FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Category: 102.1 FUFA fm

FUFA names referees for Charity match between Nakasongola and Uganda Cranes on Saturday

Charity Match: Nakasongola Select vs Uganda Cranes

Venue: St Lawrence Primary School, Migyera

Date: Saturday 23rd July, 2016

Time: 4pm

Charges: 5,000/-

The referees are; Bakasambe Rajab (Kiboga), Masembe Issa (Wobulenzi), Kamba Moses (Wobulenzi), Kibuule Paul (Wobulenzi) and referees’ Assessor/Commissioner Yusuf Kamulegeya (Luwero).

The FUFA referees Standing Committee (FRSC) has released the names of referees to handle the match to be played this Saturday between Nakasongola Select and Uganda Cranes at St Lawrence Primary School in Migyera.

The Uganda Cranes vs Nakasongola Select is a charity match aimed at improving the maternity ward at Nakasongola Health Centre IV.

The match will kick off at 4pm.

The charity match is an initiative of 97.3 fm Simba Radio, Nakasongola District Football Association, Buganda region Football Association and FUFA getting back to the communities through football.

Recently FUFA conducted a CSR activity where the public donated clothes and other items through the 2016 Uganda Cup which were handed over to the Missionaries of the poor in Kisenyi.

Uganda Cranes Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has already named a strong squad for the charity match.

The team will assemble at FUFA House on Saturday at 7am before leaving for Nakasongola.

The Squad summoned:

Goalkeepers: Odongkara Robert (St George, Ethiopia), Yasin Mugabi (Sc Villa Jogoo)

Other players: Nicholas Wadada (SC Vipers), Joseph Nsubuga (Sc Villa Jogoo), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA FC), Martin Kizza (Sc Villa Jogoo), Hassan Wasswa (Al Shorta, Iraq), Isaac Isinde (St George, Ethiopia), Khalid Lwaliwa( SC Vipers), Rashid Toha (Onduparaka FC), Ivan Ntege (KCCA FC), Bernard Muwanga (Sc Villa Jogoo), Kezironi Kizito (SC Vipers), Yunus Sibira (BUL FC), James Otim (Kirinya Jinja SS), Erisa Sekisambu (SC Vipers), Edrisa Lubega (Proline FC), Shaban Muhammad (Onduparaka FC), Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA FC), Norman Ojik (Sadolin Paints FC), Musa Esenu (Soana FC), Abdulrahman Rajab (JMC Hippos FC).

MAIN PHOTO: Referees Bakasambe on duty in the league three seasons ago. He will be in charge of the charity match between Nakasongola and Uganda Cranes in Migyera on Saturday.

July 21, 2016
UBSA rolls off programme for capacity building, spreading the game nationwide

Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) in conjunction with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has earmarked a campaign to spread the game of beach soccer across the country.

UBSA Chairman, Deo Mutabazi hints on the cause for more refereeing and coaching courses as a spring board of spreading the game.

Between Monday 25th to 29th July 2016, a beach soccer refereeing and coaching course for the Western region has been confirmed to take place at Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara.

With the Pepsi National beach Soccer league due to start on 14th August, UBSA are making sure all is set for the start of the new season.

Two of Uganda’s only three Beach soccer FIFA referees L-R Shafick Mugerwa and Ahmed Senteza at Lido Beach, Entebbe

‘Capacity building is a key area for UBSA this season. We shall traverse the regions in Uganda to spread the game and take it much closer to various groups’ said Mutabazi.

‘We are glad that our only CAF Beach soccer and Futsal refereeing Instructor Ali Mwebe is fresh from Egypt where he attended a course in this area. Our budding referees will benefit a lot from him when the course in Mbarara rolls off’ said Mutabazi.

Ali Mwebe (3rd from Left) in Cairo where he attended the CAF Beach soccer and Futsal refereeing course for Instructors. Mwebe is the only certified CAF Beach soccer and Futsal refereeing Instructor in Uganda.

Earlier next month, a similar course will be hosted by Kampala region at FUFA House, Mengo between 8th -12th August 2016.

