Massive weekend it was for a number of Ugandan players abroad at their respective clubs but do you know how they fared?
In the Turkish Premier League, Faruku Miya was an unused as his Konyaspor FC side drew 2-2 at home against Sivasspor.
In Burundi, midfielder Brian Allan Kizza and defender Steven “Nesta” Mugisha guided Le messager Ngozi to the 2019/2020 Primus Burundi Ligue title after beating Inter stars 3-0 at home with one game left.
Le Messanger Ngonzi players celebrate with their trophy
Elsewhere, Robert Kakeeto came on for Andersen Lucas in the 63rd minute as his Aalborg FC side succumbed to a 4-0 loss on the road at Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga championship round.
Meanwhile, in the Israel Ligat Ha’al relegation round, stylish midfielder William Kizito Luwagga replaced Afriat Yahav in the 60th minute as his Hapoel Kfar Saba drew side 0-0 with Kiryat Shmona at home while
Kizito Luwagga (right) playing for Hapoel Kfar Saba in Israel
Dependable defender Timothy Awany featured for the entire 90 minutes as his Ashdod FC side drew 3-3 with Bnei Yehuda.
In the Slovakia Super League, Isaac Muleme came on for Vrabel Ondrej in the 66th minute as his FC Nitra downed Senica 2-0.
In Tanzanian Vodacom Premier League, right back Nicholas Wadada returned and played full time featured as his Azam FC side drew goalless on the road against Yanga Africans. played a stalemate draw.
Nicolas Wadada back at Azam
Boban Zirintusa was introduced in the 75th minute for Haruna Chanongo as his Mtibwa Sugar FC side drew goalless against Coastal Union.
In Swedish Suprettan, striker Alexis Bbakka got off the mark with his first season goal in the 54th minute as his Umea FC side drew 1-1 against Akropolis in a game he went on to be named man of the match.
Alexis Bbaka at Umea
Meanwhile, in the Allsvenskan, defender Ronald Ddungu Mukiibi featured in the entire game whereas Izak Ssewankambo came on in the 66th minute as their Ostersunds FK side shared spoils 0-0 against Orebro.
In the English Championship, Jordan Obita played full time as his Reading FC side drew 1-1 against Stoke City.
On Monday midfielder Moses Opondo provided an assist before being withdrawn in the 46th minute as his Odense FC side defeated Lyngby 1-2 on the road in the Danish Superliga relegation round.
#UgandanPlayersAbroad
Report compiled by Ronnie Lusulire-a presenter on 102.1 FUFA fm. Lusulire presents every Tuesday 8pm a programme called Tugukyangira Bunayiira dedicated to Uganda’s foreign based players.
MAIN PHOTO: Alexis Bbaka (left) in action for Umea FC in Sweden
Luweero based music producer-cum-HipPop singer David Walusimbi has a forte and undying love for football, especially on the domestic scene.
Walusimbi, whose trademark tag is “207 On The Beat – Bibiri Musanvu“, strongly believes that there is a positive synergy between music and football promotion.
David Walusimbi
“Music and football are similar on many fronts. Both need audiences and thus require promotion time over and again” Walusimbi who is an ardent fan of Bright Stars states.
Virtually, Walusimbi agitates for local content without fear or favour and has collected a wide range of club jerseys in the top tier StarTimes Uganda Premier League, StarTimes FUFA Big League as well as the regional leagues.
Walusimboi shares a moment with Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstryWalusimbi at Namboole Stadium to cheer Masaza cup
His current collection of jerseys have Uganda Cranes, Police, Wakiso Giants (black), Luweero United (red), Wakiso Giants (purple), Wakiso Giants (white), KCCA (yellow), KCCA (green), BUL (red) and Bright Stars (Blue); and he is still collecting.
Walusimbi’s collection of jerseys
“My goal is to use music marketing to help promote football domestically. This is the reason why I wear only locally based club jerseys including the treasured Uganda Cranes uniform” Walusimbi confesses.
He strongly asserts that this journey is a collective duty where the local media has to wholesomely embrace and support as well as the will power of the respective clubs.
David Walusimbi the music producer and singer
“Local media has to be supportive in this noble cause. Also, the clubs have to openly express their willingness to embrace this whole idea of marketing their merchandise, use of brand ambassadors who can be musicians” he adds.
Walusimbi vividly recounts the time when Wakiso Giants hired Jose Chameleon as their brand ambassador.
As a Hip Pop musician, he has released many hit songs and recently finished second in the MTN Hip-pop cypher competition where he used local football references in the song.
Walusimbi in the Savannah studiosWalusimbi waters the Kasana Luwero play groundWalusimbi in studios as he donned the KCCA FC Jersey
“They say change starts with you. So to make people love local sports. I spot it that way. Jerseys and music. Because I have a fair following on social media. The honest reason why I get all those Jerseys to make my community Luweero and the rest of Uganda to support local football” he adds.
Walusimbi as he recorded the latest song, Dear Zamba – the write back
He urges footballers to make optimal use of the new media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, My Space, Linkedln and on their personal websites) to market themselves further, the same way musicians do it.
Also, Walusimbi preaches the same message to clubs to invest in local jerseys.
Walusimbi during a recent visit at the FUFA HouseWalusimbi (extreme right) on the Musicians XIWalusimbi with football fans
As a Hip-pipo musician, Walusimbi has produced a wide range of songs such as Yasamira Eyo, Underground meets Mainstream, Mean, Mwana Gwe, Yenze Mulekwa, Mawulire Mabi, Kayinja Mugato and the latest Dear Zamba, the write back among others.
The international football fixtures involving Uganda Cranes will not be played until early September this year. The last time the national senior team-Cranes played a fixture was against Malawi at Mandela National stadium-Namboole in the 2021 AFCON Qualifiers.
With league football resuming around the globe after the Covid-19 pandemic forced organisers to call off the games, Uganda foreign based players have got the chance to join the mix as well.
Our 102.1 FUFA fm presenter of the popular Tugukyangira Bunayiira football show Ronnie Lusulire brings you a detailed report of how the Ugandan players showcased their talent over the weekend in various football leagues. The Tugukyangira Bunayiira show is dedicated to coverage of Ugandan football players plying their trade abroad. The show runs every Tuesday from 10 pm (EAST) to Midnight.
Lusulire co-hosts the show with Sinan Rajub (www.swiftsportsug.com) and experienced Abu Zikusooka a presenter on 102.1 FUFA fm. This website will run weekly reports about Ugandan players playing abroad.
Ronnie Lusulire in the 102.1 FUFA fm studios. He delivers content about Uganda’s foreign based players on the show called Tugunkyangira Bunayiira every Tuesday at 10pm (EAST)
The Ugandan players in action over the weekend
Israel is the home of two Ugandan intentional players William Kizito Luwagga and Timothy Awany. In the Ligat Ha’al relegation round, Timothy Awany played the entire game as his Ashdod FC side returned to winning ways defeating Sektzia Nes Tziona 2-0 at home.
Timothy Awany with the thumbs up signal
Kizito came on in the 82nd for Amadou Soukouma as his Hapoel Kfar Saba drew goalless at Hapoel Hadera.
Luwagga Kizito (R)
In the Slovakia super league match day one, left full back Isaac Muleme played full time as his FC Nitra side lost 2-1 away at Zlate Moravce.
