The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted FUFA’s request to host the 1st leg of the 2024 Women’s Olympic qualifier against Rwanda at Kigali Pele Stadium on 12th July 2023.
FUFA has already received confirmation from the Federation of Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) of the availability of the Stadium.
The FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein noted;
‘With unavailability of CAF standard Stadiums for hosting matches of these magnitude, our option is to implore using venues outside the country until the Mandela National stadium is completed. The other option St. Mary’s stadium Kitende is not available for use as it is undergoing renovation works.’
The first leg between Uganda’s Crested Cranes and Rwanda’s She Amavubi will be played on 12th July 2023 at 4pm Rwanda Local time (5pm EAT).
Fauzia Najjemba has made her mark and established herself as one of the most exciting talented prospects in Africa. Just at the age of 19, the ambidextrous forward is gradually etching her name in Europe.
In Uganda, she played for Isra Soccer Academy and Kampala Queens before joining BIIK Shymkent in 2022. A year later, she made a move to ZFK Dynamo Moscow where she currently plays.
Professional football comes with its own demands and a player ought to adapt to the new environment in order to succeed.
Najjemba who is currently in camp with the Crested Cranes as they prepare to face Rwanda in the 2024 Paris Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers shares her experience in a one on one interview with the FUFA Communications Department.
FUFA COMM: Hello Fauzia, how has life been for you in Europe and how have you been able to cope up?
NAJJEMBA: Life has been good so far but of course it comes with challenges. It is never easy at the beginning and I found it hard to acclimatize to the weather because it was winter time in Russia. It was a different country, new team, new food, language and culture but I have slowly tried to adapt and now settling in well. The club and players received me well and that perhaps helped me to fit in with relative ease. But most importantly, you must be hard working, creative and focus on what took you there.
FUFA COMM: Are you the only African on the team?
NAJJEMBA: Yes, I am, so it is really not that easy. Majority of the players do not speak English and communication is sometimes a challenge but I am trying to learn the Russian language and I can make a few statements and understand what the coaches mean during demonstrations.
FUFA COMM: How do you rate your performance so far at ZFK Dynamo Moscow?
NAJJEMBA: Not bad. The first five games saw me register two goals and four assists. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury that kept me on the sidelines for one month. The last game we played before I came for national team duty, I scored a hat trick in a cup game. I hope to keep improving and help the team attain the targets set this season.
FUFA COMM: Any differences you see in women’s football in Europe and here, Uganda in particular?
NAJJEMBA: We really play the same game. What differs is the level of organization and approach to the game. Everything you do is monitored and planned from training sessions; gym work and theory sessions etc. For instance, before we play against any team, we have to learn their system and how they use it to defend or attack.
Also, if a player is not okay, either physically or mentally, they take care of you until when you are ready to play. They have psychologists, physiotherapists who will tell your situation just by looking at you, how you walk and how you conduct yourself.
FUFA COMM: What does it mean for you coming through the ranks from U-17 to the senior national team?
NAJJEMBA: It is a good feeling to be part of the national team and I am thankful to Allah that I have been able to play at all levels. At my club, we have professional players summoned to their respective national teams and I am glad that this time, I was one of those.
I have been on the national team several times but being here adds a lot to my career and I do not take this for granted.
FUFA COMM: You are a player that literally plays everywhere on the pitch but what is your favorite position?
NAJJEMBA: I am a forward but I feel more comfortable on the left wing because it allows me to cut inside and shoot with my right foot. But I can play anywhere except in goal. (laughs).
FUFA COMM: So have you had insistencies in Europe where the coach has asked you to play in a different position?
NAJJEMBA: Yes, I have played as a Centre forward, a half ten, ten and I have also played on the right – both as a winger and a fullback. As a player, you must be able to adapt to different roles because that makes you unique.
FUFA COMM: What do you think are Uganda’s chances in the upcoming 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers, considering Africa has only two slots.
NAJJEMBA: I believe we are a good team capable of taking on anyone on the continent. Playing at Women Africa Cup of Nations was an eye opener for many of us and I hope, we can be one of the two teams that will represent Africa.