Another course due between 19th and 23rd September will be conducted in Eastern Uganda at Busoga University, Iganga while a similar course will be taken to Kitara region in October.

Mutabazi also revealed to fufa.co.ug that the 2016 UBSA University Beach Soccer Championship will be held at Lido Beach Entebbe on 8th and 9th October.

MAIN PHOTO: FIFA referee Ivan Kintu Bayige (in balck attire) in charge of a beach soccer league match in Entebbe.

July 20, 2016
Ex-Internationals share football ideas with FUFA President

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the cordial relationship with the Ex-Internationals continues to follow the right directional path and trend.

On Wednesday, over 60 Ex-internationals shared various developmental football ideas with the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo.

In a fruitful meeting held at Jevine Hotel in Ndeeba, the Ex-Internationals freely and openly expressed their views of how best football matters should be addressed.

The meeting was organized by the Uganda Football Players Association (UFPA) whose chairman is Patrick Ntege.

Ex-international Godfrey Nyola shares football development ideas

‘We thank FUFA for accepting this special platform where we have been able to exchange ideas on football development’ Paul Mutakabala, the Chief Executive Officer of UFPA noted.

The different Ex-internationals exchanged views on the current football management and administration.

FUFA president Eng. Moses appreciated the heartily submissions from each of the Ex-Internationals and promised to act amicably.

‘This is a very special moment for Uganda’s football. I am happy that the football discussion has reached this far. As the President, i promise to help. We shall continue to engage you (Ex-internationals).’ Eng. Magogo said in his address.

Paul Mutakabala, Uganda Football Players’ Association (UFPA) CEO raising a point during the meeting

L-R: Ahmed Hussein FUFA Communications Manager, Eng. Moses Magogo-FUFA President and Patrick Ntege Kaweesa -Chairman UFPA

Long serving Uganda Cranes captain, George ‘Capi Sim’ Ssemwogerere took to the floor with brilliant ideas.

Matia Lule makes his point during the meeting

The Ex-players, who also included the former Crested Cranes players hinted on different aspects ranging from absorbing some of the former players into the current FUFA set up, empowerment, FUFA helping former players in initiating income generation and saving SACCOS through Ex-players’ schemes, recognizing and attaching value to former players among others.

Former Uganda Cranes star winger, Sam Bamweyana Ssimbwa smiles with the FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo shortly after the meeting at Jevine Hotel

L-R Former Uganda Crested Cranes players Namagembe Joy (Goalkeeper), Faridah Bulega (striker) and Karunda Jane (defender) attended the meeting.

The FUFA President promised to address the concerns of the former players amicably with a vow to forward some of the requests before the forth coming FUFA Executive committee meeting slated for the 28th July 2016 at FUFA House.

July 20, 2016
FUFA supports Seeta Archdeaconry to complete construction of the Kingdom of the Lord

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) continues to promote the wing of fulfilling the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through sports.

After the recent charity cause attached to the 2016 Uganda Cup where FUFA partnered with the Missionaries of the Poor organization in Kisenyi, the federation continues to front the CSR programmes with one set for this weekend in Nakasongola and the other for 13th August but aimed at fundraising towards the completion of the Kingdom of the Lord ,Seeta Archdeaconry in Mukono.

The weekly press conference was attended by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Executive Committee member Samuel Mpiima and the Venerable Enos Kitto Kagodo of Seeta Archdeaconry.

The Archdeacon was accompanied by Omutaka Kaddu Namutwe-Head of Laity Mukono Diocese and Moses Kikaawa Tenywa, Mobiliser of the Seeta Archdeaconry.

Venerable Enos Kitto Kagodo of Seeta Archdeaconry at the FUFA Press conference on Wednesday 20th July 2016

FUFA on Wednesday during the weekly press conference at FUFA House in Mengo officially launched a working relationship with the Seeta Archdeaconry through which they will also help in mobilising the public to come and attend the match against Comoros.

‘We are glad to associate with FUFA. We have organised a marathon on the 13th August 2016 and a prayer day for the Uganda Cranes before the Comoros game. We shall inform and encourage our congregations in Church to come in big numbers for the marathon in Seeta and also urge them to attend the crucial match against Comoros on 3rd September in Namboole’ Kitto noted.

