Coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda has summoned a provisional squad of 39 players to the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team camp.
The team summoned will begin preparations on Wednesday, 8th January 2025 for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier duel against Namibia. The residential camp will be held at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Namibia will host the first leg on 16th January 2025 while the return leg will take place on 19th January 2025. Both games will be played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The winner on aggregate will face Kenya at the second qualification phase.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim made his first address in the New Year today in a press briefing held at FUFA Complex Mengo, giving an update about the current state of football in the country.
The President summed up the activities that were conducted in the just concluded year and also shared the projections that FUFA intends to cover in 2025 including CHAN 2024.
He was flanked by FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, FUFA EXCO Member Sam Mpiima, FUFA Deputy CEO- Governance Sam Bakiika, FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza, FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein, FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe, National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege and FUFA Legal Manager Denis Lukambi among others.
Below are some of the excerpts from the FUFA President’s address.
Opening Remarks
“On behalf of FUFA, allow me to congratulate your upon completing 2024 and I wish you a prosperous 2025. In the past year, Football has lost its gallant servants such as Fred Kajoba, Esther Musoke and Baker Kasigwa among others. We continue to pray that they have eternal rest.”
“Football is a public good, it holds emotions of many of us. Therefore it is incumbent upon me to update the nation about the progress and state of the game in the country.”
About CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027
“For us we dream big. And indeed we had a dream that we shared with our neighbors Kenya and Tanzania to host AFCON 2027. Of course there were people doubting but we were able to convince the three heads of State and when we sold our idea to CAF, they were convinced. Already, there is work ongoing in as far as the sporting infrastructure and this will go a long way in improving the level of stadiums in the region. I call upon the Private sector to embrace this golden opportunity as East Africa hosts both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 in areas of hospitality, events and opportunity.”
About Sporting Infrastructure
“As a country, we have had a challenge of sporting infrastructure for a long time. But I’m glad to inform you that there is commitment from the Government. Mandela National Stadium returned to use last year and the second phase of renovation will start soon. Hoima Stadium is already ahead of schedule and I’m confident the facility will be ready by December this year. Work at Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium has started, there has been some work at Kyambogo University Training Facility, Makerere University will commence soon. With CHAN coming, there is massive work going on at Wankulukuku, KISU and Kadiba Training Facilty. Additionally, Government has also funded projects like MTN-Omondi Stadium, Masaka Recreation Ground and money has been earmarked for Kakyeka Stadium.”
On Football Governance
“One of our biggest success stories as FUFA is our governance structure. We know that with proper governance, order is maintained and work can go on smoothly. Our Judicial Processes have been swift and transparent with 19 people banned in the last year for match manipulation. Statutory meetings such as the FUFA AGM and Executive Meetings have been held.”
About administration at FUFA
“FUFA has a very credible secretariat headed by CEO Edgar Watson who run the game day to day. In the last year, our staff has grown to meet the ever increasing demands of the game.”
About Football Development
“ FUFA is run on three key pillars namely Football Governance, Football the Sport and Football Business. In the past, we have had great success in Governance and Business but we have now set our sights on prioritizing the sport itself. In Football Development, we are organizing capacity building courses to have more people involved in the game in areas like coaching, refereeing and administrators. The modern game requires the use of science and technology and FUFA is recruiting full time staff in that area to cater for things like nutrition, data analysis and use of sports equipment.”
“ We launched the FUFA Technical Masterplan which is a Programme that will run for seven years. In this, we are seeking to address four key areas namely; Mass Football, Elite Football, Professional Football and Life after Football. We are working on a football curriculum that will be taught in our regional football centres of excellence and this will in the long run formulate a national football philosophy. FUFA has instituted a Talent-Identification framework with scouts trained and these have an online platform where they feed information about any young talent identified.”
About FUFA Football Competitions
“We continue to organize and superintend over our competitions. However, we still face a challenge of insufficient funding especially with the Uganda Premier League. We believe our clubs need to grow into better brands that can attract sponsors because that is the only way their commercial value can grow. We are glad to report that the FUFA Women Leagues (Super and Elite) got a sponsor in Finance Trust Bank and that shows the progress we are making in as far as women’s football is concerned.”