I know the journey is long but we shall handle every level as it comes and now all the focus is on Rwanda.
FUFA COMM: Who do you look up to in football and why?
NAJJEMBA: I am inspired by Alex Morgan. She is a striker and used to score loads of goals. That has gone down a bit, perhaps, because she is getting older. The other player is Sam Kerr who plays for Chelsea Women FC.
FUFA COMM: What has been the key for your success? Your career is definitely still young but you have also achieved a lot.
NAJJEMBA: Hard work, discipline, commitment, being prayerful and lastly having the passion. You cannot succeed at anything if you do not love it.
FUFA COMM: Any last words for a young girl out there that wants to be like you?
NAJJEMBA: Work hard and do not give up. I was summoned on the national team several times and dropped but I kept my head up. In life, never frown because of a challenge, you must find positivity out of any negative situation.
The football industry has become too dynamic and requires its stakeholders to embrace new trends in order to suit the modern demands of the game. It is upon this background that FUFA sought it wise to draw a new strategy that will act as a blue print for the future.
On Monday, 3rd July 2023, key football stakeholders, experts and professionals from various domains within the football industry convened at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru to collaborate on shaping a comprehensive and strategic technical plan for our Nation’s football.
The strategy/project has been dubbed ‘NATIONAL FOOTBALL TECHNICAL PLAN with the mission aimed at three key areas namely;
The mission of this football technical plan is to;
To Install mass football for all and create high performance culture for elite performers
To Install a universal playing style for Uganda National Teams and Clubs producing entertaining and purposeful football
To install Ugandan football players in the World’s top most leagues.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who graced the event and was the chief facilitator indicated its high time the changes were made in order to give Ugandan football a facelift.
“FUFA has come up with ideas but we are here to hear from other stakeholders who we believe have many more ideas about the technical plan. As an industry, we need to make changes that will help us improve the game for the the future.” He said.
The Key pillars that were discussed included;
Mass football
Elite football
Professional football
Life after football
Coach Education
Talent Identification
Referees Development
Medicine, Science and Technology
-Facilities and Equipment
Consultation are still ongoing, and there will be another week of more inputs and opinions that can be sent to development@fufauganda.com.
Uganda Senior Women’s National Team, the Crested Cranes engaged a new gear in their preparations for the forthcoming Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers.
The team on Monday morning had a practice match at MTN-Omondi Stadium against a Kampala Select Team.
In a one-sided affair, the national team obliterated their counterparts, winning 9-2.
Sandra Nabweteme and Hadijah Nandago scored a brace each while Fazila Ikwaput, Fauzia Najjemba, Anita Namata, Shadia Nankya and Catherine Nagadya added a goal each.
Brenda Munyana scored a brace for the Kampala Select Team.
The game is part of the preparations for the qualifier games against Rwanda slated for July 11th and 17th.
On Friday this week, the Crested Cranes will have an international friendly game against Tanzania in Lugogo.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi believes there are some areas that need addressing despite the big win against the Kampala Select team.
“We have had a practice match against a Kampala Select team and the main reason was to gauge where we stand so far. I believe we still have some things to iron out especially in defence and this will be our area of focus going forward.” He said.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Rwanda will face Cameroon at the second qualification round.
Uganda Senior Women’s National team, the Crested Cranes will face Tanzania’s Twiga Stars in an international friendly game.
The aforementioned game, organised by Kibo Media under the Nile Special brand will take place on Friday, 7th July 2023 at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The FUFA Executive Committee decided that there will be free entrance for fans.
With both teams preparing for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers, this game will serve as a precursor.
Uganda will take on Rwanda while Tanzania faces Congo at the first qualification round.
The friendly game comes at the time when the world is gearing towards the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup that starts on 20th July 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes officially embarked on preparations for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers.
Uganda will face Rwanda at the first qualification phase with the first leg slated for 11th July at St. Mary’s Stadium while the return leg will come a week later in Rwanda.