L-R FUFA President shaking hands with Mobiliser of the Seeta Archdeaconry Moses Kikaawa Tenywa. Looking on Ven Enos Kitto and Omutaka Kaddu Namutwe-Head of Laity Mukono Diocese

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo who confirmed his participation in the marathon used to the platform to thank Seeta Archdeaconry for the partnership.

‘FUFA wishes to thank Seeta Archdeaconry. We shall continue to associate in CSR activities to involve the football family. FUFA will support the marathon by buying 100 tickets each sold at 10,000/-‘ Eng. Magogo said.

FUFA House in Mengo has also been designated as one of the ticket selling centres for the marathon which has two categories- 5km and 10kms.

The marathon to be graced by the Chief of Defence Forces General Katumba Wamala will take place on 13th August 2016 and the prayer day will be held on Sunday 28th August before the Comoros game.

Chief of Defence Forces General Katumba Wamala will take part in the marathon in Seeta on 13th August and also urge Ugandans to go to Namboole and support Cranes against Comoros on 3rd September

This weekend, FUFA will hold another Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity in Nakasongola where Uganda Cranes will play against Nakasongola select team aimed at fundraising towards the maternity ward at the Nakasongola Health Centre IV.

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President Eng.Moses Magogo handing over the replica Uganda Cranes jersey to Venerable Enos Kitto Kagodo of Seeta Archdeaconry. The Archdeacon urged fans to turn up in big numbers for the marathon and later go to Namboole to support Uganda Cranes.On the left is FUFA Executive Committee member Sam Mpiima.

July 20, 2016
Referees assessors’ course starts at Njeru

Refereeing education remains a core pillar in as far as raising the status-quo of the beautiful game in Uganda is concerned.

Following the successful completion of the nation wide referees’ promotion examinations where 250 participants took part, yet another big step has been embarked on.

On Friday, 14th July 2016, a total of 85 retired referees and those active referee assessors started the three day Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Referee Assessors course at the FUFA Technical center in Njeru.

The course will from the 14th through to 16th July 2016 seeks to evaluate the Assessors and also introduce them to new methodologies in the discharge of their duties.

The FUFA President and FIFA Administration Instructor Eng. Moses Magogo opened the course.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo addressing the participants at the FUFA referees assessors’ course in Njeru on Friday, 14th July 2016

He appealed to the participants to keep abreast with technological advancement trends.

The game is changing every day that passes-by and you must change too You just move at the same pace with the game.Practicing Licenses shall only be given to assessors who are active.

Go and do it at regional or district level or you can volunteer if possible. We as Fufa we are interested in your activeness.

Course Units:

The three-day course which embrace a couple of theoretical sessions that include Football Administration, Assessment process, Video and Match Analysis, Online reporting, Methodology and Teaching practices as well the use of the CAF Content Management System (CMS).

In his opening remarks, Chris Kalibala, the FUFA Referees Committee chairperson and FUFA Executive Committee member welcomed the participants to the course, which he described as a new programme to select a panel of Referee Assessors. He said participants would train on how to incorporate online/electronic report writing in their reports in line with the latest technologies.

Instructors for the course are Fufa president Eng. Moses Magogo (FIFA Administration Instructor), Sam Mpima (CAF Administration Instructor), Catherine Adipo (CAF Assessors Instructor), Egesa Samuel, Kalema Ronnie, and Ali Waiswa (all CAF Assessors Instructors).