On National Teams
“The National Football Teams that we manage had a total of 41 international matches in 2024 with Uganda Cranes playing 13. We were able to qualify for AFCON 2025 and most recently 2025 U17 AFCON. The Uganda Hippos earned silver at the African Games in Ghana while the Queen Cranes got bronze at the same event. We believe our National Teams will have even more engagements this year considering the number of tournaments and qualifiers lined up.”
About Football Business
“FUFA currently operates on a 41.1Billion budget thanks to the Government of Uganda that provides 17 Billion specifically meant for National Teams. From our Sponsors and Media Rights were are able to raise 10 Billion while the rest of the money comes from CAF, FIFA, merchandising etc.”
About the FUFA reserveFund
“ Whereas we are aware that running of Football demands huge sums of money but we equally have to care about the future. As the FUFA Executive, we agreed to open a FUFA reserve account in 2019 and this has since grown to about 400M shillings. We hope to keep saving more money so that in case of eventualities, the game is able to survive.”
About the FUFA SACCO
“We started a FUFA SACCO a few years ago in order to help our staff to save but also help them in making further investments. As of today, our SACCO has grown to a tune of 1.5 Billion shillings.”
About the internal controls
“FUFA has been able to install a SunSystem that has hugely helped us on how we manage and control our finances. Mr. Sam Bakiika who is the Deputy CEO- Governance has a background of an auditor, working with credible institutions like the PricewaterhouseCoopers.”
About the FUFA Communications Tool.
“FUFA has been able to set up both FUFA Tv and FUFA Radio to continue promoting the game. In addition, we have a credible Communications Department that is able to produce content. For those that attended the FUFA AGM at Maya Nature Resort saw the content that was produced including a book that covers the history of FUFA in the past 100 years.”
About the FUFA Marketing arm
“In order to widen our income pool, FUFA has created unique products through the FUFA Sportware Limited Company named Janzi. So far, we are produced Zakayo Balls, Referees attire and Uganda Cranes Jerseys. We hope to even get bigger in 2025. I want to warn those that are engaging in making counterfeits of these products, the law will catch up with you.”
About Pre-determination of match results
“This is a strong warning to those that are involved in the business of match fixing. One of the cardinal missions of FUFA is to protect the game and that we shall do. Last year, we banned 19 people and I want to assure you that we have the capacity to investigate and identify those involved. Please Report, Resist and Reject such vices. “
“Finally, I want to thank everyone who has made a contribution to the growth and development of football in Uganda. The President of the Republic of Uganda H. E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Leadership of Parliament and Honorable Members, Sponsors, the FUFA Secretariat, Clubs, Referees, Club Administrators, Players and fans among others.”
Uganda secured a late win over Burundi as the two teams faced off on Sunday at Hamz Stadium in the return leg of the 2024 African Nations Champions (CHAN) Qualifiers.
Substitute Hakim Kiwanuka scored the lone goal of the game at the death of the clock with his deflected strike heading goal-way.
The win meant Uganda secured victories against Burundi both home and away. It should be noted that the Cranes won the reverse fixture with ab identical score thanks to Isaac Ogwang’s goal.
In today’s game, coach Paul Put rang changes from the team that had started three days ago.
Gideon Odong started at left back in place of Derrick Ndahiro. Joel Sserunjogi and Milton Karisa replaced Paul Mbowa and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza respectively.
The opening quarter was a bit sloppy from either side, and the first realistic opportunity arrived in the 17th minute when Karisa’s cross met Jude Ssemugabi but his headed effort sailed wide.
Three minutes later, goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa was quick to rush off his goal line to deny a Burundi player.
At the start of the second half, coach Put brought on Patrick Jonah Kakande in place of injured Jude Ssemugabi.
His arrival came with improvement for Uganda Cranes with the winger wrecking havoc.
