Category: Latest News

Abel Dhaira’s funeral: Church service held, Public views body at Nakivubo Stadium
There was a special requiem mass for former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Abel Dhaira on Monday morning at All Saints Church, Nakasero in Kampala.

The mass was led by Rev. John Musana Lakor who preached about love, exemplary and pure living in society.

The day’s Master of Ceremony, FUFA Super League Board Chairman Arinaitwe Rugyendo, also one of the five members of the Abel Dhaira burial committee named by the FUFA Emergency committee guided the gathering in an orderly manner throughout the service.

FUFA President, Eng Moses Magogo informed the mourners that FIFA President, Giovanni Infantino and CAF had sent in written condolence messages expressing sorrowfulness about Dhaira’s death.

‘We learnt of Abel Dhaira’s death on the way from Burkina Faso after the AFCON 2017 qualifier. It was a very trying moment for all of us. We have missed a very talented and sincere footballer. The FIFA President, Giovanni Infantino has sent in a special condolence message to us and the family of Dhaira’ Eng. Magogo.

Eng. Magogo also hinted of dedicating the ongoing AFCON 2017 qualification to Abel Dhaira.

The mass was also attended by Uganda Cranes head coach, Milutin Sredojevic, Uganda Cranes player Tonny Mawejje, FUFA CEO, Edgar Watson and other FUFA staff and Executive members-VP Justus Mugisha, Sam Mpiima and Sam Lwere.

Hon, Charles Bakabulindi, Minister of State for Sports and M.P of Workers addressing the mourners at All Saints Church, Nakasero in Kampala

Minister of state for Sports Hon. Charles Bakabulindi represented the Government and appreciated the generosity of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni towards all the assistance to transport the body of Dhaira from Iceland where he died back to Uganda for a decent burial.

“Abel Dhaira lived a strong legacy worthy to be emulated. We also thank President Museveni for the assistance rendered” Bakabulindi said.

Bright Dhaira (father to Abel Dhaira), the mother and other family members during the mass at All Saints Cathedral on Monday

Others at the mass were Kampala City Lord Mayor, Elias Lukwago, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Internal affairs, Pamela Ankunda, family members, football friends.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Chris Dhaira, a family member thanked FUFA, the Government, all the clubs where Dhaira played from and the football fraternity in general for the good time spent with the gallant soldier who loved and perfected his work with passion.

FUFA CEO, also Uganda Cranes former Captain, Edgar Watson hands over FUFA’s financial contribution to Bright Dhaira, father to Abel Dhaira

FUFA has also contributed a sum of Ug.shs 5M and National Council of Sports (Ug.shs 1M) to further assist in the burial arrangements.

Uganda Cranes midfielder, Tonny Mawejje (second left) at the All Saints Churchl, Nakasero in Kampala

From Church, the body was taken at Nakivubo Stadium where the public got the chance to view it before being driven to Walukuba in Jinja for the overnight vigil at the family house.

Soana Football Club players in Church. Eric Dhaira (young brother to Abel Dhaira) plays at Soana F.C in the Azam Uganda Premier League

Abel Dhaira, who died from cancer last month in Iceland, aged 28 will be laid to rest on Wednesday in Mayuge, Eastern pat of Uganda.

UPDATED: Programme for the burial arrangements of Abel Dhaira

Friday 1^st April, 2016: Casket carrying the remains of Abel Dhaira leaves Iceland for Uganda

Sunday 3^rd April, 2016:
- 3.55 am: Arrival of the casket at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- 5 am: Casket handed over to Kampala Funeral Directors, taken to Mulago Hospital
Monday 4^th April, 2016:
- 10am; Church service at All Saints Church, Nakasero
- 1pm; Public viewing at Nakivubo stadium
- 4pm; Departure of the casket to Jinja
- 7pm; Arrival of casket at Abel Dhaira’s home in Walukuba
- 10pm; Body taken to the home of Abel Dhaira’s father for Night vigil in Walukuba
Tuesday 5^th April, 2016
- 9am; Church service at All Saints Church, Walukuba
- Midday: Body taken to BAT Sports grounds Walukuba for public viewing
- 2pm; Body taken to the Busoga Lukiiko in Bugembe
- 4pm; Body driven to Buyaga, Kigandalo in Mayuge district for night vigil
Wednesday 6^th April, 2016
- 10am; Burial ceremony commences
- 2pm; Burial
Note: Kampala Funeral Directors are managing the funeral event

May His Soul rest in Eternal Peace
April 4, 2016
Uganda U-20 team returns home

The Uganda U-20 national football team has safely arrived back home from Rwanda on Sunday evening by road on Trinity Bus.