L-R: Chris Kalibala, FUFA President, Sam Mpiima and Asuman Lubowa

The participants:

Salmin Saleh, Amin Bbosa, Siraje Katono, Ndaula M.S, Walabyeki Robert, Bbosa Fredrick, Mbazira G, Zziwa Sulaiman, Kakande, Mugambwa Bukenya Robert, Faisal Nsubuga, Ssemwogerere edward, Willy Kagwa, Ksalirwe Edrisa, Rose Ram, Isabirye Michael, Ssonko Julius Jackson, Adupa Gena, Allan Leo, Kasenge Jamal, Mpiima Samuel, Harriet Nattabi, Odoi Kizza Stephen, Masiko J.B, Kajubi Moses, Letti Mike, Ayub Khamis, Lutaya Joseph, Katabira Davis David, Katumba Wamala George, Kamulegeya Yusuf, Kisubi Z, Mayanja Paul, Wanyana Freddie, Ssrewadda John, Mulima Sulaiman, Kalibbala John C, Kayiwa Abdallah, Katende Isaac, Seka Mutaka, Kwerembera Bahsir, Bakaluba Abbey, Tamale Ssali, Ali Waisswa, Kasuja Kalule, Sekyanzi John, Karuma Charles, Edurungi Alfred, Kalyango Ali, Waiswa Ajab, Kalule J.C, Ddunga Gerald, Kiwanuka edrisa, Wagana James, Ali Tomusange, Musana Khalidi, Kalema Ronnie, Egesa Samuel, Kimumwe Mansoor, Kibuka Godfrey, Masumbuko Innocent, Seruuma Enock, Lukooya Abudul,Bikeka Mugerwa, Asua Luke, Kimbugwe Hillary, Mwanje Joseph, Kaluma Kabibu, Kirumira Festus, Kurem Edward Kuloba, Ojwee Denis, Ssendyowa Abbas, Kubingi MArgeret, Kebba Haruna, Kityo Asuman, Adipo Catherine, Kabwimukya George, Awuye Yususf, Kizito rahman, Matovu Sulaiman, Opoka Otti George William, Kiyingi Dan, Nelson Mubanda Nsubuga, Muwaya Saleh

July 15, 2016
Refereeing: FUFA assessors’ course on, referees promotional results out

In a bid to further up lift the standards of refereeing in the entire country, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) will continue to set standards in the department.

About 30 referee assessors are at the FUFA Technical center undertaking the referee assessors’ course, which is meant to further act as a directional tool box ahead of the vigorous football season.

In the same vein, a month ago, over 250 referees across all the eight FUFA regions were engaged in the promotional examinations.

Results from the examinations were officially released on Wednesday by the chairperson, FUFA referees’ committee, Chris Kalibala.

‘FUFA referees assessors’ course is compulsory for all the active referee assessors in the country. It is intended to further prepare them ahead of the season to come.’ Kalibala asserted.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo (left) shares some developmental idea with Executive committee member, Chris Kalibala

He handed over the results from the promotional exercise that was held in Buganda, Kampala, Western, Kitara, North East, Eastern and West Nile regions.

250 national referees participated in the referees’ promotional exercise.

Two thirds of the referees passed the examinations (theory and practicals) with overwhelming flying colours.

Results for each and every referee can be accessed from the offices of the regional headquarters.

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo (left) recieves a copy of the referees’ promotional results from Executive Committee member, Chris Kalibala at FUFA House.

PHOTO CREDIT: FUFA Communications Department

July 15, 2016
Planning: FUFA 2016/17 Activity Calendar released

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) activity calendar for the 2016/17 season was released on Wednesday, 14th July 2016.

The activity calendar was officially revealed to the public by the FUFA competitions director, Ali Mwebe.

Mwebe highlighted the need to have a well planned activity plan to help in the smooth flow of all activities lined up.

‘We have planned well to have all the domestic and international events accommodated in respect to the CAF and FIFA calendars’ Mwebe noted.

The FUFA Super Cup will be played on 14th August 2016 whilst the Azam Uganda Premier league kick off has been ear-marked for 19th August (subject to confirmation by the Uganda Premier league secretariat).

FUFA Competitions Director, Ali Mwebe addresses the media during the release of the 2016/17 activity calendar

Mwebe handled over the booklet of the activity plan to the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo who also graced the press conference.

Click and See Detailed Activity Calendar – F-Final-Activity Calendar-20162017

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA Competitions Director, Ali Mwebe (left) hands over the Activity plan booklet to the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo on Wednesday, 14th July 2016 at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala

July 14, 2016
Uganda Cranes to visit Nakasongola for Charity cause

Charity Match: 23rd July 2016

Uganda Cranes Vs Nakasongola Select – St Lawrence play ground, Migyera (3 p.m)

Uganda Cranes continues with the countrywide regional tours in a bid to rally support for the national team when they visit Nakasongola on Saturday, 23rd July 2016.

