The Federation Competitions Committee has put off the Big League clash between Misindye and Kwania and pushed it forward to December 17.
The FCC Secretary Decolas Kiiza said his office had received a request from Kwania Football club asking for a change in fixture due to the end of year examinations that will be going on at the Uganda College of Commerce around the same time. Kiiza said the reasons advanced to the committee were genuine since most of their players were students in this institution and would be writing their final examinations.
“The Fufa Big League rules (G[1]) empowers my committee to take such decisions and the match will now be played on Saturday December 17 at Namboole stadium”. Kiiza clarified adding that the kick off time remained 4:30pm.
This will now be the last match before we break off for the festive season. This Saturday, Boroboro Tigers host Ndejje University in Lira, Wandegeya travels to play Mbale Heroes and Kirinya hosts Soroti garage in Kakindu stadium. On December 15, Ndejje University will host Misindye, Sharing Youth plays Iganga Municipality, Old Timers will be visiting CRO in Mbale and Jinja Municipality will host Entebbe at Kakindu ground.
Meanwhile on Thursday this week, Kwania lost 3-2 to Ndejje University in Luweero, Aurum Roses picked a 2-0 win away against Joggo Young, Koboko and Kira Young played to a goalless draw while Sharing Youth edged Kirinya 1-0. Elsewhere, Victoria University and Misindye shared points after a 2-2 draw, Soroti Garage lost their home game 0-1 to CRO, Jinja Municipality forced a 1-all draw against Wandegeya, Old Timers won 2-1 against Entebbe and Iganga Municipality beat Mbale Heroes 2-1.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has directed that the kick off of the Uganda Super League Reserve competition be put on hold until some urgent requirements are fulfilled. The Federation has cited a number of irregularities in its organisation.
Elsewhere, Uganda’s National Women Team now code named “Crested Cranes” will travel to Egypt next week for an international friendly match against the home side on December 14. The team is preparing for the 8th Africa women championship where they play DR Congo in January 2012.
The USL Reserve league is a very brilliant idea but the issues to do with rules, licenses and logistics among others have not yet been put clear before the Federation. “It is a good product but the manner in which it was put in place will not serve the purpose. We do not want to push out a baby and it dies after just weeks,” Mujib Kasule, the FA Vice President in charge of USL said. The Federation doesn’t have any intentions to block the competition and it will be cleared as soon as our concerns are addressed by the organizers.
Meanwhile Hoima FC have tendered in an appeal to the FUFA Appeals Committee on the financial fine imposed on them by the USL upon reinstating them in the Premier League. The appeal is on the UG Shs. 30m required of them by USL as a fine. The Appeals Committee chaired by a Kampala prominent Lawyer Richard Kiboneka sits soon to pronounce itself on this appeal.
Contrary to FUFA directive for Busia-based merger club to be accepted in the top flight competition, USL last week kept them out of action arguing that they had failed to pay sh32m as required by the organizers. This provoked Hoima to petition FUFA for an intervention.
The club had reportedly presented a Kenyan bank cheque as commitment to USL chairman Kavuma Kabenge just before the deadline, which he rejected and demanded for cash on their account.
In another development, a referees’ fitness test will be conducted for referees who will officiate the Super League matches. It is scheduled for Saturday 10th December 2011 starting 7:00am in Mandela National Stadium. The exercise will be conducted by FRSC in presence of Fitness Instructor Haruna Kebba Haruna. Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson warned that no referee would be appointed to handle a league match without passing this fitness test.
The North East Regional League that kicked off on November 18 resumes this coming Monday, December 5.
Table leaders Bukedea Arrows FC with six points will host Kumi United at Bukedea Primary School. Kick off time is 16:00hrs. According to the Zone 1 chairperson Ibrahim Maraka, the tournament is progressing well with Ngora Freda Car FC in a second place. Maraka called for discipline among the players, officials and fans and warned that disciplinary actions would be taken against any culprits.
The newly appointed zonal chairperson also called upon other sports stakeholders in the region to mobilize the fans to watch these games.