Isaac Muleme (R) in cation for his club
Meanwhile the Turkish Premier League returned with Faruku Miya coming on in the in the 66th minute for Deni Molosevic but his side Konyaspor FC side lost 2-1 at Genclerbirligi.
Elsewhere, inform striker Edrisa Lubega started the match but later got substituted in the 72nd minute by Kristopher Piht as his club Paide Linammeskond beat Trans 2-1 at home in the Estonia Meistrilliga.
Idris Lubega (2nd R) with his eyes on the ball in attack.
In the Vietnam Premier League, Moses Oloya wasn’t in the match day squad as his Hanoi T&T side drew goalless at Hong Linh HaTinh.
Meanwhile forward Joseph Mpande once again skippered Haiphong as they fell 5-0 away at Binh Duong FC.
Skipper Joseph Mpande
Midfielder Geofrey Baba Kizito played full time as his Than Quang Ninh side drew 1-1 at Vietel.
Baba Kizito attempts to use his left football to take control of the ball
In Sweden, the Allsvenskun kicked off with Ronald Mukiibi’s Ostersunds FK falling 2-0 at Hammarby. Mukiibi played full time while Izak Ssewankambo was stretched off injured in the 81st minute with Samuel Mensah taking his place.
Meanwhile in the Danish Premier league, midfielder Robert Kakeeto came on for Magnus Christensen in the 74th minute as his Aalborg side defeated Midtjylland 2-0 at home.
Moses Opondo and his Odense FC side will be in action this evening as they visit Silkenborg.
In Tanzania, right back Nicholas Wadada wasn’t in Azam FC’s match day squad after returning late as they beat Mbao 2-0 at home in the Tanzania Premier League.
Just like the Uganda Premier League, the Botswana Premier league was also ended prematurely due to Covid- 19 following the Botswana football Association National Executive Committee meeting on 14th June 2020.
Midfielder Ivan Mbowa’s Township rollers finished in 2nd place with 40 points from 20 games, Lawrence Ndugga’s Orapa united finished in 3rd place with 40 points from 20 games while Deus Bukenya and Martin Opolot’s Prison XI finished in 6th place on 32 points.
Fixtures this week
Swedish Second division (Suprettan) kicks off on Tuesday 16th June 2020. Striker Alexis Bakka is expected to make his league debut for UMEA FC as they Visit GIF Sundsvall.
Wednesday 17th June 2020: In the Vietnam Premier League, Joseph Mpande’s Haiphong FC will host Baba’s Than Quang Nigh while Moses Oloya’s Hanoi will host Song Lam Nghe An on Thursday.
On Thursday 18th June 2020: Ronald Mukiibi’s Ostersunds FK will return into action as they host Sirius in the Swedish Premier League.
9 out of 14 clubs attended the consultative meeting at FUFA Complex inMengo
Licensing exercise starts on 22nd June 2020
Monthly breakfast meetings between FUFA and UPL Clubs agreed on
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has held a successful consultative meeting with first division clubs(Uganda Premeir Legaue Clubs) and the UPL Board at the FUFA Executive House in Mengo, Kampala on Wednesday, 10 June 2020. Nine (9) of the forteen (14) clubs in the top flight attended the meeting.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo chaired the two and a half hour meeting whose main agenda among others was to brainstorm on ideas on how best to run club football in the country in preparation for the 2020/2021 football season. The key issues from the consultative meeting ranged from Club licensing activity calendar, StarTimes UPL League kick off date, 2nd phase of FUFA Club Pro Agenda, FUFA Club licensing regulations, FUFA and UPL to hold monthly breakfast meetings to improve communication between the two entities. Discussion on FUFA Competitions reforms was deferred to 18th June 2020
Here are key Club Licensing activities and datesset
Consultative meetings with UPL Clubs 18th June 2020
Release of Club Licensing Regulations 22nd June 2020
Expression of interest to participate in the 2020/21 UPL season 23rd-26th June 2020
Phase II of the FUFA Clubs Pro Agenda for UPL Clubs 1st-10th July 2020
Submission of License application by clubs and all supporting documentation 13th-24th July 2020
First Review and decisions by First Instance Body (FIB) regarding all clubs’ license applications 27th-29th July 2020
First Inspection of Clubs’ Facilities (Office premises, Stadiums and training grounds 6th-13th August 2020
Closure of submission and uploading of Players’ documents on FIFA Connect System& Domestic Transfer Matching system (DTMS) 14th August 2020
Second review and decision by First Instance Body(FIB) regarding all clubs’ license applications Criteria Bv& report on current status 17th August 2020
Second inspection of Clubs’ Facilities (Office premises, Stadiums and training grounds 4th September 2020
Final decisions by the Appeals Body regarding any appeals submitted by clubs 7th-11th September 2020
Release of final list of Clubs to UPL Secretariat 14th September 2020
Release of final fixtures of UPL by UPL Secretariat 17th September 2020
UPL League kick off 17th October.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
To our understanding as FUFA, we delegated the responsibility to run the league to the UPL Board or FUFA Super Legaue Limited (FSLL). The delegated authority of the company called FSLL has shareholders – the clubs. We are all aware how companies operate as Board of Directors as appointed by the clubs and have the mandate to represent them. FUFA has continuously engaged the UPL Board for matters that probably concern the clubs. I have also been informed on a number of occasions that there are meetings that have been going on between the Board and the clubs. So, our interpretation as FUFA is that there has been consultation on a number of occasions. In areas where we have not performed, we shall improve amicably. I’m the head of the institution and I take full responsibility; we need to improve upon the communication between FUFA and the UPL Clubs. It is an area we have taken as positive criticism’
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo (M) with FUFA Exco Member Rogers Byamukama (L) and KCCA FC Vice Chairman Aggrey Ashaba
‘There is lack of proper communication between FUFA and UPL. We also need to listen to each other more. The inclusion of all stakeholders especially clubs is key in the game. We must have the data and analysis of previous licensing exercise so that it helps in the future. We also need to get the correct trend of compliance to see whether the shortfalls are in the areas of knowledge, skills or finance.
If the shortfall are in finance, then the FA and clubs work to see how to support clubs.
It is important to include the clubs in planning and lobbying for funding from Government and FIFA because the industry is just developing’ KCCA FC Vice Chairman Aggrey Ashaba
KCCA FC Vice Chairman Aggrey Ashaba
At club level, FUFA needs to maintain the good flow of information to the clubs. The other concern is about the prize money and the Stanbic Uganda Cup competition which was disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic – URA FC Member Moses Kaduyu.