The team which entered residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Thursday had its first training session today at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Of the 35 players summoned, only two are yet to join camp namely; Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk) and Phiona Nabbumba (B93) and the duo is expected to arrive in the country soon.
Assistant coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who will be in charge for the games against Rwanda was impressed with the reaction of the players and hopes to have them in the perfect shape.
“We have successfully had our first session today and the reaction from the players was good. I know we have a short period to prepare and the focus will be mainly on fitness and endurance.” He said.
Captain Ruth Aturo believes the players know what is at stake and all the focus is set at going beyond the first hurdle.
“It is another opportunity for us to represent our country and make ourselves proud. Therefore, as players, we know what is at stake and we hope to go as far as we can in these qualifiers.”
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Rwanda will face Cameroon at the second qualification round.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has issued a Notice to all stakeholders for the 99th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly to be held on Saturday 7th October 2023 in Moroto Town, North East Region.
The notice was confirmed by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson who also signed off the same communication notifying stakeholders of the Invitational Football Symposium that will take place on Friday 6th October 2023 in Moroto Town.
‘Notice is hereby given to all FUFA Members, Delegates and stakeholders that the 99th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly shall be held on Saturday 7th October 2023 in Moroto Town North Eastern Region starting 9am’ Confirmed the FUFA CEO Watson. The Assembly shall be organized in accordance with the Government and FUFA Statutory guidelines.
The FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussen confirmed that the decision to host the 99th FUFA Ordinary Assembly was passed by the 25th FUFA Executive Meeting on 18th March 2023 at FUFA House.
Hussein noted that;
‘Unlike in the past, this year’s General Assembly comes with changes including having the event run for two days.
‘Among the decisions of the 28th FUFA Executive Meeting was to expand the events of the General Assembly of FUFA to two days so that one full day is dedicated to discuss football and the second day to discuss Governance and Business,’
A delegation from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), headed by the 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, conducted a visit of Nakivubo Stadium to closely monitor the ongoing construction works. The visit aimed to ensure the facility’s development is on track as part of Uganda’s bid to host the prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hon. Nakiwala was accompanied by members of the FUFA Executive Committee and AFCON 2027 Internal working Committee that included; Rogers Mulindwa, Ronnie Kalema and Amin Bbosa Nkono (FUFA Delegate representing Eastern Region FA).
The FUFA Deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza and Projects Manager Sumaya Kiwanuka were also part of the delegation to visit Nakivubo.
The internal working committee is headed by FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha and deputised by 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye who were ably represented.
The Leader of Delegation Hon. Nakiwala was elated by what she saw today during the visit but thanked the Government and also said that the next generation will be inspired by the AFCON 2027 Pamoja Bid.
“As the football regulating authority in the country, we are here today in Nakivubo Stadium as one of the pre-event activities ahead of the inspection leading to the award of hosting AFCON PAMOJA BID 2027 together with our counterparts Kenya and Tanzania. We have visited this stadium today as one of the hosts of the tournament that was submited in the bid. The stadium is currently under construction as you have seen and it is already clear that it is going to be a world class venue given its history and importance to the country.” Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA 3rd Vice President.
“The stadium is estimated to host 35,000 people and it is being built to meet CAF requirements. The playing surface and other requirements have been inspected and we are going to work closely with the stadium construction company so that together we can make a case that will lead us to the award of the bid.” She added.
“I wish to thank Government of Uganda for working closely with both public and private practioners to make sure the infrastructure of sports in Uganda is underscored and given the consideration it requires. In addition to Nakivubo, we have four other stadiums that meet CAF requirements. These are located in different parts of the country and will ensure that the tournament is accessible to fans all over.” noted Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA 3rd Vice President.
“Uganda is passionate about football, I believe that hosting the AFCON 2027 would be a great opportunity to showcase our country and to inspire the next generation of footballers. We are looking forward to providing a world class experience to all our visitors coming into the country. We shall work closesly with CAF to ensure that the tournamnet is a success.” She added.