In the past games, Ngora Freda Car walloped Bukedea Arrows 4-1 while Kumi United and Bukedea Town council played to a goalless draw last Monday. Amuria Crane City edged Ngora Freda Car 1-0 after the later had lost 2-1 to Bukedea Town council.
The She Kobs women National team goes into residential training this Thursday December 1 in preparation for their 8th Africa CAF Women Championship qualifiers due to kick off in January next year.
Uganda plays DR Congo in their first preliminary match. FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson has confirmed the development adding that a poll of 35 players had been summoned to take part in the training. To boost their preparations, Watson also revealed that an effort was being made to secure an international friendly match for the team before their engagement against DR Congo.
“We have contacted other associations as we also wait for the confirmation from Egypt” said the Federation CEO. Egypt had earlier showed interests of hosting the She Kobs in Cairo but a confirmation regarding the chosen date of December 14 is yet to be received in Kampala.
Meanwhile a referees beginners Course has today started off at FUFA House with a call on participants to practice the knowledge they are yet to acquire when they go out in the field. The course is organized in partnership with FUFA, the British Council and the Premier Skills to educate referees who serve in communities all over the Country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, CEO Edgar Watson hailed the British High Commission and Premier Skills for partnering with FUFA to foster football development in the country not only in refereeing but also in the coaching sector as well. Watson said the federation had embarked on professionalizing different sectors of football in the Country inclusive of refereeing.
“The quality of Uganda Football highly depends on the performance of referees and how best each Stakeholder performs” he stressed. He mentioned that all accredited FUFA courses would be examinable. “You should therefore read the booklets and other handout given to you” the CEO advised. Those who pass exams will be registered at with the federation and issued certificates.
Retired referees Catherine Adipo and Ali Waiswa are the two instructors conducting the training. Katabira David is the designated examiner. The training that closes on December 7 has attracted 21 participants residing at Willis Hote and will do their practical sessions from Mengo Primary School. Fitness tests will be conducted from Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
Mrs. Deborah Asikeit from British Council who presided over the official opening of the one week training said she was happy with FUFA partnership. I am also glad that the British Council and Premier Skills project has opens an opportunity for participants to become fully accredited referees in Uganda” she said.
Disciplinary action: SC Villa player Denis Guma has been summoned to appear before the FUFA Disciplinary committee on Friday December 2 at FUFA house. Guma abandoned the Cranes camp ahead of the team’s travel to Morocco for the LG cup.
FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa consults his executive members before one of their retreat sessions at Katomi Kingdom Resort Hotel
The two day retreat for the FUFA Executive Committee at Katomi Kingdom Resort Hotel wound up on Sunday evening with the appointment of 84 individuals to different standing committees of the Federation.
The exercise was conducted during an executive committee meeting held shortly after the official closure of the retreat by the FA President Lawrence Mulindwa. The members had about four hours of intensive deliberations before a final list was agreed on.
The President said the appointments take immediate effect and urged the new office bearers to dedicate enough time towards their responsibilities. A total of sixteen (16) committees were named leaving out all the judicial bodies that would be named shortly. “Let’s continue making some consultations on the judicial bodies to avoid bringing on board non committal individuals” Mulindwa told his executive.
Kimuli ANthony (Finance)Ogwel Patrick (Youth)Lwere Sam (Security)
FIFA certified administration instructor Justus Mugisha was named chairperson of the FUFA Licensing Board deputized by Balenzi Fred. Both Mugisha and Balenzi served in the FUFA executive committee before.
Other members on this committee include Mugoye Darius (secretary),
Stone Kyambadde (Technical)Rogers Mulindwa (Media and Public Relations)
Tomusange Ali andex-international player Sam Kabugo. A new committee named, FUFA Member Associations
Isa Magoola (Competitions)Amin Bbosa (Sec Security)
Development Committee will be chaired by Eng. Moses Magogo with Ex-international player Paul Ssali as the vice chairperson. Unlike others with only five members, this committee has nine members. These include Tamale Haruna, Okello Hannington, Hajji Badru Ssekabira, Higenyi Paul, Mutyaba Joseph, Mutebwa Musa and Kabwimukya George.