There is a charity match that has been organized by Radio Simba in conjunction with the Buganda Region Football Association (BRFA).

This fixture will witness the Nakasongola community host the national team at St Lawrence S.S play ground, Migyera with the main intention of raising funds for the Nakasongola Health Center IV.

Radio Simba’s Ivan Kyeyune greets the FUFA President shortly after the press conference at Mengo

The detailed programme was released at a press conference held on Wednesday at FUFA House.

Several Radio Simba officials and staff attended the press conference.

Co-ordinator, Ivan Kyeyune noted that at least U.shs 120M is needed for the Nakasongola Health Center (Ambulance, Scan, Maternity Ward, Beds and Mattresses).

This is a continuation of the Uganda Cranes’ regional tours in a bid to rally for support for the national team from the country-side.

On 31st July 2016, Uganda Cranes will play Buganda Region at the Masaka Recreational stadium.

Buganda CEO, Muzafaru Ssebagala who also attended the press conference thanked the Federation for the initiative.

‘I thank FUFA for observing Article 5 of Buganda Regional Football Associations Statures which states that we shall promote friendly relations between clubs, officials and players and in society for humanitarian objectives’ Ssebagala remarked.

He notified the media that already Buganda’s 25 man squad had been summoned ready to battle the Uganda Cranes.

July 14, 2016
FIFA Rankings: Uganda improves to 69th in the world

Uganda Cranes has improved by three places to 69th in the latest Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA)/ Coca cola rankings released on 14th July 2016 at the home of the global football body in Zurich, Switzerland.

Uganda Cranes now have 522 points and sit 15th on the African continent.

In the last one month, Uganda played two international matches.

The first was the 2-0 loss to Zimbabwe in the international build up played at the Rufaro stadium in Harare City.

Then that historic 2-1 away win to the Botswana Zebras in the June 3rd AFCON 2017 qualifier played at the Francistown Sports Complex.

Still Best in CECAFA Region:

Uganda still maintains the top status quo in the entire CECAFA region,

Kenya moves 43 places to 86th, Rwanda falls by eight places to 111th (334 points), Tanzania improves by 13 places to 123rd (300 points), Burundi goes up by seven places to 125th (297 points) as Ethiopia falls to 132nd (270 points), Sudan falls by 14 places to 142nd (229 points) and South Sudan climbs four places to 153rd on 197 points.

Eritrea, Somalia and Djibouti share the joint 205th spot.

Uganda’s opponents in AFCON 2017 qualifiers:

Burkina Faso remains 73rd with 487 points, Botswana who recently lost 2-1 to South Africa drops two places to 89th on 378 points.

Comoros, Uganda’s opponents in the 3rd September 2016 decider better their performance to 155th with 191 points.

Top Seven in the World:

Argentina (1585 points), Belgium (1401), Colombia (1331), Germany (1319) and Chile (1316) occupy the respective top positions of the world best footballing countries.

Newly crowned European champions of the 2016 edition, Portugal climb two places to sixth while France is seventh.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 11th August 2016.

July 14, 2016
FUFA Registration: Federation happy with FIFA – Government deliberations

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) remains excited by the position reached on the registration of FUFA under the Trustees Act after the recent meeting between FIFA and the Government of Uganda.

This was confirmed by the FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo while addressing the weekly press conference held on Thursday at the home of football in the country, FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala.

Our position from the start has been very clear. FUFA is a law abiding institution.

We have always put it clearly that we shall register.

We thank the minster for having taken the initiative to accept that FIFA officials meet Government representatives. Meeting gave us the opportunity to concentrate on development since the matter of registration was resolved.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo addressing the media on Thursday, 14th July 2016

The FUFA president also hinted on the numerous positives that arose from the meeting

The point of contravention was observed and it indeed it exists. But, Government has given the assurance they will not interfer although the regulations potential of interference.