Uganda and Rwanda drew 1-1 in the first leg first round in Kigali on Saturday in the Africa U-20 championship.
According to the Leader of Delegation Ms Agnes Mugena, she happy with the trip and heaped praise on the players’ discipline.

‘We traveled well to and from Rwanda and we got a vital result. it is half time played but I also want to commend my group for exhibiting good discipline in the entire process’ said Mugena.

Uganda now needs a win of any goal margin to qualify to the next round to set up a clash with Egypt.

The return leg will be played in Kampala on 23rd April 2016 at Namboole stadium.

April 3, 2016
UPDATED PROGRAMME: Abel Dhaira’s funeral service, burial
UPDATED: Programme for the burial arrangements of Abel Dhaira

Friday 1^st April, 2016: Casket carrying the remains of Abel Dhaira leaves Iceland for Uganda

Sunday 3^rd April, 2016:
- 3.55 am: Arrival of the casket at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- 5 am: Casket handed over to Kampala Funeral Directors, taken to Mulago Hospital
Monday 4^th April, 2016:
- 10am; Church service at All Saints Church, Nakasero
- 1pm; Public viewing at Nakivubo stadium
- 4pm; Departure of the casket to Jinja
- 7pm; Arrival of casket at Abel Dhaira’s home in Walukuba
- 10pm; Body taken to the home of Abel Dhaira’s father for Night vigil in Walukuba
Tuesday 5^th April, 2016
- 9am; Church service at All Saints Church, Walukuba
- Midday: Body taken to BAT Sports grounds Walukuba for public viewing
- 2pm; Body taken to the Busoga Lukiiko in Bugembe
- 4pm; Body driven to Buyaga, Kigandalo in Mayuge district for night vigil
Wednesday 6^th April, 2016
- 10am; Burial ceremony commences
- 2pm; Burial
Note: Kampala Funeral Directors are managing the funeral event

May His Soul rest in Eternal Peace
April 3, 2016
CAF U-20 Qualifiers: Uganda Hippos earn crucial away goal, point over Rwanda

CAF U 20 QUALIFIERS:

Rwanda 1-1 Uganda Hippos

Despite finishing with ten men, Uganda Hippos fought gallantly to earn a point and the away goal in the 1 all draw with Rwanda during the first leg of the CAF U-20 qualifier on Saturday.

Striker Blaise Itangaishaka gave the visitors the lead in the 18th minute off a well executed header from skipper Savio Nshuti’s cross on the left flank.

Goal poacher, Edrisa Lubega made amends in the 33rd minute with a calm finish after Umaru Mukobe’s long diagonal ball from the right.

Uganda was reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute when goalkeeper Keni Saidi was red carded for handling a ball way out of the goal area.

Uganda Hippos technical bench and the substitutes during the singing of the national anthems prior to the start of the game at the Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo

Yasin Mugume was taken off to pave way for another goalkeeper, James Ahebwa as a consquence as the Hippos endured by fighting to the end.

The return leg will take place in Kampala on the 23rd April 2016.