Mike Leti (Players' Status)Sam Mpima (Sec Marketing)
Kampala’s newly appointed zonal chairperson, Hamid Juma heads the Futsal Committee with Nkumba University Sports Lecturer Patrick Ssebuliba and Mutabaazi Deo as his vice chairperson and secretary respectively. Dr Ssekajugo James was retained as head of the Sports Medicine Committee as Letti Mike moves from technical to head the players’ status committee. Ssendyowa Abbas remains in charge of the referees standing committee but retired FIFA referee Mohammad Ssegonga becomes a committee member.
Kalibbala Chris maintains his portfolio as chairperson of the Women committee and Mariam Kaliga takes the deputy’s seat. Sserwadda Meddie is the committee secretary. Others that retained their positions as committee chairpersons include Kimuli Anthony (Finance), Byamukama Rogers (Marketing and sponsorship), Ogwel Patrick (Youth), Mulindwa Rogers (Media and Public Relations), Lwere Sam (Security) and Joseph Mwanje (Protocol). Livingstone Kyambadde was also retained as technical committee head but will now be deputized by new entrant and proline FC Director Mujib Kasule.
Isa Magoola will be in charge of the competition committee. Decolas Kiiza was named to replace Eng. Moses Magogo as the Competitions Committee new secretary. Bukedde Sports Editor, Kato Kawuma who formerly served as a member of the media committee becomes committee vice chairperson. Click here for the detailed standing committees lists
FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa opening up the retreat at Katomi Kingdom Resort Hotel this Saturday
The two day retreat for the FUFA Executive committee members has this Saturday morning opened here at Katomi Kingdom Resort Hotel, Garuga along the shores of Lake Victoria, about 30 miles away from Kampala City.
The retreat has attracted all the 21 members that constitute the current executive committee. In his opening remarks, FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa congratulated the new members that had made it to the Executive committee in a reshuffle made last month.
He outlined the objectives of this two day retreat and urged member to be open in all their deliberations. “We are not here for a picnic but a bigger mission aimed at building a committed
FUFA Vice Presidents, Moses Magogo, Mujib Kasule and Patrick Ogwel at the retreat
group of football administrators whose operations are based on team work” said the FA president.He also added that the retreat targeted improving service delivery by his executive.
About the changes recently made in his executive, Mulindwa called upon those relieved of their duties not to ‘fight’ the federation but continue supporting the game from their respective stations. “Those relieved of executive committee duties were not dumped, we can still deploy them elsewhere”, he stressed.
He cited an example of his former Vice president in charge of youth programs Justus Mugisha who has since remained the country’s representative to the Cecafa regional body. Mugisha was also sent to FIFA for training and he is now a certified FIFA administration instructor. Mulindwa further pointed out Balenzi Fred who after the 2009 reshuffle was sent abroad for further training in management of the artificial turf. “He is now doing us a good job at Njeru Technical centre” Mulindwa told his executive.
FUFA Executive committee members attending the retreat
During the two day stay here, all the seven vice presidents will make some presentation to the rest of the participants. Moses Magogo will take the members through issues related to football administration, Mujib Kasule (Uganda Super League), Kalibbala Chris (Women football development), Kimuli Anthony (Finance regulation and management) and Kyambadde Livingstone (technical challenges).
Other presenters will include Patrick Ogwel (Youth development), Rogers Byamukama (Marketing) and the FIFA Development instructor Justus Mugisha among others. The retreat closes Sunday afternoon. (Posted by Rogers Mulindwa-Head of Communications, FUFA)
JDC chairperson Richard Omongole (right) and Mujib Kasule in a meeting with the FUFA president (not in picture) over the weekend.
The Jinja Declaration Committee (JDC) will on Thursday November 17 start their visits to all clubs playing in the Uganda Super League to get acquainted with the challenges they face in relation to the League management. The committee targets top executive committee members of the clubs.
The resolution was reached over the weekend in a meeting with the Federation president Lawrence Mulindwa at his offices in Mengo. JDC chairman Richard Omongole, Mujib Kasule, Isa Magoola and Moses Magogo attended the meeting.