URA FC General Secretary Moses Kaduyu
We are grateful for the good planning and programmes highlighted in the FUFA President’s address. There are concerns that we need to address to the federation through UPL. The cost of maintaining a club in Uganda is very high. We have been struggling as clubs to make ends meet. For salaries alone, a club needs more than Shs 10M per month. There is something big that clubs need to be addressed especially through this COVID-19 crisis – George William Mulindwa, Chairman Vipers SC
George William Mulindwa, Chairman Vipers SC
We held a meeting last year in Bukoto. We highlighted the need for stakeholders’ forum. It was intended to compare and contrast. We also put in place various forums to compare notes and hear from each other. Issues of licensing, change of names, financial assistance have been echoed out- FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi
FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi addressed the meeting via digital technology (zoom). She also represented Express FC as authorised by the Club Chairman. The participants listen to the FUFA Club Licensing Chairman Rogers Mulindwa during the consultative meeting
As the new FUFA club licensing chairman, I take my responsibility without fear or favour. Club licensing is the kitchen of football across the world. Governance, financial stability and standards are vey key. We need to move together with owners, leaders and technical staff to develop the game. The action plan is well laid out and ready to start – FUFA Club Licencing Chairman Rogers Mulindwa
Rogers Mulindwa, FUFA Executive Committee Member &Club Licencing Chairman
We had a successful meeting where 9 Clubs of the expected 14 attended. This meeting gave the FUFA President Eng. Magogo an opportunity to clarify on several pertinent issues in club football. There was a resolution that there will be monthly breakfast meetings between clubs and the federation to iron out issues. Clubs were notified that the promised funding from FIFA meant to assist them will soon be released. Decolas Kiiza-FUFA Deputy CEO in Charge of Football
Decolas Kiiza- FUFA Deputy CEO- Football
National Documents (Passports and National Identification Cards) are needed for players’ registration. We need proper documentation for a successful exercise and start to the new season. We will not entertain provisional documents’ – Hajati Aisha Nalule, FUFA Competitions Director
UPL Chairman Arinatiwe Rugyendo making his submission during the meeting
Enemies cannot build, only friends can do that work. Friends dialogue and do not fight. Prize money has increased, there is money for clubs on the continent and many things are coming. We are on a new revolution. The attitude has changed. We need to develop the game with positive ideas. The board is working on a plan to bring more sponsors, great rebranding, repackaging the game, more stakeholders’ meetings and other things catered for in the strategic pack. – Uganda Premier League Board Chairman Arinatiwe Rugyendo
UPL Board Chairman Arinaitwe RugyendoSc Villa Chairman William Nkemba driving home a point.FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha during the meetingFUFA 2nd Vice President Darius MugoyeMYDA FC Chairman Hajji Jamal Ngobi (2nd L) with UPL team
Attendance:
Eng. Moses Magogo – FUFA President
Justus Mugisha – FUFA 1st Vice President
Darius Mugoye – FUFA 2nd Vice President
Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi – FUFA 3rd Vice President (Via Zoom)/Express FC
Hamid Juma – FUFA Executive Committee/ Chairman FCC
Rogers Byamukama – FUFA Executive Committee/ Former Chairman FLC
Since 8th June 2010, Airtel Uganda Limited officially launched their services in Uganda and has since established themselves as the country’s leading telecommunications company.
Airtel Uganda is the main sponsor of the Uganda Cranes but have also joined hands to support the FUFA Awards, FUFA Juniors League, Airtel Rising Stars U-17 boys and girls competition, Masaza football tournament as well as the Kabaka’s Birthday run.
The FUFA President, also a CAF Executive Committee Member Eng. Moses Magogo has heaped praise on Airtel Uganda and their strong bond, association with Ugandan football and sport in general.
Ten Years of Airtel in Uganda. Having started with 2.5 million subscribers, it is 10 million subscribers today.
As football, as a fraternity of the most beautiful game, we are very proud of our association with Airtel, the biggest supporter of Ugandan football and Ugandan sports.
Uganda Cranes qualified for AFCON after 38 years
We already have our association with the Uganda Cranes, the U-17 League, the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS), The FUFA Awards, The Masaza Cup and together with the Kabaka Birthday Run.
Launch of the 2018 Airtel Rising StarsKatuuso Community girls pose with the Airtel Uganda and FUFA officials at Lugogo during the launch of 2018 ARS U-17 programme
As Sport, we are very proud of this association that Airtel has committed and lived up to its commitment to change the tide of sport in this country.
It is not by coincidence that after 37 years of failing to qualify for the Total Africa Cup of Nations, it is until our association with Airtel that this happened.
Airtel Uganda Brand and Strategy manager Noela Byuma hands over the dummy cheque to FUFA officials as sponsorship for the FUFA Juniors LeagueKCCA FC Head Coach Mike Mutebi receiving his best Male coach of the Years award from Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi during the 2018 Airtel FUFA AwardsL-R, FUFA CEO Watson, FUFA VP1 J. Mugisha, FUFA President Magogo, Katikiro of Buganda Owek Charles Peter Mayiga, Buganda Sports Minister Owek Sekabembe ,Masaza Cup Chairman Sejjengo and BFPC Sam MpiimaAirtel Kabaka Birthday runAirtel has supported the Kabaka Birthday for over 7 years
We are proud and call upon all Ugandans, the followers of the most beautiful game, the lovers of sport in this country to associate with Airtel, buy all their products, support all their endeavors, we can only get better.
The President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has delivered a strong message to all the 211 Member Associations across the world.
Through a video message published on the FIFA TV, Infantino talks about the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19, the brave approach about the pandemic, the gradual steps of having the game played by the individual member associations and FIFA’s measures as the beautiful game steadily returns to the scene.
Dear friends, I hope that you, your families and friends are safe, well and fine.
Even if we are distant, we remain one team and united we support those who have been suffering during this different time.
Following my last message, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an update concerning with the activities at FIFA, starting with the thanking the Bureau of the Council for its activities over the past few two months.
You have seen the medical recommendations we issued last week, to support the road map to the restart of competitions which always keep in mind the most important principle “Health comes first”.
Also, the possibility you have now to opt for five substitutions as the same purpose, protect the health in this case of our players in this case.
We need to maintain public health as the priority while not forgetting the well-being of the players, officials and everyone who participates in any football activity.
FIFA trusts the judgment that you, together with the Governments and health authorities of your countries have made or will make.
We hope that the WHO risk assessment tool and our guidelines can help you in deciding the best cause of action.
Football is already underway or about to restart in several countries. It gives us and all the football fans across the globe some hope for the future.
However, we also have to understand and respect the different decisions especially from those amongst us who still need more time to be sure that the restart can be done in a way that is safe for everyone.
Tolerance and understanding are important especially in these days. I suppose FIFA supports every one of you. There isn’t any one right answer to all the situations. Each country is different with different context and no one better than you knows the best way to deal with these enormous challenges.
And let us not forget that there is always need to be a place for fans. Football without spectators is clearly not the same. We need to be patient when considering the right time to bring back the fans back to the stadia. We will continue to work tirelessly but also discretely and respectfully to move beyond these temporary measures and to ensure that fans are welcomed back in a safe and responsible way.
Difference; this is a time to work together, to share experiences and to help one another.
Through this solidarity, the Bureau will also find the solutions to shape a better football for the future.
The need for top club football to resume has understandably taken priority, but we must we must also consider national teams, women football, lower tier domestic leagues and the grass-roots game. We have to show unity across all aspects of football and make sure football can resume in its globality.
This is our priority and our financial relief plan will also follow this principle.
In a constructive spirit of concentration that seeks to benefit of all football, FIFA is working hard to present a positive solution to the FIFA Council in the coming weeks.
We are developing a system which is manageable but also on its best. We want the financial relief plan to have a broad reach that includes women’s football that operates in a modern efficient and transparent way. This means having a robust governance structure which ensures accountability on how the financial sums will be allocated.
On another very important topic namely the international match calendar, I am happy to report that we also made some good progress in consultation with different stake holders, we are closer to present the balanced solution that takes into account everyone’s challenges and needs.
I have mentioned consultations on several occasions and if we can take out one positive element from this situation, it is certainly that thanks to you and through FIFA, football has definitely created an active and healthy channel for dialogue and discussions on all aspects of our sport.