A section at the Kigali Stadium where passionate fans from Uganda cheered aloud every move

Line Ups:

Uganda Hippos XI:

Keni Saidi (67’ Red Carded), Umaru Mukobe, Hassan Musana, Geofrey Waswa, Halid Lwaliwa (Captain), Daniel Shabena , Nicolas Kagaba (56’ Joseph Ssemujju), Julius Poloto (88’ Alfred Leku), Edrisa Lubega, Emma Olinga, Yasin Mugume (68’ James Ahebwa – Goalkeeper)

Subs Not Used:

Shafiq Kagimu, Mustapha Mujjuzi, Azake Luboyera, Martin Kizza

Rwanda XI:
Jimmy Nzeyurwanda (G.K), Ewing Ndagyimana (Patrick Ndikumana), Aman Niyonkuru, Ange Mutsinzi, Arafat Sibomana, Salum Yamini (77’ Innocent Nshuti), Jabel Manishiwe, Kevin Muhire, Abeddy Biramahire, Blaise Itangaishaka, Savio Nshuti Dominique

Subs Not Used:

Bonheur Hategekimana (G.K), Ilias Rucogoza, Janvier Bonane, Fred Ngabo Mucyco, Claude Ishimwe

MAIN PHOTO: Edrisa Lubega (right) and teammates celebrate Uganda’s equalizer at the Kigali Regional stadium, Nyamirambo on Saturday, 2nd April 2016 during the first leg of the CAF U-20 qualifier.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

April 2, 2016
Africa U-20: Uganda vs Rwanda; Coach Kefa Kisala names his starting XI

Africa U-20 Championship

Rwanda vs Uganda

Kigali Regional stadium, Nyamirambo

Time: 4.30pm (In Uganda)

Live on 102.1 FUFA fm

Uganda’s Starting XI:

Keni Saidi (GK), Mukobe Umar, Musana Hassan, Wasswa Geoffrey, Lwalirwa Halid (Capt), Shabena Daniel, Kagaba Nicholas, Poloto Julius, Lubega Edrisa, Olinga Emma, Mugume Yasin

Subs: Aheebwa James, Kagimu Shafiq, Mujuzi Musitafa, Luboyera Azake, Ssemujju Joseph Junior, Kizza Martin, Leku Alfred

April 2, 2016
Africa U-20 Championship: Lwalirwa to captain Uganda against Rwanda

Africa U-20 Championship

Rwanda vs Uganda

Kigali Regional stadium, Nyamirambo

Time: 5pm (In Uganda)

Live on 102.1 FUFA fm

Match officials:

Center Referee: Serge Flavien SOUMOU (Congo)

Assistant referee1: Sabhas Gislain BANTABA (Congo)

Assistant Referee 2: Aimé NGANGUIA OKANDEZE (Congo)

Fourth official: Messie J. O NKOUNKOU MVOUTOU (Congo)

Match Commissioner: HABIMANA AIMABLE (Burundi)

Meanwhile in the same development head coach Kefa Kisala has named Halid Luwalirwa of Vipers SC team captain and will be assisted by Emma Olinga of Water FC.

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda U-20 Head coach Kefa Kisala talking to the media in Rwanda on Friday afternoon.

April 1, 2016

Azam Uganda Premier League: Saturday fixtures and match officials

AZAM UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE 2015/2016:

Friday Result: Vipers 2-2 SC Villa Jogoo

Scorers: 76′ Erisa Ssekisambu, 80′ Saddam Juma – penalty (Vipers), 15′ Umar Kasumba, 69′ Isaac Muleme (SC Villa)

The Azam Uganda Premier League returns to the frey on Saturday, 2nd April 2016 with five games lined up.

Besides the postponement of two games (The Saints Vs Maroons at Namboole and Sadolin Paints Vs URA at Bugembe in Jinja), the rest of the scheduled games shall be on as planned.

In the five games lined up, Soana F.C is at home to Jinja side, BUL F.C in Kavumba, Simba takes on Lweza at Bombo, KCCA hosts Police at Nakivubo stadium, Express plays Victoria at the Mutesa II Stadium and Jinja Municipal Council Hippos hosts Bright Stars at Bugembe in Jinja.