Nakivubo Stadium stands as one of the proposed stadiums in Uganda’s joint bid, known as the Pamoja Bid, which involves three East African nations: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. These countries have united in their pursuit of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations and showcase the passion and enthusiasm for football that thrives within the region.
Expressing his impressions, Rogers Mulindwa, who is also a member of the FUFA Internal working committee for the Pamoja Bid 2027 but representing Uganda, lauded the remarkable advancements at Nakivubo Stadium. He expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing construction and pledged to engage the FUFA Club Licensing Manager in dialogue with the contractors. This engagement will serve to ensure compliance with regulations and provide any necessary guidance before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts their inspection of the facility.
Mulindwa also disclosed that a committee led by FUFA First Vice President Justus Mugisha has undertaken visits to various cities such as Lira, Hoima, and Soroti. These visits were made to assess potential sites for the construction of new stadiums, as well as identify areas for renovation and improvement in existing venues such as St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende and Mandela National Stadium. These endeavours demonstrate Uganda’s commitment to enhance its football infrastructure and bolstering its chances of hosting the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
With the visit to Nakivubo Stadium and the ongoing efforts to develop other football facilities across the country, Uganda remains steadfast in its pursuit of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The collaborative spirit among East African nations, as showcased through the Pamoja Bid, underlines the shared vision and determination to bring this highly regarded football spectacle to the region.
Uganda Women’s Senior National Team, Crested Cranes has today morning entered residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi to begin preparations for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, the assistant coach of the team will be in charge of the games against Rwanda as the search for the head coach continues.
Uganda will host the first leg on 11th July 2023 before the two teams face off a week later in Rwanda.
The winner on aggregate will play Cameroon at the second qualification round.
FUFA Communications Department had a one on one chat with the coach and below is the excerpt;
FUFA COMMUNICATION: Coach, first of all congratulations upon being named the head of the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team.
Ayub Khalifa: Thank you. I am proud that once again, FUFA has given me the opportunity to manage this team. It is definitely a good chance for me to keep learning and growing in the game.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: On top of the Teen Cranes, you are also the assistant coach of the senior national team. What do you have to say about this?
Ayub Khalifa: This is equally a good opportunity for me and I cannot thank FUFA enough for the trust they have in me. I have previously worked in the same role and cannot wait to start working.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: With the process of naming the new head coach still ongoing, you will be in charge of the games against Rwanda, how prepared are you for the task ahead.
Ayub Khalifa: After the team entering camp, we now have to get to work straight away, prepare the players to get into the perfect shape. I believe the team summoned has the ability to overcome Rwanda.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: The games against Rwanda come during the off season and majority of the players have had a long lay off, does this bother you considering the time you have for preparations?
Ayub Khalifa: I am aware that we have a short period to prepare for these games and that explains why we summoned a squad of 35 players. We will do our best to make sure the fitness levels of the players are worked upon and have a formidable team to complete the task ahead.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: Derby games are always tough and Rwanda being our neighbours will come all out. What sort of opposition do you expect to face?
Ayub Khalifa: It is true such games come with a lot of pressure and fierce competition. I know Rwanda have a good team but I am confident we are better and we have what it takes to overcome them.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: Six players from the U18 team are part of the provisional squad you summoned. Do you think they are ready for this stage?
Ayub Khalifa: I believe they have the quality to push the senior players. Additionally, the U18 team has been in camp for the last two weeks and they come in better shape than many who have been inactive. So I am confident they will embrace the opportunity and maybe make the final squad.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: The provisional squad has seven foreign based players. Do you think they come with added value?
Ayub Khalifa: Definitely they come with better experience in terms of exposure and competition. We are proud to have them represent the country at their respective clubs and hoping more will join them in the professional ranks.
FUFA COMMUNICATION: As a person who has been around Women’s football for over 20 years, how has been the progress of National team and Women’s football in general.
