.
Attention now turns to the FUFA Super 8 tournament, where the Cranes Select Team will face Kitara FC in the third-place playoff, scheduled for Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