M/ N	DATE	HOME TEAM	AWAY TEAM	VENUE	TIME	OFFICIALS
MATCH DAY 22

167	SAT 2 APR 2016	SOANA	BUL	KAVUMBA RECREATION CENTRE GROUND	4.00 PM	1. TOMUSANGE KAGGWA 2. MPIIMA FRED 3. MUKISA UMARU 4. BYARUHANGA HENRY 5.
168	SAT 2 APR 2016	SIMBA	LWEZA	BOMBO BARRACKS GROUND	4.00 PM	1. KIRANGWA RONALD 2. ATUHAIRE DOCUS 3. MPYANGU SIRAJI 4. DONNEY ROBERT 5.
169	SAT 2 APR 2016	KCCA	POLICE	NAKIVUBO STADIUM	4.00 PM	1. BAKASAMBE RAJAB 2. KATENYA RONALD 3. TURYOMURIWE SAMUEL 4. SSENKUMBA WILLIAM 5.
170	SAT 2 APR 2016	EXPRESS	VICTORIA	WANKULUKUKU STADIUM	4.00 PM	1. SABILLA ALI 2. BUGEMBE HUSSEIN 3. FRIDAY NOAH 4. JINGO FRANK 5.

172	SAT 2 APR 2016	JMC HIPPOS	BRIGHT STARS	JINJA – KAKINDU STADIUM	4.00 PM	1. OULA DAVID 2. MASEMBE ISSA 3. MALE GODFREY 4. SSEBULIBA MOSES 5.

April 1, 2016

Azam Uganda Premier League: Vipers host SC Villa in Buikwe
Azam Uganda Premier League 2015/16:
- Vipers Vs SC Villa – Friday, 1st April 2016
- At Buikwe Stadium, Mukono (4:00 P.M)
- Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m & Azam T.V
In the only Azam Uganda premier league match to be played on the opening day of April 2016, Sports Club Villa travels to Buikwe to play the reigning champions, Vipers S.C.

The Jogoos have not played so many fixtures of the league in the second round because of their active engagement in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Against Vipers, the match looks as epic on paper as the reality as the two clubs have a rich background and healthy rivalry.

Key actors:

Vipers will look to the solid performances of either James Alitho or Ismail Watenge in goal, Deus Bukenya, Nicholas Wadada, the returning Dan Bilikwarila, Pius Wanji, Mike Mutyaba and Uganda Cranes’ striker, Erisa Ssekisambu for inspiration.

Coach George Nsiimbe will miss two players, defender Halid Lwaliirwa and striker Alfred Leku who left with the Uganda U-17 team on Thursday night.

SC Villa on the other hand will miss only Martin Kizza but they have a wide range of selection from a pool of players available.

Goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato has been on form since returning from a brief stint with Tanzanian club, Coastal Union.

In Isaac Muleme, Misi Katende and skipper Jonathan Mugabi, the Jogoos are assured of an experienced backline ready to thwart Vipers’ usually deadly attacking strategy.

Tadeo Lwanga, Ambrose Kirya and Able Eturide are crucial players in the middle of the pack for SC Villa while goal scoring responsibilities are embedded on the shoulders of Umar Kasumba, Mike Sserumaga (if available) and Karim Ndugwa.

The match will be handled by FIFA referees with Mashood Ssali in the center.

Match Referees:

Match Referee: Mashood Ssali

1st Assistant Referee: Mark Ssonko

2nd Assistant Referee: Musa Balikowa

Reserve Referee: Brian Miiro Nsubuga
April 1, 2016
CAF U-20 Qualifiers: Uganda Hippos’ team to Rwanda

CAF U-20 QUALIFIERS:

First Round (1st Leg): Rwanda U-20 Vs Uganda U-20

Saturday, 2nd April 2016

At Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo (Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m)

The Uganda National U-20 team to Rwanda for the first leg of the CAF U-20 qualifiers left Kampala by road for the Rwandan capital, Kigali on Thursday night.

The contingent has 18 players and several officials.

FUFA Executive Committee member, Agnes Mugena is the head of delegation.

They left FUFA House at 9:30 p.m and are expected to reach Kigali by 8 a.m on Friday morning.

Rwanda hosts Uganda in the first leg of the CAF U-20 qualifier on 2nd April 2016 before the return leg on 23rd April 2016.