Kakande had an attempt at goal in the 49th minute but the goalkeeper was well stationed to save.
Okello jumped high in the 52nd minute but his headed effort went wide.
Ten minutes later, Isaac Ogwang had a glorious opportunity when he went through on goal but his effort was saved.
Coach Put made further changes, bringing on Kiwanuka and Ivan Ahimbisibwe for Allan Okello and Ogwang respectively.
In the first minute of the four added time, Kiwanuka’s rebound reflected off Burundi defender Olivier Dushime and went to the back of the net.
The two games are part of Uganda’s preparations for the up coming 2024 CHAN tournament that will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
Uganda Cranes nicked a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burundi in the first leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifier game played at Hamz Stadium Nakibubo on Thursday.
The closely contested game saw Uganda Cranes edge the game to take advantage in the two-legged affair.
Striker Isaac Ogwang scored the lone goal of the game and this eventually settled the contest.
The decisive moment arrived in the 35th minute with Ogwang firing a low drive into the bottom right corner.
Uganda started the better side and got several opportunities at goal but failed to find the much needed early lead.
Jude Ssemugabi had a chance in the 11th minute to lobe the ball over the onrushing Burundi goalkeeper but his effort sailed wide.
Five minutes later, Ssemugabi had a glorious chance, rounding off the goalkeeper but his dinking effort was saved off the line by Olivier Dushime.
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza too had an opportunity in the 23rd minute but he headed just above the goal area.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 35th minute with Ogwang receiving the ball from a misplaced pass by Burundi midfielder Gloire Tambwe before firing home.
Burundi piled pressure after recess and got the better chances but Uganda defended resiliently to claim victory.
The two teams will face off again on Sunday at the same venue.
It should be noted that Uganda alongside Tanzania and Kenya already qualified as hosts but Burundi on the other hand are seeking to progress to the final qualification round.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has learnt with shock the death of former Uganda Cranes player Mr. Baker Kasigwa which occurred on Sunday 22nd December 2024.
“We have received the sad news of the loss of football legend Mr. Baker Kasigwa. Football has lost a man who gave every Ugandan around the world great memories created in the 50s and 60s” said FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
Kasigwa was recognized by the FUFA Assembly in 2017 hosted in Masindi and presented with the FUFA Presidential Award for his great service to football.
Kasigwa was an integral part of the Uganda Cranes that toured the UK in 1956. He also played for the Cranes in their first ever appearance of the AFCON in 1962 in Ethiopia
Just recently, the 100th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly recognised Baker Kasigwa as he delivered his message of congratulations to FUFA President, Delegates and entire football fraternity as FUFA officially started the celebrations to mark 100 years of FUFA’s existence.
On behalf of FUFA and my own behalf, members of FUFA, delegates and secretariat I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Baker Kasigwa, Kitara Region Football Association, Uganda Football Players Association and the people of Bunyoro on the loss of a legend.
May the Almighty keep the loved ones of Kasigwa strong during these dark and difficult times following the loss of a great man in our football.
FUFA is saddened to learn of the passing on of former Uganda Cranes player Baker Kasigwa that occurred today at his home in Kisalizi, Masindi district.
Until today, Kasigwa was the only surviving member of the famous Uganda Cranes team that played in England in 1956.
He also played at the 1962 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, the first appearance for Uganda at the continental Championship.
FUFA extends its sincere condolences to the immediate family, friends and the entire football fraternity.
The first CAF A Coaching Diploma Course under the new CAF coaching convention concluded on Saturday evening after 240 hours of learning at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
A total of 24 coaches, consisting of tacticians from various divisions, saw out block seven (7) of the training yesterday– which was the final assessment of all the participants, thus completing the six month-long course that began in May with pre-entry assessment of candidates to select the final 25 from 49 applicants.
CAF Instructor Francis Kimanzi supervised the last phase of the course which was then officially closed by FUFA Deputy CEO- Services Humphrey Mandu who was the chief guest. All the coaches received certificates of completion.