As the entire world is aggressively battling the effects of COVID-19, sports on general has been adversely affected. There has been no football action for over three months in most countries of the world, including Uganda. This situation has forced players to train at the confines of their respective home steads, coaches are offering tips and monitoring the players online whilst the administrators have used this period to lay strategies before football resumes.
Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan Mckinstry, in a special interview with www.fufa.co.ug shares how the pandemic has affected him, the behind the scenes planning process and how he closely monitors the players.
QUESTION:This seems to be an awkward period in your coaching career. The world is on its knees due to Covid-19. Has this ever happened to you before?
MCKINSTRY: This is a new situation for the entire world. I do not think anyone has experienced this situation in the entire world. I faced a similar situation in 2014 unfortunately in Sirrea Leone during the Ebola pandemic. It posed very unique challenges and some of which are quite similar. We have not figured out the best way forward. The current epidemic is something new to everybody in the entire world.
Uganda Cranes coach Johnathan McKinstry demonstrates some of the dills that can be executed in minimal spaces
QUESTION:CAF and FIFA are yet to communicate on the latest developments in regard to the international fixtures. How are you anxiously waiting for this communication?
MCKINSTRY: Obviously, everyone is waiting for guidance from FIFA and CAF in terms of how we are going to proceed. We have international windows in September, October and November and hopefully the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January 2021. I know there are lots of discussions going on if we shall go on or postponed. At the moment, if we can start to play in September. We have four games in that window. But nobody knows how this pandemic is going to unfold. Progress is being monitored not only here in Uganda but across the African continent because If one of our opponents is still struggling with the pandemic, then we can not play. We patiently waiting. The other thing most of the people are not aware about is that in football, when you are making plans, you plan backwards from the moment you are due to play. So, if you do not know when you are going to play, it makes the planning process difficult. That also puts us in a difficult situation Everybody is in the same scenario.
Defender Timothy Awany is back into active football in the Israel National football league
QUESTION: When you broke off the CHAN Cranes camp, you shared some fitness videos for the players. Are they still using the same programme?
MCKINSTRY: We are actively working in the background. We are in constant communication with the players and discussions with them everyday. We have an online learning platform for all our players where every week we are engaging not just our foreign based players but also the home based players. Aware that some players have robust training programmes by their respective clubs, we are acting as a supplementary for them and many of them have sent pictures to show the amount of space they have as we advise according on what kind of drills they can do.
McKinstry gives defender Geofrey Wasswa instructions during the CHAN tournament preparations
QUESTION:How often are you in touch with the foreign based players during this Covid-19 era even when their football seasons have been off?
MCKINSTRY: Like said, before, we have an online platform for all the players. are actively working in the Socially, It can be a case of phone calls and whats app. Also, we are getting into the situation when football is returning. For example, Luwagga Kizito (Hapoel Kfar Saba) and Timothy Denis Awany (F.C. Ashdod) played in Isreal last weekend as well as Robert Kakeeto (AaB) who played the full 90 minutes in the Danish top flight division. We are starting to have our players get back to the field of play. In the coming weeks, we are getting more and more players coming into action. The Swedish league is coming back soon, the South African league.
William Luwagga Kizito dribbles the ball. He is back from injury and played 65 minutes last Saturday
QUESTION:When you named the Cranes Squad for AFCON 2021 Qualifiers against South Sudan, there were some players who were recovering from injuries and missed out on the call ups. What’s the latest on these players?
MCKINSTRY:All these players are doing well. With the forced break in football, nobody welcomed it. But it has been a period for most players to fully recover from their ailments.In March for instance Faruku Miya was injured but he is now doing well and will be ready to play when the Turkish league resumes. Kizito Luwaga in Isreal is back and played 65 minutes last Saturday for his club Hapoel Kfar Saba. The biggest challenge is now match fitness. When you have not played for so long, it is tiring and physically demanding. That is where they need to improve but it is the same situation for all footballers everywhere in the world.
Faruku Miya and youngster Allan Okello share a light moment before a warm up session at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has identified 13 teams that will be used for the FIFA analysis of football eco-system for talent development in Uganda.
In a circular dated 3rd June 2020, the FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe elaborated this new FIFA initiative aimed at helping member associations to bridge the gap in top national team performance, giving each talented player a chance and reaching its full potential in men and women football competitions.
There are three leading academies, four girls football teams, five boys football teams and one football team that combines both boys as well as girls.
Vipers Junior Team player Ivan Ashaba in action against Onduparaka Junior Team during the 2018 FUFA Juniors League final at Lugogo.
The leading academies catergory has Vipers Junior Team, KCCA Junior Team and Kampala Junior Team.
The teams under Girls Football are Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, Uganda Martyrs High School Rubaga, Taggy High School and Isra Soccer Academy.
In Boys Football; Rays of Grace Junior Academy,Alfa Football Academy, Sparta 09 Football Academy, Lion Sport Soccer Academy Ntungamo and Kasese Bronken Sports Academy.
Edgars Youth Programme combines both Boys & Girls Football.
For the year 2020, FIFA has set to analyse the global football eco-system with analysis in each of the participating Member Associations to develop a better global understanding of talent development for boys and girls, to make observations that match the national reality in recent years and to identify critical success factors. Each of the 13 teams that will be engaged online for the above analysis by FIFA through a Belgian Company “double pass”. – Ali Mwebe, FUFA Football Development Director
Ali Mwebe- FUFA Football Development Director
Each of the selected teams has up to Monday June 8, 2020 as deadline to confirm their participation.
The President of the World’s football federation, Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino has sent a message of condolence to FUFA, the family of the late Jimmy Kirunda and the entire Ugandan football fraternity.
In a message delivered through the FUFA President, Infantino expresses his sympathy to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), and to Jimmy’s family, friends and loved ones.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo hands an award to the late Jimmy Kirunda
The detailed message (In verbatim):
I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of former international player and coach, Jimmy Kirunda.
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss affecting Uganda football.
During his playing career, Jimmy captained Uganda’s national team during ten years, and participated in three CAF Africa Cups of Nations in 1974, 1976 and in 1978, where the Cranes reached the final, their best performance until today. During his time with the national team, he also won five CECAFA Cups.
At club level, he will be remembered for his career at Express FC and KCC FC, where he notably won three league titles and two Uganda cups, SC Villa, where he added one league title and one Uganda Cup to his trophy room, as well as Abu Dhabi Sports Club in the UAE.
After his retirement, he managed different clubs in Uganda, as well as the national team between 1989 and 1996, winning three CECAFA Cup titles in 1989, 1990 and 1992.
Uganda football legend, longest serving national team captain, considered as one of the greatest African players of his generation, defender with style, class and elegance, but also top scorer of the national league, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his friendly personality, his leadership and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed.
On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Federation of Uganda Football Associations, and to Jimmy’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you.
We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time.
The Football family in Uganda and the world at large is still in shock following the sudden passing on of former Uganda Cranes captain and Manager Jimmy Kirunda.
Kirunda was pronounced dead on Monday, 25th May 2020 moments after collapsing at Bwaise in Kampala.
Jimmy Kirunda (2nd L) in the Uganda Cranes team. The legend passed on Monday
‘The demise of Jimmy Kirunda will leave a huge gap in our game. He made his contribution on the pitch as a player, Manager, administrator and advisor. On the eve of the Uganda Cranes vs Comoros match in 2016, Kirunda and other legends of the 1978 AFCON Squad talked to the Cranes team on how they were on the verge to to take Uganda back to the Continent. He will remain a legend of the game who contributed tirelessly with a good return of results on and off the pitch’ FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo
According to the family, the burial of the body remains will take place on Wednesday, 27th May 2020 at 2 PM at his ancestral home in Mayire, Bulesa – Kyadondo.