Players:

Goal Keepers: Keni Saidi and James Ahebwa

Defenders: Umaru Mukobe Hassan Musana, Lwaliwa Halidi Geofrey Wasswa

Midfielders: Emma Olinga, Julius Poloto, Shafiq Kagimu, Mustapha Mujuzi, Nicholas Kagaba, Yasin Mugume, Martin Kizza

Strikers: Alfred Lekku, Edrisa Lubega, Zake Luboyera, Joseph Ssemujju, Daniel Shabena

Officials:

Leader of delegation: Agnes Mugena

Head coach: Kefa Kisala

Assistant coach 1: Richard Wasswa

Assistant coach 2: Arthur Kyesimira

Goalkeepers’ coach: Kiwanuka Daniel

Team Doctor: Ronald Kisolo

Team Coordinator: Herbert Nsubuga

Technical Director: Asuman Lubowa

Media officer: Joseph Mutaka

102.1 FUFA f.m commentator: Reagan Kyanda

April 1, 2016
Tentative Programme for return of the remains, burial arrangements of Abel Dhaira

Friday 1st April, 2016: Body leaves Iceland for Uganda

Sunday 3rd April, 2016:
• Arrival of casket at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
• Casket handed over to A Plus Funeral Management Services

Monday 4th April, 2016:
• 10am; Church service at All Saints Church, Nakasero
• 1pm; Public viewing at Nakivubo stadium
• 4pm; Departure of the casket to Jinja
• 7pm; Arrival of casket at Abel Dhaira’s home in Walukuba
• 10pm; Body taken to the home of Abel Dhaira’s father for Night vigil in Walukuba

Tuesday 5th April, 2016
• 10am; Church service at All Saints Church, Walukuba
• 1pm; Body taken to Tobacco stadium for public viewing
• 4pm; Body taken to the Busoga Kingdom-Lukiiko in Bugembe
• 6pm; Body departs for Mayuge Kigandalo for night vigil

Wednesday 6th April, 2016
• 10am; Burial arrangements begin
• 2pm; Burial

March 31, 2016
CAF U-20 Qualifiers: Uganda Hippos intensify preparations ahead of Rwanda match

CAF U-20 Qualifiers:

Saturday, 2nd April 2016

Rwanda U-20 Vs Uganda U-20 (Hippos)

At Kigali Regional Stadium, Nyamirambo

Uganda National U-20 team, the Hippos have continued to intensify their preparations ahead of the CAF U-20 first leg qualifier against Rwanda this Saturday.

According to the team head coach, Kefa Kisala, the players have responded well in training with non residential drills conducted at Nakivubo and Lugogo stadia.

‘Training has been good and i am happy for the response in training from all the players’ Kisala who is assisted by Richard Wasswa, Arthur Kyesmiira and Daniel Kiwanuka (Goalkeeping coach) told www.fufa.co.ug.

Uganda national U-20 team player, Emmanuel ‘Song’ Olinga (right) one of the five graduates of the U-17 team (Uganda Cubs) during the team’s friendly match against URA F.C on Wednesday. The Hippos won 3-1 courtesy of goals from Daniel Shabena (penalty), Martin Kizza and Yafeesi Mubiru

The Hippos have so far played three build up games as a preparatory mechanism before traveling to Rwanda.

They have won 2-1 and 3-1 against Express and URA football clubs respectively and lost 4-2 to KCCA F.C.

Against Express, Hassan Musana and Martin Kizza scored for the Hippos while Daniel Shabena (penalty), Kizza and Yafessi Mubiru were on target for the youngsters against URA F.C on Wednesday morning.

In the build up with KCCA F.C, Yafessi Mubiru and Joseph Ssemujju had given the Hippos a 2-0 lead before KCCA rallied back to score 4 goals through Joseph Ochaya, Akimenyi, Nonda and Muzamiru Mutyaba.

Uganda Hippos players in a warm up drill at Lugogo

The final team is expected to be named on Thursday before departure to Rwanda on Thursday night.

The return leg will be played on the 23rd April 2016 in Kampala at a venue yet to be confirmed by FUFA.

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Hippos players stretch under the watchful eyes of Richard Wasswa at the KCCA Stadium in Lugogo on Wednesday.