Mandu told the coaches that they are a vital pillar to the future of Ugandan football. He also reiterated FUFA’s commitment to embracing capacity building.
“Being in football management, nothing is possible without key stakeholders like you. And at the level you have reached, football in Uganda is going to be squarely hinged on your progress.”
“This crop that has come out today is the future of our football in Uganda. So, take yourselves as a very high breed of football coaches. Of course you will move with the others who are already there. They are doing a great job but I believe you will come up with a different concept.”
“As FUFA, we have very many concepts we are pushing, and the mission is – we want to be the number one footballing nation in Africa, on and off the pitch.”
“We need you and we are going to rely on you. Please show all your abilities and change, and brand yourselves.Let’s work together. In case you need any help, we are available as administrators and as FUFA. The federation is going to continue supporting you in all aspects, in terms of technology and more coaching courses because it is the best way we can achieve our technical master plan.” He added.
Areas of learning included; theory of coaching, practical sessions, match analysis, leadership and management, sports science and nutrition, first aid and injuries, media relations, among others.
Class captain Badru Kaddu, who is also a coach at Express FC, said;
“We thank the Federation so much, and we ask you to convey our appreciation to the FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim. We are very grateful to his great behind the scene work he did to see that these high level courses comeback to Uganda.”
“It had indeed taken us long without these courses and we are the first people to enjoy the new convention from CAF. We are not going to embarrass you.”
“It has been a long way – six months down the road when are studying. We came here half full, and we are now full of modern football knowledge. We are going to serve the country and uplift the standards of football going forward.”
Lead instructor Francis Kimanzi appealed to the coaches to remain relevant to football development.
“You are now the ambassadors for the next day. We have to be seen doing something good to open opportunities for the coaches behind us because it is not easy to get these high profile courses from CAF.”
“It involves a lot of hard work, lobbying and knocking on people’s doors. Let’s make it easy for the CEO to bring these courses here. This class of 24 coaches has to be seen doing good work out there, please don’t close that door by doing nothing.”
“Expound on the knowledge you have acquired here in the last six months. Keep the fire burning, make more research and rebuild yourself.”
“Education is not a guarantee to success. But we shall see the confidence you have, the way you package yourself, how you present yourself to the media. The confidence that you will bring to the touchline will tell something. I wish you the best.”
List of participants
Brian Sseyondo – Uganda Cubs
Kikomeko Abbey Bogere – BUL FC (Uganda)
Muhumuza Fred – Vipers SC (Uganda)
Ngabo Pius – UPDF (Uganda)
Luyinda John – Vpers (Uganda)
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda)
Kintu Jimmy Mwera – UCU Lady Cardinals /St. Noa (Uganda)
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe on Friday visited Uganda to check on our preparedness ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
It should be noted that Uganda will co-host the biennal tournament alongside neighbours Kenya and Tanzania.
Dr. Motsepe arrived at Entebbe International Airport at 4:50PM EAT alongside CAF Fourth Vice President Seidou Nchouwah Mbombo Njoya and CAF Tournaments and Events Director Samson Adamu.
The delegation was welcomed by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim who was in the company of FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema and FUFA CEO Edgar Watson Suubi.
Upon arrival, the CAF President addressed the media in the Airport VIP Lounge, assuring the public that the three nations will host the coveted tournament.
“I’m happy to be in Uganda again. I have always said that this place feels like home and therefore I’m not a visitor today,” he started before adding, “I want to assure football enthusiasts all over the world that East Africa is ready to host a big tournament like CHAN and this will be the best Championship ever.”
” I know there are challenges especially on the side of football facilities but I have all the confidence that these will be sorted before the tournament gets underway in February next year. I have the assurance from the Heads of State of the three host nations.”
Dr. Motsepe indicated that such Championships come with numerous benefits and believes CHAN 2024 will have a positive impact on the East Africa Region.
“Football is a tool that brings not only passion but also development in terms of infrastructure, unity, tourism and trade. I believe this region will hugely gain from CHAN as we look ahead of the big picture which is AFCON 2027.”