Ayub Khalifa: I must thank FUFA for the deliberate efforts made over the years to develop women’s football in Uganda. If you look at the years we started, there was little hope that we would reach such heights. In 2013 when FUFA decided to withdraw the national team from international engagements, many people thought it was a wrong move. But FUFA was strategic, created leagues and promoted the game in schools which in the long run helped to widen the pool of players. Last year, we won CECAFA Women’s Championship and also played at the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. That is a good testament of how the game has grown and the future is even brighter.
A provisional squad of 35 players has been summoned to begin preparations for the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers.
Uganda will face neighbours Rwanda in the first round of the qualifiers.
The Crested Cranes will host Rwanda on 11th July 2023 before the two teams face off in Huye a week later.
The winner on aggregate will then proceed to the next round where Cameroon awaits. It should be noted that the Indomitable Lionesses got a bye at the first round.
The team summoned will be under the stewardship of Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who upon appointment as Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach became the assistant coach of the senior team in the new changes made by the FUFA Executive Committee.
However, evaluation of applicants is ongoing for the Head Coach Women’s Senior Team (Crested Cranes) and Assistant coach U-17 Women’s team (Teen Cranes) and the appointments will be confirmed in due course.
The team will enter camp on Thursday, 29th June at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.
FUFA is pleased to extend an invitation to football stakeholders to attend and participate in an important One-day symposium that will focus on discussing a National Football Technical Plan for the period 2023-2030.
The Symposium will take place on Monday, July 3, 2023, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, starting at 9:00 AM.
The event aims at bringing together key stakeholders, experts, and professionals from various domains within the football industry to collaborate on shaping a comprehensive and strategic technical plan for our Nation’s football.
The mission of this football technical plan is to;
Install mass football for all and create high performance culture for elite performers
Install a universal playing style for Uganda National Teams and Clubs producing entertaining and purposeful football
Installing Ugandan football players in the World’s top most leagues
The key pillars are mass football, elite football, professional football and life after football from which relevant strategies and goals have been formulated to realise the above mission of this football plan.
The stakeholders’ experience and perspectives will highly be respected and valued. We believe that their active participation in this symposium will greatly contribute to the success and effectiveness of the National Football Technical Plan.
The programme will climax with a mini football match amongst the participants in the afternoon before departure.
Note: Dress code; Official or Smart Casual
For any further information, please contact Mr. Ali Mwebe the FUFA Football Development Director on 0752051362 or by email on amwebe@fufauganda.com/ almwebe1986@gmail.com
FUFA Executive Committee has given a waiver for the requirements of coaches in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League ahead of the 2023/24 season.
It should be noted that the minimum requirement for a head coach competing in the top tier league had been set at CAF A, starting with the 2023/24 season.
However, the FUFA EXCO took a decision to maintain the previous minimum requirement of CAF B License for both the head coach and assistant coach positions.
The CAF A requirement has been pushed to the next season (2024/25) when it will be put into effect.
In that regard, FUFA will organize a CAF A coaching course in the near future and all coaches eligible are encouraged to attend and be prepared when registration opens up.
FUFA has over the years made deliberate efforts to fulfill its mission of developing, promoting and protecting the game of football in Uganda.
The latest intervention is the Football Administration and Management Course (FAMACO) Level II. With the first edition already underway since May 2023, the Federation has opened the application process for the second edition of the same.
The course seeks to offer prime industry oriented, practical and solution-based training drawn purposely for exploring graduate professionals from various fields of academic studies, into strategic and operational organization and running of football associations and clubs in Uganda.
Additionally, FAMACO II equips participants with current practical know-how and insights studied in class and the field, one that is needed to transform the associations and clubs into professional entities.
The second edition will be held between August – October 2023.
The course will bring a variety of experts with specific focus on the latest trends in relation to three areas;
Governance
Sport
Business
Governance (leadership,associations/club models and management, venues and events safety and security).
Sport (sporting structures, infrastructure and youth development, coaching and refereeing perspectives).
Business (Marketing, Branding, revenue generation, Finance management, communication and match day management)
One of the FUFA’s Hat trick goals related to professionalize the game of football, will be the sub vision for this top-level course, creating new energies to support the overall FUFA’s vison “to be the number one football nation in Africa on and off the field.”