Jimmy Kirunda (holding microphone) with a message of hope during a FUFA organized luncheon for the diligent ex-internationals Abbey Nasur and Paul Ssali ahead of Uganda vs Comoros AFCON match in 2016. The words of encouragement delivered by the legends played a part in helping Captain Denis Onyango and his teammates to beat Comoros 1-0 to qualify for AFCON after 39 years of waiting.
‘I was shocked because I spoke to him three hours before he was pronounced dead. He sounded very normal. When the news about the death broke, as FUFA and members of the football family, we ran very fast and establish the fact. We joined the family at Mulago. There is no best word that will describe Jimmy Kirunda than legend. He was a mentor to many, a real legend, a counselor and advisor. He served as personal assistant to former FUFA President Dr Lawrence Mulindwa to the early years of Eng. Moses Magogo. Football has lost a real football legend” FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson.
Former Uganda Cranes captain Geofrey Massa and midfielder Khalid Aucho join the legends before that much awaited AFCON qualifier against Comoros
Kirunda has often frequented local and international matches for clubs and the Uganda Cranes, often advising youngsters on what should be done and how.
Jimmy Kirunda (left) conducts one of the numerous pre-match customs as a Uganda Cranes captain
About Jimmy Kirunda:
Jimmy Kirunda was born in 950 to late Henry Kirunda and Constance Nawalu at Mulago, a famous footballing hub in Uganda.
He held his elementary education at Mengo Primary School, Naggalama and later Old Kampala SSS.
Kirunda joined Mulago FC in 1965, before moving to Express, KCC and Sports Club Villa.
He played professional football at Abu Dhabi sports club in 1979, a year after skippering the Uganda Cranes to the AFCON final in Ghana.
Three league titles with KCC FC and one with S.C Villa in 1982 where they went the entire season unbeaten are just a few of many accolades the former Cranes team manager amassed in his career.
He captained Uganda for ten years and played in three Africa Cup of Nations (1974, 1976 & 1978)
He won the CECAFA Cup with Uganda (1969, 1970, 1973, 1976 & 1977)
As Cranes Team Manager, he won three CECAFA Cup titles (1989, 1990 & 1992)
He won three league titles with KCC (1976, 1977 and 1981) and two Uganda Cups (1980 & 1984)
He also won a league title with Villa (1982) and one Uganda Cup (1983)
His brothers William Kityo and Dick Bintanula played for KCC and Mulago respectively.
He top-scored the league in 1978 with 32 goals
He coached three clubs (Bell, Buikwe & Cooperative)
He returned to football in 1987 and featured for his Ngeye clan team
Worked at FUFA Secretariat in the office of former FUFA President Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa and current FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo on football matters before retiring in 2015.
Jimmy Kirunda conducted the draws of the 1st edition of the FUFA Drum at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
When two legends were invited to conduct the FUFA Drum Draws: Uganda Cranes skipper Denis Onyango displays a draw as 1978 Cranes Captain Jimmy Kirunda (L) and FUFA Competitions Director Hajati Aisha Nalule follow the event at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
When Onduparaka Football Club started as a community club way back in 2011, one player, Alex Gasper “The Rock” Adriko was one of the founding pillars with the team.
Right as a village team that played leisure football, one step led to the other and the club at the moment commands one of the biggest fan base in the country.
It was registered in the Arua District Football League, got promoted to the regional, Star Times FUFA Big League and now in the top tier Star Times Uganda Premier League since 2015.
Right back Adriko thus far remains the most loyal servant having stuck to the club through the thick and thin moments.
In an interview with www.fufa.co.ug, Adriko reflects back to the early challenges, boldly shares the opportunities and benefits that have come with playing the beautiful game, discusses the best and worst moments at Onduparaka and his future plans.
Alex Gasper “The Rock” Adriko
QUESTION: When did you start playing football?
Adriko: I started playing football when I was young in primary, we used to follow Big players and watch them play.i started playing at the inception of oduparaka football club, when it was nothing yet.
QUESTION: What opportunities can you boast of from the beautiful game of football?
Adriko:There are many good things football has brought to me. The first one is that I have known many people. Secondly, football helped me avoid friends who used to eat miraa (khat), mairungi and all those other drugs.
Best of all, football has helped improve my family and am looking for brighter things yet to come.
QUESTION: Share with us your best match in life
Adriko: Actually, there are two games I have enjoyed. The first one was Onduparaka against KCCA in the first season we were playing in the Uganda Premier League. Then, the recent game this season against Vipers at St Mary’s Kitende. In the two matches, we lost the battles but i really felt I played to my best.
QUESTION: No question, you are arguably the longest serving player at Onduparaka Football Club. Why have you lived so long with the club. Did you get any offers from other clubs?
Adriko: I have stayed here for a long time because of the good relationship with the club chairman (Benjamin Nyakuni). He has been good to all of us all this time. He has advised and counseled us. He told us the future will be bright and good things are yet to come. When someone like the chairman is good to you, you need not to disappoint them and that is why I have been here for so long otherwise I had offers but I did not want to disappoint him so I have stuck around (laughs).
Adriko in action for Onduparaka
QUESTION:Football is a game of high and low moments? Point out your lowest moment in football?
Adriko:That career ending injury I got which lasted for almost 2 seasons. I was kept out of active football for very long but I kept the faith. I am glad to be back to full fitness.
QUESTION:Which has been your worst game played at Onduparaka?
Adriko: The match we (Onduparaka) lost to Jinja Municipal Council Hippos at Nakivubo Stadium during the FUFA Big League play off final. It remains my worst game and I hate watching those videos…. aaah I don’t want to even remember that game (Laughs)
QUESTION: Among the players you have faced, who do you regard as your toughest opponent?
Adriko: It is Viane Ssekajuko (former Onduparaka left winger, now at Wakiso Giants). However much I prepare, he always torments me. He has the brains and speed. Each time we meet, he gives me really hard time but later in the game I try to tame him (Smiles).
Alex Gasper Adriko (left) tackles Viane Ssekajugo, his toughest opponent faced thus far
QUESTION:Football is about the past, present and future. Where do you see yourself in 2 years’ time?
Adriko: In 2 years, I am braced for fresh challenges ahead of me. Who knows, I will not be probably at Onduparaka. Next season, I want to up my game and other clubs look for me. I have been impeded by injuries but now am okay and focused on trying new ventures. Am sure if I leave people will still be happy for me because I have been loyal to the club and given my best at all the times.
QUESTION: What message do you leave to the general public?
Adriko: If you have any child out there and has the talent allow the child to express themselves in that talent and always support that talent in anyway possible.