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

March 30, 2016
Uganda Cranes earns point against 10 man Burkina Faso

#MUJJETULUMBE

AFCON 2017 QUALIFIER (Group D):

Uganda Cranes 0-0 Burkina Faso

Uganda Cranes and Burkina Faso played to a goal-less draw at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Tuesday night.

This was the second leg of the double header fixture in group D of the AFCON 2017 qualification campaign following the first match played in Ouagadougou on Saturday, 26th March 2016.

Before the match, there was a special moment reserved for the departed former Uganda Cranes’ player, Abel Dhaira.

Dhaira died of abdominal cancer in Iceland where he has been playing with IBV.

A special moment of silence was held in honour of Abel Dhaira

The Cranes created a series of chances in either halves with Tonny Mawejje hitting the cross bar in the first 16 minutes of the game.

Massa, Miya and second half substitute, Moses Oloya also came close to scoring in the latter half.

Burkina Faso captain, Charles Kabore was red carded for a second bookable offence.

Both Uganda and Burkina Faso have now accumulated 7 points in group D.

Uganda Cranes’ team captain, Geofrey Massa with the match referees and Burkina Faso skipper, Charles Kabore

There is no hope lost with two remaining games. Uganda travels to Botswana in June before the final game against Comoros in August 2016.

Team Line Ups:

Uganda Cranes XI: Denis Onyango (G.K), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Isaac Isinde, Khalid Aucho, Kizito Luwagga, Tonny Mawejje, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa, Emmanuel Okwi,

Subs: Robert Ondongkara (G.K), Jamal Salim Mike Azira, Timothy Awany, Yasser Mugerwa, Moses Oloya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Erisa Sekisambu

Burkina Faso XI:

Diakite Daouda (G.K), Charles Kabore, Bakary Kone, Dayo Issoufou, Malo Patrick, Yago Steven Farid, Bakery Saye, Traore Abdul Razack, Nakoulma Prejuce, Jonathan Pitroipa Traore Bertrand Isidora

Subs: Soulama Abdulaye, Guira Adama, Alain Traore, Aristede Bance, Diawara Banou, Issa Gouo, Barros Cyrille Bayala

Match officials:

Center Referee: Nampiandraza El Mousssa

1st Assistant Referee: Jinoro Velmanna Ferdinand

2nd Assistant Referee: Djanirima Jean Thiery

Reserve Referee: Andriamiharsoa Hubert Marie Bruno

March 29, 2016
Uganda Vs Burkina Faso: Cranes XI released

#MUJJETULUMBE

AFCON 2017 QUALIFIER (Group D):

Uganda Cranes Vs Burkina Faso – Tuesday, 29th March 2016 (7 p.m)

At Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole

Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m

[A minute’s silence to be observed for Abel Dhaira before kick-off]

Uganda Vs Burkina Faso Line up

Denis Onyango (GK)

Denis Iguma

Joseph Ochaya

Hassan Wasswa Mawanda

Isaac Isinde

Khalid Aucho

William Kizito Luwaga

Faruku Miya

Geoffrey Massa (C)

Emmanuel Okwi

Tonny Mawejje

Substitutes

Robert OdongKara

Mike Azira

Yassar Mugerwa

Moses Oloya

Timothy Awanyi

Godfrey Walusimbi

March 29, 2016
AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Uganda Vs Burkina match preview

#MUJJETULUMBE

AFCON 2017 QUALIFIER (Group D):

Uganda Cranes Vs Burkina Faso – Tuesday, 29th March 2016 (7 p.m)

At Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole

Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m

[A minute’s silence to be observed for Abel Dhaira before kick-off]

Uganda Cranes take on Burkina Faso in the countries 6th meeting.

The game on Tuesday night will be the return leg of the AFCON Group D qualifier, since the first leg was played three days ago at the Stade De 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

Uganda lost the first match 1-0 courtesy of Jonathan Pitriopa’s well taken 59th minute penalty.

Burkina Faso arrived first on Sunday morning with a chartered flight before Uganda came later on, Sunday night aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

There are no injury concerns in the team camp and all the players are willing to give their best.