Eligibility for the course
Must be a minimum holder of academic diploma in any field.
Must be a FAMACO Level I holder
Must have applied and passed a mandatory pre-entry test.
Must be between the ages of 25-50 years.
Must be available to participate in the course modules, consisting of classes, coursework and field attachment over a period of two months.
A CAF D Diploma coaching course, organized by the Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA), was concluded on Friday June 23, 2023, in Mengo.
A total of thirty coaches including four women took part in the course held at the special interest groups offices. It started on Monday 19th June 2023.
The course was conducted by instructor Ben Mwesigwa who took the participants through theory and practical sessions throughout the duration of the course.
The Chairperson of Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) Margret Kubingi presided over the closing function and she implored the coaches to put the knowledge acquired into practice.
“The five days coaching course has come to the end. Thirty coaches have graduated after the successful completion of the course,” she said.
“We have sent them out there, we advise them to perform, deliver and also apply the modern coaching knowledge they have acquired well.“
“We thank FUFA for entrusting UWFA to organize the course on their behalf, and in a special way, we also appreciate the course instructor – Ben Mwesigwa for the good work. He is such a fantastic instructor,” she added.
She Corporate player Anitah Arinda was one of the participants.
“The course has been enriching and we have gained so much. We feel glad after attending the training and we thank UWFA for organizing for us such a good course,” she said.
“I am going to apply everything I have learnt and all the knowledge I have acquired to Olimpia sports academy where I practice coaching from. I want the kids at the academy to become very good players.”
The fourth edition of the FUFA Drum got underway with two qualification games on the card on Saturday.
At Kigaaya Primary School ground, Hoima Bunyoro province welcomed Sebei in a tie that saw the home side convincingly win 3-0.
Bunyoro province fielded a side that had familiar faces such as Uganda Cranes defender Gift Fred, KCCA FC’s Brian Aheebwa, Frank Zaga and Kabon Living.
Kabon broke the deadlock at the half hour mark after numerous attempts and attacks at the visitors territory.
Ten minutes later Brian Aheebwa doubled the hosts lead to ensure they go for recess in a comfortable lead.
Full-Time! ⏰#BUNSEB | Bunyoro Province 3-0 Sebei Province
Both sides will meet again in the return leg a week later at Sebei College in Kapchorwa on Saturday 1st July 2023.
At Kings George stadium, Tororo, home side Bukedi Province succumbed to a 0-2 loss against Ankole.
A 3rd minute own goal from defender Benon Tahomera and a Seiri Arigumaho 59th minute strike gifted the visitors with the priceless and vital first leg victory.
Full-Time! ⏰#BUKANK | Bukedi Province 0-2 Ankole Province
They will meet again next Saturday 1st July at Bushenyi stadium to determine who storms the group stages.
More group stage qualification action continue tomorrow, Sunday 25th with two games on the plate that will witness Rwenzori entertain Kigezi at Nyakasanga, Kasese while Busoga will host Karamoja at Municipal stadium, Kamuli before the return legs both on Sunday 2nd July 2023.
2023 edition format
The fourth edition comes with several changes including increase in the number of games from 36 played last year to 42.
Additionally, this year’s final will be played on a one-legged basis.
The new format
On the basis of the last edition’s performance, the best 8 provinces (Quarterfinalists) get a bye at the first round.
Last year’s Quarterfinalists include West Nile, Lango, Acholi, Tooro, Buganda, Kampala, Teso and Bugisu.
The 8 provinces that did not make it to the quarterfinals last year were randomly paired and will play at the first round.
The first round fixtures are as follows;
Bunyoro vs Sebei Ankole vs Bukedi Rwenzori vs Kigezi Busoga vs Karamoja
The aforementioned fixtures will be played on a home and away basis. The winners on aggregate will proceed to the group stage.
Group phase
Unlike the previous editions, this year, the competition will have four groups each with three provinces.