What others say:
This is great. Such players in these modern times should be celebrated – FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo
We Salute Gasper for standing the taste of time , Being with us all through. We know that you are all about the team. We hope you will take a moment to reflect on a career that has seen transformation all through, new mates, many runs over the years.. Congrats Gasper. Here is a Goodluck for continued UPL with the Caterpillars – Onduparaka Football Club
Today I choose to celebrate the most loyal player to ONDUPARAKA FOOTBALL CLUB. He has been with the club right from 5th division today’s. Such loyalty is very rare, join me in saluting a football hero, Adriko Adriko Gasper ” the rock” – Mike Letti, West Nile Region FA Football Delegate
Gasper Adriko has always given his all for Onduparaka Football Club. He is Catarpillar’s number one fan since time immemorial – Gadafi Wahabu, former captain at Onduparaka FC
In life, you rarely find as loyal players as Gapser Adriko. His loyalty has definitely moved him far. He is also a hardworking and disciplined player – Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, former coach at Onduparaka FC
Gasper Adriko is a rare breed of a player. So hardworking and very, very disciplined. I loved working with him for all my time at Onduparaka Football Club – Allan Kabonge, former coach at Onduparaka
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) remains firmly rooted in the dark clouds of COVID-19 that have engulfed the world, Uganda inclusive.
In the latest address, the FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo at FUFA House in Mengo – Kampala, hinted about the latest financial status of the federation, the status of all the FUFA competitions and the effect of COVID-19 in the sporting industry (football in particular), the mitigation plan as well as the lessons learnt from this deadly pandemic.
Eng. Magogo hinted about the reserve fund that FIFA and FUFA has always planned.
“We get lessons from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic as FUFA, as the football industry but we need to engage our gears. Whatever success you make is just a shadow of a new challenge emerges. Consequently, we need to plan better. We need to involve a lot of resources – time, people and money for the game to continue to develop and serve those who enjoy, play and work for it. At the Executive level, we have decided that we need to find means of creating a reserve fund that should be continually built in the time when we have a little more resources. I am aware FUFA has never had enough but we will cut our cloth. Today, FIFA has a billion dollar in the reserve fund. This is something which was started some time back. If there is any support to this COVID-19 effect, it will definitely come from this reserve fund. We need to raise our advocacy especially in matters where have been talking about in area of infrastructure. We must continue to sing the song of proper infrastructure, to advocate with Government and private sector for a way forward” Eng Moses Magogo remarked.
Eng. Magogo also hinted that FUFA is engaging Government with a paper being prepared on some of the possible suggestions such that football can be reopened in terms of schedule and the way forward.
Better still, how football is an economic activity employing people and not leisure therefore qualifies to get a stimulus like all other sectors, paying taxes in more than 10 billion shillings per year (FUFA).
Eng Moses Magogo, the FUFA PresidentKey highlights about the financial status as submitted by the FUFA President:
The fate of activities, what we have done, what requests we have received and what we ought to do for the future. One of our sources of funding, Government has been severely affected. It should be noted that the government funding is not received in totality as budget cuts are always done here and there. And in the next financial year, there is also an expected budget cut. Our own internal sources have been affected too. Our own revenue is also affected. We are having discussions going on with the various sponsors. Merchandising and match day revenue are all affected.
The third source of revenue FIFA. I go on record that there is no other extra funding that FUFA has received from FIFA. There was a lot of confusion when FIFA released the first part of the 500,000 dollars.
The funds had been initially planned to undertake certain activities.
FUFA received a request of at least 1 billion from Uganda Premier League (UPL). The decision of the FUFA Executive on the matter is that FUFA has used the same information from UPL to FIFA of the possible mitigation.
We have been in constant discussions with FIFA and there is assurance that there will be a response. Let us be patient, we are aware of the letter that was written by UPL.
This situation does not leave us without understandings especially matters to do with the Uganda Cranes, The coaches and staff salaries are part of the funds received from Government which we have not yet received. We are hopeful that as soon as we have received it, they will be taken care of.
We are hoping that whatever fund comes . In recognition of this prevailing situation. Executive took a decision to clear outstanding arrears to zero shilling. It should be noted that we pay Shs. 1.4 Billion shillings in salaries per year.
The service providers, any outstanding liabilities incurred in support of activities whose funding has not yet come but the activities were already completed.
FUFA will ensure that this organization will continue to undertake its development, promotion and protection activities and also meet its obligations to the stakeholders; and also absorb the economic and sporting shock of Covid-19.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has in a special way appreciated the Government’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
In a message delivered by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo during the address held at FUFA House in Kampala on Wednesday, 20th May 2020, FUFA hailed the deliberate steps by Government to control this pandemic.
The FUFA President was flanked at the address by his 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents Justus Mugisha and Darius Mugoye. The FUFA CEO also attended the function at FUFA House.
Eng. Magogo singled out the His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the front-liners- medical workers, soldiers, security agencies, food suppliers, service providers, and all the Ugandans who have adhered to the set guidelines by the Government and the Ministry of Health.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo on Wednesday at FUFA Complex in Mengo wearing a mask as he observes the Government Guidelines
FUFA President, his Vice Presidents and CEO heading to the FUFA Football House for the address on Wednesday.A message from the MInistry of Health guiding the public on how to prevent spread of Covid-19
It is not the best situation because we would like to go back to our normal lives where we associate, party, support and celebrate the game of the football but, we are also aware that health comes first.
I thank the frontliners, medical workers, soldiers, food suppliers, security and all service providers that have been able to control the spread of the virus and at the same time for continuity of the human life.
On behalf of football, I congratulate all Ugandans who have accepted directives, stayed home and respected the set guidelines.
I thank our supporters and different entities that have supported the players, coaches and officials in their different and sometimes un-publiciced support because of the challenge we are going through.
Whereas FUFA did support the players in the four leagues (Star Times Uganda Premier League, Star Times FUFA Big League, FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League ), we are also aware that there are some individuals who have done a tremendous job during this period .
I thank the football community for the support you have given in this fight against COVID-19. As FUFA we have done our internal support and to the national task force. We need to keep following the instructions and guidelines. We are optimistic that sooner than later, life will return to normal and go back to the stadia and celebrate the goals and experience of football.
FUFA supported the fight against Covid-19 by donating 12.5 tonnes of Rice to the National Task force. 10 tonnes of the 12.5 tonnes were given to male and female players in the top and 2nd tier Leagues.
MAIN PHOTO: HE President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has led the campaign to stop the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Uganda.
The legacy of former Uganda Cranes captain Majid ‘Magic’ Musisi as a professional footballer is well cast out in bold for country and all the clubs he played for.
Right from the parent club Mulago, Pepsi to Sports Club Villa through to France at Stade Rennes, Bursaspor, Dardenelspor (Turkey), Da Nang (Vietnam) and finally back in Uganda at Ggaba United, Musisi was an icon.
Magid MusisiMagid Musisi in action for Uganda Cranes against Rwanda Amavubi Stars at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium in 1998
At Bursaspor, his first club in Turkey, Musisi’s iconic crocodile celebration lives on to-date.
Every time he found the back of the net, Musisi would crawl on his knees with the hands on the ground, followed by delighted teammates in momentous scenes that lifted the entire stadium and those following on Television.
Today, the Timsah Arena, the home of Bursaspor Football Club in Turkey was built in a design of the Club’s nickname ‘Green Crocodiles’.
Aerial view of the Timsah Arena ina crocodile design, the home of Bursaspor Football Club
The club made sure this iconic celebration was captured with a huge photo designed inside the stadium.
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo paid a courtesy visit to this gigantic stadium for a guided tour.
Majid Musisi’s iconic celebration was captured during the designing of the new stadium. FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo points to the wall.
Eng. Moses Magogo during a guided tour around the Timsah Arena, the home of Bursaspor Football ClubThe famous Crocodile celebration lives on to-date in TurkeyEng. Moses Magogo outside the Timsah Arena making a phone call
Musisi remains a big inspiration to many Ugandan footballers and sportsmen at large who have the hope of exceling on the global platform.