Team Skipper, Geofrey Massa, who plays professional football with South African Premiership side, Bloemfontein Celtics has vowed to give their best.

Head to Head Record:

Uganda Cranes has now played Burkina Faso five times.

There are two draws for either countries. Uganda has won once and Burkina Faso twice.

In 2005, Uganda held Burkina Faso to a 2 all draw at Nelson Mandela National Stadium before losing 2-0 and recently 1-0 in Ouagadougou.

The other draw was the 0-0 stalement in an international build up match.

Uganda Cranes only win over the Stallions came at the 2014 CHAN finals when striker Yunus Sentamu scored an incredible brace in South Africa.

The match will be handled by FIFA referees from Madagascar.

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes team that started during the 1-0 away loss to Burkina Faso on 26th March 2016 at the Stade De 4-Aout

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

March 29, 2016
2016 UMEA Games: Girls’ football breaks the ice, Masaka wins double

UMEA Games 2016 (Football):

Finals (Boys): Masaka S.S 1-0 Welden School, Mbarara

Finals (Girls): Masaka S.S 1-0 Kakungulu Memorial School

MVP’s: Joseph Malish (Welden) & Jacky Nassali (Kakungulu Memorial)

Top Scorers: Joseph Jjanjali – 10 goals (Masaka S.S) & Juliet Nalukenge – 4 goals (Kawempe Muslim)

Hosts, Masaka secondary school won two football titles as the 2016 Uganda Muslim Solidarity Association (UMEA) games ended on Easter Sunday at Masaka recreational stadium.

Masaka S.S retained the boys’ title and won the inaugural edition of girls’ football.

In the boy’s final, Masaka defeated Welden School from Mbarara with winger Abdulnoor Lukwata scoring five minutes to the game death.

Action in the Boys’ final between Welden School, Mbarara (red) and Masaka S.S (White with green stripes) at a fully packed Masaka Recreational stadium

For the first time, girls’ football was played at the UMEA games.

Masaka S.S edged Kakungulu Memorial school 1-0 with midfielder, Catherine Nakiridde scoring a wonder goal with the left foot from over 45 yards.

‘It is good that we have started girls’ football. The UMEA games are an avenue of spotting talent from the grassroots’ Chairman of the local organizing committee, Hajji Twahil Kitezeela noted.

Best Performers:

Goalkeeper, Joseph Malish (Welden) & Jacky Nassali (Kakungulu Memorial) were the most valuable players in the male and female genders respectively.

Chief Guest, Vincent Ssempijja hands over a football to tournament top scorer, Joseph Jjanjali of Masaka S.S who finished with 10 goals

Masaka’s Joseph Jjanjali , who was recently summoned to the U-20 team finished with 10 goals to take the top scorers’ accolade.

Girl’s football MVP, Jackline Nassali recieves her prizes from Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, the Minister of State for Agriculture, also M.P for Kalungu East

Juliet Nalukenge of Kawempe Muslim finished with 10 goals to take the top scorers’ gong.

Kibuli S.S were the overall champions, defending their title won at the 2015 games hosted by Kasawo S.S.

Masaka S.S finished second with two gold medals whilst Kakungulu Memorial was the third best.

The chief Guest was Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, state minister of agriculture who is also the MP Elect for Kalungu West.

Ssempijja was the long serving chairman of Masaka Local Council Football club.

He handed over the prizes to the different winners.

Ssempijja used the plat form to appreciate the organizers of this tournament and assured Government will assist in the development of sports at grassroot levels.

A record 1500 students participated in the four day’s event.

FUFA donated 10 playing footballs, NIC provided the medical insurance cover and Pepsi quenched the thirst of all the participants as well as providing tents and plastic chairs used.

FUFA also provided the match referees for all the boys and girls’ football matched.