Semifinalists from last year’s edition have been seeded and each were placed in a separate group. The four provinces include West Nile, Lango, Acholi and Tooro.
At the group stage, the games will be played on a home and away basis.
The best two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. The games at this level will also be played on a home and away basis with the winners on aggregate advancing to the semifinals.
Groups
Group A Teso Winner between Ankole and Bukedi Acholi
Group B Lango Kampala Winner between Rwenzori or Kigezi
Group C Winner between Busoga and Karamoja West Nile Bugisu
Group D Winner between Bunyoro and Sebei Tooro Buganda
The Qualification fixtures get underway on Saturday 24th June 2023 with Bunyoro hosting Sebei in the first leg while Bukedi will entertain Ankole province.
On Sunday 25th June, Rwenzori will host Kigezi while Busoga hosts Karamoja.
The return leg of the above mentioned fixtures will be played on 1st and 2nd July 2023 to determine who qualifies to the group stages.
St Mary’s College Kisubi continued with their excellent run in the ongoing FUFA Tv cup with another impressive display against Jinja College School on Friday.
SMACK defeated JICO 2-1 in the semi final at the dusty Arena to take the first leg advantage.
The home side drew first blood when forward Griffin Mwesigwa who was handed his first start put them infront in the 12th minute to send the fans in crazy celebrations.
Three minutes into the second half, intelligent skipper Mahad Mubiru doubled the lead for the hosts before Junior Kyosi got the consolation for JICO.
Kyosi’s goal was the first SMACK conceded in the FUFA Tv cup after winning their previous two games against King’s College Budo 2-0 and 0-1 respectively.
The two sides will face off again in the return leg a week later on Friday 30th June 2023 at the JICO grounds to determine who will make it through to the Inaugural final.
Mengo Senior School head coach Hassan Mulondo was treated tough welcome back from national duty as his side fell to Kiira College Butiki 5-3 in the semi-final first leg of the FUFA Tv cup.
Mulondo who doubles as the Uganda Cranes kits manager missed the two group stage games against Makerere College School as he was on national Duty.
He remains optimistic about overturning the result when the two sides face off again in Mengo in the return leg on Thursday 29th June 2023.
“I want to thank my players for the good display despite losing. We worked as a team and scored but a lack of concentration at some point cost us. However, we remain hopeful and optimistic about overturning the result at home so that we qualify for the finals God willing.”
The last time they played at home, Akwanas defeated Makerere College School 1-0 while the Kiira College Butiki beat Namilyango College 1-0, the last time they played on the road.
Kiira College Butiki took the first-leg advantage when they defeated Mengo Senior School 5-3 in the first semi-final match on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023, in an entertaining and epic encounter.
In the match, the home side forward Gift Fred Mutalya scored four goals to take his tally to five, now the tournament’s leading scorer.
After the match, the confident and promising S4 student attributed his superb display to self-belief and guidance from coaches and teammates.
“I feel good scoring four goals and I must say it was all about self-belief. My coaches always tell me I can make it through football as well as my teammates keep pushing me when playing. I thank God for this achievement and my parents who always encourage me to play football.”
Post-match reaction
▶️ Gift Fred Mutalya on his exceptional performance today.
The 8-goal thriller saw the Akwanas take an early lead through Joel Ssemaganda Saava in the first minute of the match.
Gift Fred Mutalya levelled matters in the 12th minute for the home side before putting his side in the lead in the 25th minute.
With five minutes to the end of halftime, Saava got his brace as he levelled matters.
Seven minutes into the second half, Ezekiel Kigaye scored the third goal for Kiira College Butiki before John Senfuma levelled again for the visitors in what was his fourth goal of the tournament.
Mutalya then put his side in the driving seat yet again in the 59th minute to complete his hat trick and the first of the tournament before sealing his quartet in the 63rd minute.
The defeat was Mengo Senior School’s first in the tournament and they will now hope to overturn the result when they meet again in the return leg in Mengo to determine who qualifies for the inaugural final.
The other first-leg semi-final will see St Mary’s College Kisubi host Jinja College this evening.