The fifth member Jimmy Ebil Ssegawa who is also the USL Chief Executive Officer did not show up.Independent sources have since alleged that Ssegawa was under instructions by former committee member and USL Board chairman Kavuma Kabenge not to attend. Officials from 13 out of the 15 clubs playing under USL recently unanimously threw Kabenge out of the JDC on grounds of inefficiency.
The meeting held about two weeks ago and attended by Mr. Ashford Mamelodi, the FIFA Development officer replaced Kabenge with newly appointed FUFA Vice President in charge of USL Mujib Kasule.
(JDC chairman, Richard Omongole shakes hands with FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa after the meeting)
The committee chairperson, Richard Omongole said they had learnt of the ongoing injustice to some clubs by the USL officials and that the clubs had got divided into two groups basing on alleged patronage. “There are those being harassed for their respect to FUFA while others are getting rewards for their disrespect to the Federation” Omongole told the weekend meeting.
The meeting was also shocked to learn that some clubs including Bidco FC, Hoima, Bunamwaya SC, Proline and Victors FC among others had not even been paid the sponsorship money they are entitled for. Other clubs have already got part of the Shs.68m earmarked for each club this season. Of this amount, Shs.50m comes from Super Sport Television and Shs.18m from Bell.
These among many others were the basis for the committee’s resolution to embark on club visits in order to assess the situation and the realities behind these allegations. The Committee is also expected to meet the USL officials as part of their exercise.
Kasule told the Communications Department last evening that arrangements had already been finalized to meet URA, Express and KCC officials between Thursday and Friday this week. “We arrange to meet the top executive members of each club separately”, said Kasule. He further added that the detailed program would be released shortly.
FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa said the committee had been given up to November 30 to conclude the exercise and report back their findings to FUFA Executive committee for appropriate actions.
(Posted by Rogers Mulindwa-Head of Communications, FUFA)
Both Coach Bobby Williamson and Rogers Mulindwa will be in Dar es salaam but on different duties
The Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) has this Monday released a list of 20 people who will constitute the delegation of officials travelling to Dar es salaam for this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.
The delegation will be headed by the regional body President Eng Leodgar Tenga who also doubles as the President of the Tanzanian Federation.
In Uganda, Rogers Mulindwa and retired referee Charles Masembe will be part of the team. Mulindwa, the FUFA spokesperson heads the Cecafa Media committee while Masembe goes as the CAF Referees Committee representative.
In a statement issued by the Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye, the members will be tasked to ensure the smooth running of the two weeks tournament that will attract eleven senior teams and one guest team.Malawi is the only guest team invited this eyar.
Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and retired referee Robert Anangwe are the two officials from neighbours Kenya while Tariq Atta and Osama Hassan have been selected from Sudan. Dr. Charles Mugemana from Rwanda will head the medical team.
Others are Abdiqan Saeed Arab, Amir Hassan (Somalia), Sheferew Eshetu (Ethiopia), Berhane Araya and Tesefaye Gabreyesus (Eritrea), Zam Ali, Ali Ferej Tamin (Zanzibar), Benard Mfubusa (Burundi), Sulaiman Hassan Waberi and Ali Kamil from Djibouti. The host federation of Tanzania will be represented by their technical Director Sunday Kayuni and Authman Nyamlani the FA marketing and Finance Manager.
The tournament kicks off on November 26 to December 10. The Uganda Cranes who lost their 2010 campaign to hosts Tanzania in the semi finals have already confirmed participation.
CEO, Edgar Watson watched the game and says the LG Cup was a big opportunity for Uganda
Cranes goal keeper Denis Onyango turned a heroe Sunday evening when he saved three penalties and converted a winner as Uganda dumped CAN bound Sudan 3-2 in their last LG Cup match in Morocco.
The 90 minutes had ended in a goalless draw with both teams putting several obvious chances to waste. Defenders Isaac Isinde and Walusimbi Godfrey converted their penalties as strikers Emmanuel Okwi and Moses Oloya wasted their chances. Okwi’s shot hit the bar while Oloya had his turn well saved by the Sudanese goal keeper.
It was after the two misses that the Sundown’s custodian, Onyango stepped forward to convert Uganda’s fifth chance that earned the Cranes a 3-2 win.
FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson who traveled with the team to Morocco said the tournament had provided an opportunity for Uganda to play two respectable teams, Morocco and Sudan. Edgar further added that the Cranes had played well in both games.
The results put Uganda at the top of the Four-Nation tournament but before Cameroon played hosts Morocco in their last game later in the night. The winner of this tournament takes home U$ 60.000. The first runners up gets U$ 30.000 while the third and the fourth teams return home with U$ 20.000 and U$ 10.000 respectively.
BRFA Joseph Mwanje being consulted by members shortly after the meeting on Saturday
Buganda Regional Football Association Executive (BRFA) committee sitting this Saturday at FUFA headquarters in Mengo has fixed November 26 as the kick off date for the Regional League.
The committee chaired by its head and FUFA zone 13 chairperson Joseph Mwanje has also produced a tentative fixture for the 18 clubs set to participate in the league.
The Federation of Uganda created the regional leagues as promotional league into the big league.
The committee has categorized the teams into two groups named after the famous seasonal rivers in the region of Katonga and Sezibwa. Katonga group will comprise teams from the FUFA zone 7 and 8. These include Bwala, Kinoni, Iodi, Kasensero, Lukaya, Banaansi, Nkumba, Redcross and Katabi FC.
Sezibwa Group covers FUFA zone 12 and 13. The teams here include Luwero Utd, Young Simba, Agape, Kiwoko, UCU, Seeta Utd, Mpooma, Bugerere/Lweza and Mukono United. The regional chairperson, Joseph Mwanje urged the teams to be focused since this was the only route into the Super Division.
Regional Competitions committee chairperson, Michael Kakande called for discipline among the players and their officials.In some of the opening matches, UCU hosts Bugerere on Saturday while Nkumba University hosts Kinoni on Saturday November 26.
Western region and FUFA zone six chairperson, Abbas Ssendyowa will this weekend preside over the Somalia- Ethiopia World Cup qualifiers preliminary round match in Djibouti as the match commissioner.
Ssendyowa, a retired referee who is also the chairperson of the federation standing committee on refereeing, received the appointment from the CAF, a continental football body. The game to be played from a neutral ground due to the persisted insecurity in Somalia is scheduled for the weekend of November 11-13.
Speaking to the federation communications department on Wednesday afternoon before his departure, Ssendyowa said he would be meeting all the FUFA referees’ instructors on Monday November 14 shortly after returning from his CAF assignment. The meeting is scheduled for 3:00pm, local time. The following day, the FRSC chairman has also invited all the FIFA referees and their assistants for another crucial and administrative meeting starting 9:00am. Both meetings will take place at FUFA house.
In a related development, Ugandan referees Denis Batte, Sonko Mark, Musa Balikoowa and Ali Kalyango left Tuesday evening to Seychelles to officiate the world cup qualifiers preliminary round match between the hosts and visiting Kenya. The match is slated for Saturday November 12.
After close to six years at FUFA as Secretary for the competitions committee, Eng. Moses Magogo is now the FA Vice president in charge of administration. The FIFA certified Football Administration Instructor and a Computer Engineer by profession, spoke to the FA Head of Communications, Rogers Mulindwa about the challenges ahead of his new posting.
Eng. Moses Magogo, FA's new Vice President in charge Admnistration
Qtn. Did the appointment as FUFA’s new VP in charge of administration take you by surprise?
Moses. I must confess it was a big surprise for me. I talked to the president even on Wednesday Morning about competitions and there was no indication that you (Rogers) had a Statement to read about the reshuffle. I am not complaining though because the FUFA Constitution gives the person of the President absolute powers to appoint his Executive Committee
Qtn. What do you see as the biggest challenge regarding your new responsibility?
Moses. The Challenge of African Football is not Finance as we all tend to believe. It is the human resource in terms of quality and quantity. My new role puts me on the spot to ensure that systems and institutions over ride individuals in the management of football at all levels. The reason individuals have overtaken systems is because of lack of human resource in quality and quantity
Qtn. What do you look at as the most urgent administrative issue to tackle?