The point of agreement here was that FIFA looks at actual interference and not the potential to interfer. Government guarantees that to support football development in the country which was a very great interface from the meeting.

The press conference was well attended by all the media houses in the country

He assures the public that indeed FUFA will complete the registration process by the set deadline of 10th August 2016.

July 14, 2016
Communications: FUFA Weekly press conference confirmed for Thursday, 14th July 2016

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) will host the weekly press conference on Thursday, 14th July 2016 at the home of football in Uganda, Mengo in Kampala.

According to the FUFA communications director, Ahmed Hussein, there are a number of issues to be conveyed to the public.

Key on the day’s agenda will be the release of the FUFA activity calendar for 2016/2017 season, release of referees promotional results, the launch of the Uganda Cranes match in Nakasongola (attached to the CSR Activity due on 23rd July 2016) and the forthcoming Referees’ Assessors course due this weekend in Njeru.

Members of the media are hereby invited for this press conference.

The press conference will start at 10 a.m, FUFA House.

July 13, 2016
Kampala Region Football Association to allow only certified coaches to handle clubs next season

Kampala Region Football Association (KRFA) have passed a resolution from their General Assembly held two weeks ago that non certified coaches will not be allowed to handle clubs at all levels starting with the 2016/2017 season.

During the handover ceremony of licenses to the successful coaches totaling to 94 for the FUFA Level I and CAF C, the chairman KRFA Idirisa Kasalirwe reminded the attentive gathering that included the Chief Guest FUFA Vice President Darius Mugoye that the Regional teams next season will be required to use only CAF C certified coaches while teams in the 4th and 5th Division leagues will use FUFA Level I coaches.

‘I would like to remind you of the resolutions passed in the last General Assembly that no regional club will be allowed to register without a CAF C licensed coach while relevant requirements for the 4th and 5th Division leagues is FUFA Level I’ said Kasalirwe at the function held on Monday afternoon at Jevine Hotel in Rubaga.

Bashir Mutyaba received his Certificate (CAF C) from Chief Guest FUFA Vice President Darius Mugoye (2nd L).

Mr. Mugoye who represented the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo told the coaches to remain professional.

‘Keep with in the rules and regulations governing the sport. Image is very important in this job. keep out of football politics as that are does not suit you at all’ said Mugoye.

Two of the coaches David Iga (FUFA Level I) and Ian Mutenda (CAF C) thanked FUFA for giving them the opportunity to undertake such courses.

Pix

Coach Faridah Bulega receives her CAF C certificate

Coach Asaph Mwebaze Jr (R) receives his certificate from Peter Nkugwa

L-R Geoffrey Kakembo, Geoffrey Juuko, Frank Mulindwa and Asumani Galiwango

FUFA Level I coaches in a group photo with Chief Guest Mr. Darius Mugoye

July 11, 2016
FUFA confirms FIFA team arrives on Monday for meeting with Sports Minister

FIFA have confirmed that a two man delegation from Zurich will travel to Uganda for a meeting with the Ministry of Education and Sports over the registration of FUFA under the new Sports regulations by National Council of Sports.

Mr. Luca Nicola (Manager Member Associations) and Mr. Rolf Tanner (Legal Counsel)will arrive on Monday morning for the meeting to be held on Tuesday 12th July, 2016.

The meeting will be held at the offices of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

‘Details in relation to the meeting on Tuesday will be released to the parties involved in time. It is a follow up meeting of the issue that has not been received well in certain circles but all will be solved. FUFA has fulfilled all requirements under the new guidelines from NCS by submitting the necessary documents’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein

The laws of the country and FIFA Statutes will guide the meeting on understanding the current situation before FUFA completes its registration under the new sports guidelines’

FUFA has highlighted to NCS that registration for the local soccer governing body under the Trusteeship Act contravenes with the FIFA statutes.

July 8, 2016
Grassroots football coaches get set for Festival at Kakyeka stadium in Mbarara on Friday

Thirty (30) participants from Western region of Uganda have received their certificates of participation after successfully completing a FIFA Grassroots football coaching course in Mbarara.