Individual brilliance aside, Musisi was also a team player who skippered Sports Club Villa and the Uganda Cranes without fear or favour.
Musisi with Bursaspor teammates
During the 2019 Airtel-FUFA Awards at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Magid Musisi was honoured with the Life time Achievement Award, a special honour given out by the FUFA President.
He died on 13th December 2005, aged 38 years old.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
MAGID MUSISI FACTFILE:
Parents: Mr. Siraje Katende & Miss Deborah Namutebi
Date of Birth: 15th September 1967
Place of Birth: Mulago, Kampala
Education: New Mulago Primary School, Bashir High School in Wandegeya
Football Club Career: Mulago, Pepsi, Sports Club Villa, Stade Rennes (France), Bursaspor, Dardenelspor (Turkey), Da Nang (Vietnam) and Ggaba United
Won 2 CECAFA titles with the Cranes 1989 and 1990. Won 6 league titles, 3 Uganda Cups and 1 Cecafa title with Sports Club Villa
Won the league golden boot four times 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1992
Won the CECAFA golden boot twice 1987 and 1990. Won 2 CECAFA titles with the Cranes 1989 and 1990
Scored hat tricks for the Ugandan Cranes on three occasions 1987 versus Zambia, 1991 against Tanzania and 1998 against Rwanda
Twice Voted Footballer of the Year 1987 and 1990
First Ugandan to play professional football in Europe
My parents were divided over my choice to play football
Hasifah Nassuna is my local football role model
I want to help Uganda U17 Women Team make history
Scholarships have given me opportunity to progress with my studies
Najjemba is the Vice- Captain of the Uganda U17 Women Team
She features for Kampala Queens in the FUFA Women Super League
Uganda is a country endowed with football talent. The fans that thronged the StarTimes Stadium on 14th March 2020 at Lugogo for the FIFA Women U17 World Cup Qualifier, were left mesmerized by the performance and adeptness of the Uganda National team when they annihilated Tanzania 5-0 to advance 6-2 on aggregate to set up a clash with Cameroon.
The game rewrote history with Uganda managing its first ever win against Tanzania in Women’s football, at least reading from the recent history. Besides, the stadium was filled to the rafters, arguably the biggest crowd to watch a Women’s football game in Uganda.
The stands were buzzing as fans rallied behind the girls who returned the favour with a scintillating performance, demolishing their nemesis.
Fauzia ‘Fau’ Najjemba, donning jersey number 13, playing on either wing left the Tanzanians puzzled with her set of skills. And considering that she had also scored against the same opponents away in Dar es Salaam, they knew exactly what she can do, but had no solution to stop her. No wonder she got on the score sheet with a superb free-kick.
Fauzia Najjemba evades a challenge from Tanzania’s captain Irene Kisisa
FUFA Media team caught up with the lightening fast forward yet down to earth captain of Kampala Queens in the FUFA Women Super League. She takes us through her football journey.
FUFA Media: Who is Fauzia Najjemba?
Fauiza Najjemba, the new kid on the block
Fauzia Najjemba: I’m the last born in a family of 7. My parents are Hajj Zubair Kivumbi and Hajjat
Namulondo Hawa of Nakifuma, Mukono District. I’m a student at Mukono High School in Senior 5.
I’m a footballer who plays for Kampala Queens FC in the FUFA Women Super League where I’m also the
captain. I play for the Uganda U17, U20 National women football teams and Senior Team-Crested Cranes.
FUFA Media: How did your football journey start?
Fauzia Najjemba: It is interesting to say that football was not my first love, cricket was. I started
playing cricket in primary four while at St. Joseph Primary school, Naggalama and it was the only game I
played and enjoyed as I won so many medals until that moment when I tried to play football in P6.
We had a sports teacher, Mr. Fred Mpanga who introduced me to football. One day he organised a
football match between the school cricket team and the school football team. I featured in the cricket
team. He was impressed with my abilities and the things I could do with the ball despite not playing the game before. I could receive, control, turn, run and pass the ball much to his surprise. Important to note was my interest and love because I enjoyed the game so much in that I wanted to literally do everything; take all corners, free kicks, goal kicks among others.
Fauzia Najjemba taking on Tanzanian defenders
It marked the start of my relationship with the beautiful game. I picked interest in the game from that
moment as I started training and playing with the school football team. Later on a football gala was
organised at school where I won myself a ball for the outstanding performance. I took it home and used
to play alone kicking it against the wall, running with it, dribbling among other things.
FUFA Media: What was your parents’ reaction when they found out you were playing football?
Fauzia Najjemba: My parents always knew I played cricket but when they finally found out that I had
started playing football my mother was not pleased despite having my 3 brothers also playing the game. You know many people or society looks at football as a men’s game and seeing a girl playing is always treated with suspicion.
I remember in Primary 7 we went for a tournament three weeks before the final exams (Primary Leaving
Examinations-PLE). My mother was not impressed at all. She was very bitter. But the good thing, I always had the support of my father on the other hand. He loves football and was very happy to know I had started playing. He encouraged me to play and actually bought me playing boots when I was joining senior one at Nakifuma High School.
In the beginning, I decided to quit because I never wanted to annoy my mother but something always kept me telling me to go on. So when we had Inter-House competitions, I saw girls play football and really wanted to be part of it but on the back of my mind I knew it would annoy my mum if she found out so I sat out and watched my house play. I was sad to see them lose.
However, the urge to play finally overcame me. I decided against my mother’s orders and played for my
House in the second game in which I scored two goals as we won the match. Our sports teacher was
impressed and promised to take me to either Mpoma High School or Mukono High School which were
actively involved in girls’ football programmes.
Fauzia Najjemba with the ball after scoring a hat trick
We regularly visited Mpoma High School to play matches and one day, when we faced Mukono High School, they showed interest in me. During holidays, they came home to talk to my parents, offered me a bursary to join Mukono High School in second term of my senior one. My mother has since then changed her mind is she is happy and proud now that I am even playing for my country.
FUFA Media: How was life upon joining Mukono High School and how has the school helped to shape your career?
Fauzia Najjemba: The school has greatly defined my career. What I am today definitely has been moduled at Mukono High School. I found a star studded team with several talented players and I had to push myself to fit in. Players like Rukia Namubiru, Vanessa Karungi and Cissy Nantongo among others inspired us. They came from other schools as stars.
There was our group who were in lower classes but we managed to lift our stands. Players like Moreen Afoyo, Margaret Nalubega, Shamira Nalugya and Gloria Ayikol were also very important under coach John Ssemuli(RIP). We formed a great team that lifted the 2017 Girls’ National Secondary Schools Football tournament, breaking the dominance of Kawempe Muslim.
FUFA Media: How did you then end up at Isra Soccer Academy?
Fauzia Najjemba: Isra Soccer Academy was playing in the Kampala Regional League and wanted players to feature for them. So because Yasin Mubiru was close to the teachers and coaches at school, they reached an agreement for many of us who had not signed for any other team join them. Actually, the team was largely composed of two schools, that is Mukono High School and Gadhafi Integrated Academy. We played well and won promotion to the FUFA Women League.
I appreciate the management of Isra, because they gave us a platform to play when many thought we were not ready for the competition in the top league. I scored 7 goals in the first season before adding 14 in the next season.
FUFA Media: How is the feeling now with your involvement in football as a player?