Moses. The operationalisation of all the five bodies of FUFA. Thus the Standing Committees (to be named soon), the Judicial bodies, the secretariat, the FUFA executive Committee and the Assembly and their terms of reference clearly spelt out, their objectives for 2012 should be laid upon which they will be judged at the end of the year. As the FUFA Executive Committee, we shall be required to facilitate these various bodies of FUFA to execute their roles. I have been assured by the President that he intends to spearhead the Executive Committee to continue with the change of personnel in the next few weeks to attempt to place the right people in the right places just as he did with the FUFA Executive Committee
Qtn. Any others?
Moses. My Office will monitor the progress of the objectives of the various bodies and will devise means where progress will be observed to be stalling. The Matter of capacity building of the human resource will be high on the agenda. I will further be involved in formulation of programmes for the various committees, departments and bodies of FUFA
Qtn. Two year in office. What would like to achieve by the end of your term?
Moses. If I asked for the time I need to put FUFA where it should be, probably I would need 10 years in that office but surely no one is gonna give me that time there. My point is that I want to start the engine and any other person may come after me to perfect it. I wish to lay down a long term overhaul of perceptions, working methods, professionalization and objective orientation of the Ugandan football Industry
Qtn. You have been the engine of the Competitions committee. Did you accomplish you target in that office?
Moses. First and foremost, allow me thank everyone who has worked with me in Competitions thus Hajjat Aisha Nalule, Matovu Meddy, Mwebe Ali, Kulubya Edward, the FUFA Executive committee and other staff of the secretariat but most importantly the FUFA President, Col Bells Tushabe, Fred Balenzi, Benard Bainamani, Patrick Sebuliba, Kavuma Kabenge, Lajan and lately Decolas Kiiza. There is nothing I could do without any one of them.
Back to the question, Football competitions as said by Michelle Platin, are the face of a football organization. I have not accomplished my wish of what competitions would be in Uganda but I walk away with my head up. I have been instrumental in many huge changes that the faint hearted thought would never be. Remember I will hold a supervisory role in my new appointment over all departments including Competitions
Magogo with a colleague attending one of the FIFA organised courses
Qtn. What do you regard your biggest achievement in the competitions department?
Moses. In 2006 when we came in, football competitions had become a mockery, the organizers were accomplices to the match fixing and different rules applied to different clubs. Our biggest achievement was to return sanity to results and stamp the rule of law being equal to all. It did not earn us friends but we did not despair until now. The Professionalisation of the USL, Players Contracts, the FUFA Big League, the regional leagues, the players’ data compilation may stand out but these are just in making. I am however very confident that the people I leave behind will make competitions even better.
Qtn. Any possible failures blamed on yourself?
Moses. There were many times decisions of the committee, even some I was against at committee level were labeled against my person. There are many times the incompetence of Clubs and their officials was transferred to me as a person. Look at the USL today, the operational organization is worse. All the crimes I was accused of are more rampant and worse. Fixture changes, communications hi-cups, poor quality football, clubs’ poverty, the failure by VEK clubs to win the league, unchecked and absolute organizers powers etc. My hope and prayers are that Mujib Kasule arrests the rot before a wonderful concept is “killed” by self-seekers who do not understand anything about professional football
Qtn. Talk about you experience/training acquired so far and how this will help you in your new office.
Moses. I am a FIFA certified Football Administration Instructor meaning that I teach football administration on FIFA deployment at the international level. There is only Justus Mugisha with the same level in Uganda and Sam Mpiima in the making. Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Ethiopia and Malawi are some of the countries without one. I have been assigned responsibility when I delivered a course in Zambia to the elite league club officials; I have been to Namibia and Zurich for the same assignment and development process.
The other day, I got an assignment from FIFA to deliver an Elite Club Administration Course in Botswana from 21st -25th November 2011
Eng. Magogo (2nd right) with colleagues at the FA headquarters in Mengo recently
Qtn. How it will help in your new posting?
Moses. I teach how to proffesionalise a football club and a football organization (like FUFA) and I am known to be an off-the-chair administrator. The combination of the two is the reason I accepted the posting. Insha Allah, with the help of the entire team at FUFA, there better changes awaiting by my new role