The new group included 8 women and 22 men and were selected from the 10 districts that make the Western region Football Association. They have been undergoing training sessions since Monday.

FIFA instructor Govinden Thondoo, who has been conducting the course, thanked the participants for being actively involved, and said he was waiting to see if they have grasped whatever they have been instructed about, in tomorrow’s Grassroots football festival at Kakyeka Stadium. The participants received their certificates today at Westland Hotel.

The certificates awards ceremony was presided over by Nyamitanga Division Mayor Moses Kajubi, and in attendance were FUFA Technical Director Asuman Lubowa, Western Region Football Association chairman Sseka Mutaka and National Grassroots Coordinator Willis Muwanguzi, FUFA women Development Hadijah Namuyanja and FUFA Education Officer Jackson Nyiima.

FIFA Instructor Govinden Thondoo (Standing) at the closing ceremony in Mbarara

Over 500 kids will be taken through the football skills at Kakyeka Stadium.

Participants who completed the course

Katamirwa Kenneth, Kasiba Andrew, Tumushabe Innocent, Owomujuni Augustine, Byekwaso Zaidi, Asiimwe Junior, Shuubi Kenedy, Komugisha Florence, Bukenya Moses Mukasa, Tumuhairwe Cleophas, Nuwagaba Asaph Geoffrey, Nambogo Saraha, Nasaazi K Brendah, Ndyayambagye Alex, Mugisha Bigirimana Leonard, Akanyesiimira Prize, Turyasingura Alex, Asingwire Silvanus, Twinomujuni Africano, Tumwehe Notham, Natuhwera Promise, Tweyanze Hilary, Asiimwe Immaculate, Rugabakora Resty, Kyomugisha Annet, Bbale Siraj Ssendyowa, Salim Twaha Blanden, Mugabi Thodius, Kamugisha Johnson and Atwogyeire Olive.

July 7, 2016
FUFA President wishes Ugandans, Entire Muslim community a blessed Eid Mubarak

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has joined hands in celebrating with the entire Muslim fraternity in Uganda and world over having successfully completed the 30 days of fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan and and wished them Eid Mubarak celebrations.

FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo in a special message wishes to appreciate the Muslim family for completing the Holy month of Ramadan.

On behalf of the FUFA Executive Committee members, delegates and staff, i convey the Federation’s heart felt appreciation for the Muslim fraternity in Uganda and world-over for completing the Holy month of Ramadan.

I wish them a bless Eid Mubarak day

‘It is Our Game, It is Our Country’

July 5, 2016
Crested Cranes back home safely

Uganda National women football team-Crested Cranes are back home from Kenya where they played an international friendly in Kisumu on Sunday afternoon. Despite the 4-0 loss to the Kenyans, the players talked to fufa.co.ug that it was a match that opened up their eyes and will be looking to the CECAFA Women championship in September.

Uganda was playing its first international match at senior level since 2012 when they played Democratic Republic of Congo.

FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein and National Teams Officer Patrick Ntege received the team at FUFA House.

‘We are proud of you. This is a young team that competed a very experienced side heading to the AFCON Women Championship in Cameroon later this year. Let us learn from the mistakes made in the match and plan ahead’ said Hussein who talked to the contingent briefly.

Head coach Majidah Nantanda is optimistic that her team will have improved by September for the regional championship.

Pix

July 4, 2016
Grassroots football: Western region welcomes trainers’ course, festival set for Friday at Kakyeka stadium

The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) Grassroots coaching course organised by FUFA for Western Region Football Association got underway today at Westlands Hotel, Mbarara.

Thee four day course will end on Thursday and climax with a grassroots football festival at Kakyeka stadium on Friday. The entire FUFA technical department is in Mbarara headed by Asumani Lubowa, Education Officer Jackson Nyiima and National Grassroots football Coordinator Willis Muwanguzi. They will be joined by Hadijah Namuyanja

Govinden Thondoo (standing) taking his class through the morning session at Westland Hotel in Mbarara

Twenty nine (29) participants from the districts that make up Western region football association are taking part in the course whose Instructor is FIFA’s Thondoo Govinden from Mauritius.