Fauzia Najjemba: I feel so good because never at any one moment did I ever imagine playing for the
national team. I remember my first call up to the national team was when the Crested Cranes was
preparing to play Kenya in the AWCON 2018 qualifiers away in Machakos. I was very young, shy and
timid but very happy with the call up despite not making the final squad. Uganda lost the game 1-0 and
the return leg ended goalless a result that saw the Kenyans advance.
Najjemba jumps high to head the ball in the game against Ethiopia
FUFA Media: How has playing football impacted on your school life?
Fauzia Najjemba: Besides the scholarship, football has made me a star and to put it right-a celebrity of
some sorts at school. I remember the first time I boarded a plane last year when we travelled to Ethiopia, coming back to the school, I attracted a lot of attention as many students and teachers wanted me to tell them the experience.
Fauzia Najjemba aboard a flight for an away game
I am a naturally a quiet person who loves keeping a low profile and was only known by a handful of
students especially those that do sports but I couldn’t imagine many outside this circle came looking for
me. My teammates started teasing me and making fun of it saying; ‘Oh Fau…..she is a celebrity’.
However, for now I feel its normal because I don’t want to get carried away. At school I’m a student not a national team player. I have to perform well in class and thus when it is time for books, I give full commitment.
FUFA Media: How is life when you are away from school?
Fauzia Najjemba: At home life is no longer the same. I no longer move freely to run errands people
are always coming to me to say ‘hello’ while you hear the rest saying, ‘that is the girl who plays
football, did you know we have a celebrity in the village. She plays for the national team.’ Some are even
brave enough to come to our home and say ‘Hajjat we want to see your daughter, the one that plays
football.’ Then I am called out to greet them.
I’m never bothered at all. I am only happy that football is taking me places and for that I am thankful to
Allah. Playing for the national team especially has come with lots of benefits from FUFA, my School, fans
and friends.
FUFA Media: Where do you draw your inspiration and what are your targets for the future?
Fauzia Najjemba: The wish to play professional football one day. It is one reason that pushes me now to
work harder. Uganda as a country we have not had many chances but my prayer is if Allah can bless me
with such an opportunity. I want to continue making my parents and country proud. Of course, there are many agents and people coming around telling me about different opportunities but for now, books first. We can think about the rest maybe after High school.
FUFA Media: How did you feel when Uganda won the COSAFA Women Championship, finishing the tournament as 2nd top scorer and a few months later the CECAFA U17 Championship where you emerged MVP?
Fauzia Najjemba: I felt so good but winning COSAFA U17 title in Mauritius wasn’t easy because this was
our first tournament and playing together as a team and for that I want to thank FUFA and the President Eng. Moses Magogo for the opportunity for girls to play. Emerging second top scorer was a bonus but most importantly we succeeded as a team.
Fauzia Najjemba (CECAFA U17 MVP), FUFA President and Daphine Nyayenga (CECAFA U17 Best keeper)
Winning the CECAFA U17 Women Championship was an icing on the cake and personally being
voted MVP was really exciting and inspiring. I was also nominated in the Airtel FUFA Awards alongside my sisters Juliet Nalukenge and Hasifa Nassuna.
FUFA Media: Talking of Juliet Nalukenge, how have you been able to pull off this chemistry with her because your duo seems unstoppable given the fact that you have scored a combined total of 50 goals for the U17 National team?
Fauzia Najjemba: We are friends off the pitch despite going to different schools and playing for different clubs. I think it is that great understanding that we carry even on pitch.
We complement each other. And by the way this runs through the entire squad. We are one unit and a happy family.
Uganda U17 Women Team capatain Juliet Nalukenge (left) celebrating her goal with Fauzia Najjemba
FUFA Media: And how do you manage to be an ambidextrous player? You play with your left foot the same way as you do with right. You have the speed, a good dribbler and good at free kicks. How do you get to know all this?
Fauzia Najjemba: Laughs…. Hmmm. Definitely, I must give glory and honour to the Almighty Allah because he blessed me with this talent. I also appreciate the coaches that have handled me since I started. I don’t want to mention names because I may leave some out.
FUFA Media: What do you think of the level of women football in the country presently?
Fauzia Najjemba: We are not where we want to be but going by the look of things FUFA is very
interested. It is very promising and the efforts being made by FUFA point to a great future. With
improved competitions locally and better preparations and organisation for the national teams I believe
we will be good enough to match up against the continent’s best sides.
FUFA Media: Who are your idols?
Fauzia Najjemba: Locally Hasifa Nassuna, back at Mukono High School I admired Rukia Namubiru and when she left, I took on her jersey number 13. Internationally, World cup winner Alex Morgan of USA. She also inspired me to keep donning jersey number 13.
Najjemba’s trademark jersey number 13Hasifah Nassuna in action against Burundi
FUFA Media: If it wasn’t football which other sports would it be?
Fauzia Najjemba: Definitely cricket. I am still in love with the game and once in a while I play whenever I
get the chance.
FUFA Media: 13. The Covid 19 Pandemic has hit hard and interrupted the fixture between Uganda and Cameroon U17 women World Cup Qualifier. How do you rate the team’s chances? What are you doing to keep in shape as we wait for the fixture to be s rescheduled?
Fauzia Najjemba: We have a very good chance despite this being our first time. It is only a matter of
when we shall play the two matches. As a team we are ready to clear the Cameroon hurdle and make
history. I work out twice daily. I do runs in the morning and ball work for 1 hour in the evening.
Defining and publicly listing Club ownership has been one of the biggest challenges to football professionalisation in Uganda.
There are four (4) types of club ownership and each club should align its ownership by choosing one of the 4 models of ownership consequently follow the mandatory governance setup of such a model.
1. Institutional Club
Owned by a government institution that is created by an act of parliament or a government parastatal. This model is principally setup as a PR and/or CSR tool for the institution.
KCCA FC
2. Private Club
Owned by a shareholding of natural and/or legal persons. This model is principally setup for football business purposes.
Vipers SC
3. Community Club
Owned by a membership of more than 100 or so fans. This model is setup for sport but proven most suitable for posterity and sports business.
4. Hybrid Model
A combination of the above models. This model is normally a compromise position of various inherited ownerships. Challenging to find a suiting governance model practices.
Depending on the objectives and history of the club, different models suit different clubs and they have different advantages and disadvantages.
What do you think is the most suited ownership model for each of the current clubs in Uganda in all divisions?
Join the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo on 102.1 FUFA fm tonight (Thursday 30th April 2020) for a deeper discussion on the subject.
You can alos follow the educational show on all FUFA Social Media platforms-Facebook, FUFA fm page, Twitter and Youtube).
The FUFA President is a FIFA Administration & Management Instructor.
The COVID-19 National Task Force delegated FUFA to distribute Rice to vulnerable football players and officials on its behalf and report back.
FUFA has consequently started the Nation-wide distribution of the rice to the players, through their respective clubs, that include;
1) The 2019/20 FUFA licensed players of the 16 Uganda Premier League Clubs
2) The 2019/20 FUFA licensed players of the 18 FUFA Big League Clubs
3) The 2019/20 FUFA licensed players of the 7 FUFA Women Super League Clubs
4) The 2019/20 FUFA licensed players of the 14 FUFA Women Elite League Clubs
It’s the obligation of the respective clubs to ensure that each player signs in person for the rice. The entitled players are expected to have received their rice by 1800 Hours on Monday 20th April 2020 but if any entitled player doesn’t receive the rice, please report to the telephone number +256755936994.