Football (Boys):

Quarter finals:

Bulo Parents 0-3 Masaka S.S

Kibuli Juventus 1 (4) – 1 (5) Welden High, Mbarara

Bwikya 0 (4) – 0 (5) Wagwa High

Kibuli Flamingo 0-5 Kakungulu Memorial

Semi-finals:

Welden High 0 (3) – 0 (1) Kakungulu Memorial

Wagwa High 0-2 Masaka S.S

Finals: Masaka S.S 1-0 Welden School, Mbarara

Girls Football (Semi-finals):

Kawempe Muslim 0-1 Kakungulu Memorial

Masaka S.S 2-0 Gadafi Intergrated

Final: Masaka S.S 1-0 Kakungulu Memorial

March 29, 2016
CAF mourns Abel Dhaira, grants minute of silence for the fallen star
#MUJJETULUMBE:

AFCON 2017 QUALIFIERS (Group D):

Tuesday, 29th March 2016

Uganda Vs Burkina Faso

Nelson Mandela National Stadium 7 p.m

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has written Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) extending condolence message to the local football fraternity on the loss of former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Abel Dhaira.

The message from CAF was signed by CAF Secretary General Hicham El Amrani.

Part of the message read; ‘First of all please accept our heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Issa Hayatou and the CAF Executive Committee for this terrible loss. May God bless his Soul and give patience to his Family’

The communication further read ‘Your request for the moment of silence is of course approved. My colleagues will make sure the Match Commissioner is informed’.

A minute of silence will be observed before kick off of Uganda vs Burkina Faso matchon Tuesday night at Namboole stadium as visuals of Abel Dhaira run on the stadium’s giant screen.

Uganda Cranes players will also wear t-shirts during warm up carrying special message in memory of the departed keeper.

Five man committee formed to handle Dhaira’s burial arrangements
The FUFA Emergency Committee has appointed a 5 man committee to handle the programme for the return of the remains and burial of Abel Dhaira.

The committee has FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, Rugyendo Arinaitwe (Chairman FUFA Super League Limited Board), Norah Nassimbwa (State House), Katende Ssemakula (National Council of sports), Mayemba Faisal (Abel Dhaira’s family Member).

State House will meet all the costs of bringing back the body to Uganda while FUFA will take care of the burial and funeral arrangements in Uganda.

The responsibilities for the committee are;
- Draw programme and mobilisation of resources required in the arrangement
- Bringing back the body from Iceland
- Handle arrangements for the funeral service in Uganda
FUFA cautions the public that no individuals or groups are allowed to carry out any fundraising drives for this arrangement.

All arrangements are being handled by the 5 man committee named by the FUFA Emergency committee. Any further communication on this matter will be done through FUFA official channels.
March 28, 2016
UPDATE; Abel Dhaira: Five man Committee named for burial arrangements
The FUFA Emergency Committee has appointed a 5 man committee to handle the programme for the return of the remains and burial of Abel Dhaira.

The committee has FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, Rugyendo Arinaitwe (Chairman FUFA Super League Limited Board), Norah Nassimbwa (State House), Katende Ssemakula (National Council of sports), Mayemba Faisal (Abel Dhaira’s family Member).

State House will meet all the costs of bringing back the body to Uganda while FUFA will take care of the burial and funeral arrangements in Uganda.

The responsibilities for the committee are;
- Draw programme and mobilisation of resources required in the arrangement
- Bringing back the body from Iceland
- Handle arrangements for the funeral service in Uganda
FUFA cautions the public that no any individuals or groups are allowed to carry out any fundraising drives for this arrangement.

All arrangements are being handled by the 5 man committee named by the FUFA Emergency committee. Any further communication on this matter will be done through FUFA official channels.
March 28, 2016
FUFA takes charge of Dhaira’s burial arrangements

The Emergency Committee of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has taken charge of preparations for the return of the remains and burial arrangements of former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Abel Dhaira.

The stylish shot stopper succumbed to cancer in Iceland on Sunday afternoon.

FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo spoke to Abel Dhaira father Bright Dhaira and is in agreement with arrangement.

‘Dhaira’s father is in agreement with the arrangement that will see the federation handle the logistics’ said Magogo.

FUFA cautions the public that no any other individuals or groups are allowed to carry out any fundraising drives.

All arrangements are being handled by FUFA. Any further communication on this matter will be done through FUFA official channels.

March 28, 2016