During the course, participants will under go theory and practical course units.

The new trainers will be taken on involved in handling young football enthusiasts during Friday’s festival still in Mbarara.

Participants in Mbarara

The function was officially opened on Monday morning by Western Region FA delegate to the Assembly Hajji Abbas Sendyowa. The chairman of the Western Region FA Seka Mutaka also attended.

Ssendyowa noted with gratitude that;

FUFA and FIFA have done a wonderful job in bringing this course and festival to Western Uganda. Our people here, love football. I am very confident the festival will attract many young children to Kakyeka stadium on Friday’

Grassroots football has already been launched in the regions of Kampala and Eastern. After Western, the programme will hit another soccer mad West Nile region.

MAIN: Group photo of participants, Chief Guest Hajji Abbas Ssendyowa and FIFA Instructor Thondoo in Mbarara on Monday morning

July 4, 2016
International friendly: Learning Curve for Nantanda’s Crested Cranes who fell to Kenya in Kisumu

Hosts Kenya Women National team-Harambe Starlets took the better of Uganda Crested Cranes’ lack of international exposure after a long lull to beat their rivals and neighbors 4-0 in an international friendly played at Moi Sports Stadium in Kisumu on Sunday afternoon.

It was the first international match for the Women senior team since Janaury 2012 against Democratic Republic of Congo however three years ago, the U-20 team played South Sudan and left them for dead by scoring 22 goals. Sandra Nabweteme who featured in that fixture against South Sudan was in the starting XI for Crested Cranes in Kisumu.

Christine Wanyana, Fatumah Matovu and an upcoming star player Stella Kaliba were part of teh senior team five years ago. The rest of the players in Kisumu today were representing their country for the first time at senior level.

It was totally a different story for the entire Crested Cranes coming from international wilderness of about five years as FUFA re-organised itself to create a viable structure for women development in Uganda that led to support from FIFA in form of equipment, courses and finances.

Team captains with the match referees of the day before kick-off

The match in Kisumu on Sunday is as a result of hard-work by various stakeholders in Uganda towards women football.

In the match proper, Kenya played like the hosts capitalising on the loose ends of Crested Cranes but Majidah Nantanda’s Ladies were holding on strong till the 16th minute when they conceded a a penalty that was converted by Mary Kinuthia. Just before the break, trouble brewed on the Crested Cranes side as first choice keeper Fatumah Matovu went for a challenge on a Kenyan player but resulted into a foul outside the penalty area which the day’s referee Wanjala did not hesitate in a warding a free kick.

Change had to be made as Joan Nakirya went off to pave way for Ruth Aturo to stand between the posts. She had not had enough time to warm up. Kenya took the lead from a free kick for the score to read 2-0 before they added two more for the match to end 4-0. Mary Kimuthia netted a brace while Wendy Achieng and Esse Akida also got their names on the scoresheet with a goal each.

Hasifah Nassuuna tried out a 40 yarder but went over the bar. Skipper Christine Wanyana showed her vast experience at the back by thwarting the aerial attacks while Shirazi Natasha went off before halftime but was a menace to the Kenyans with her skills and possession of the ball.

‘It was good trial match for the girls. It is a team with skill and talent. We shall go back home and start planning for the next championship in Kampala-CECAFA Women event’ said Majidah Nantanda shortly after the match.

Uganda Crested Cranes players pray before the match in Kisumu against Kenya

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo said ‘ Let us not look at the result. FUFA has created a pool of players from which the technical side can pick. The league and regional leagues are helping the players. Let’s plan for CECAFA Women championship in September’

With other foreign based players like Jean Sseninde expected to join the team in future from her base in UK, the Crested Cranes will be a team to beat.

‘I am still proud of everyone, the coaches, support team and players for the effort with little time we had to train. I am sure we shall build on that and do better with more support’ said Sseninde who plays for QPR Ladies in the England.

Uganda Crested Cranes head coach, Majidah Nantanda (left) with the Kenya Harambee Starlets head coach, David Ouma at the Moi stadium in Kisumu

July 3, 2016