After addressing the media, Dr. Motsepe and his entourage visited Mandela National Stadium checking on the playing turf, dressing rooms, media centre and outside training pitch among others.
He later visited the residence of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon Annet Anita Among Magogo before meeting the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House, Nakasero.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will host CHAN 2024 between February 1st – 28th February next year.
FUFA has confirmed a list of Ugandan referees approved to receive FIFA badges for the calendar year 2024
The list submitted by FUFA after a resolution by the FUFA Executive to FIFA has been released today with 24 names including Centre Referees and Assistant Referees.
Futsal maintains two slots from this year just like Beach Soccer that will remain with four referees they had in 2024.
The new entrants are Ashiraf Magoola, Joshua Duula while Dick Okello bounces back.
Here is a complete list of the 24 Ugandan FIFA Certified Referees 2025;
Male Centre Referees:
Dick Okello, Joshua Duula, William Oloya, Lucky Razake Kasalirwe and George Olemu
Male Assistant Referees:
Ronald Katenya,Hakim Mulindwa, Emmanuel Okudra, Ashiraf Magoola, Brianson Musisi, Ashiraf Katerega
Futsal Referees:
Brian Emmy Nsubuga and Isaac Sengendo
Beach Soccer:
Ivan Kintu Bayige, Muhammad Ssenteza, Kennedy Kawagga Bazirio and Joel Chote Munyendoh.
Female Centre Referees:
Shamirah Nabadda, Habiba Naigaga and Diana Murungi
Female Assistant Referees:
Lydia Nantabo Wanyama, Jane Mutonyi, Elizabeth Nassolo, Immaculate Ongiera
The President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”), Dr Patrice Motsepe will visit Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda – the three nations that will host the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship 2024 (CHAN) this week.
Dr Motsepe’s visit to the three host nations begins on Thursday morning, 19 December in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
He will then travel to Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala, Uganda on Friday, 20 December, where he will conclude his three-nation tour.
During his visit, Dr Motsepe will meet Governments, Football Leadership and Local Organising Committees from the three countries.
The schedule of activities and meetings includes visits to the stadiums and training sites that are currently undergoing renovations ahead of next year’s competition.
Dr Motsepe’s visit comes on the back of the second inspection tour of the three host nations conducted by a CAF delegation in November where the various stadiums, training sites, hotels, airports and other facilities were inspected.
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put has summoned a provisional squad of 26 players ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Qualifier matches against Burundi.
Uganda and Burundi will face off in a two-legged affair on 26th and 29th December 2024 with both games slated to take place at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
It should be noted that Uganda alongside Kenya and Tanzania already secured their slots at the tournament as hosts while Burundi and other countries in the region are competing to take the fourth slot accorded to East Africa.
The team will start non residential training on 21st December before entering camp on 25th December at Nob View Hotel for the two games.
The final tournament is expected to take place between 1st – 28th February 2025.
FUFA, Director of Footbll Development Ali Mwebe is one of a select group of Technical Leaders from across the globe who graduated from the first edition of FIFA’s prestigious Technical Leadership Diploma.
Ali Mwebe attended the final block of the 18 month-long course which concluded with a series of assessment presentations and a graduation ceremony at the FIFA museum in Zurich between 5-6 December.
Since commencing the programme in May 2023, Ali Mwebe has visited Brazil, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland as part of the Diploma, which aims to become the ‘globally recognised qualification’ for Technical Leaders working in the game.
“The Diploma has been an 18 months journey of transformational memories on two front, one is the personal development with leadership capabilities required to lead teams effectively and secondly, the professional experience with direct learning on theme inputs on Football high performance, coach education, management, resources and amateur football. ,” says Ali Mwebe, the diploma graduate.
“At a time when the FUFA president Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim and his Executive committee have set a foot on ‘football the sport’ to strategically align FUFA’s long term goal of improving the competitiveness of our national teams (men and women), an effort that saw the formulation of the FUFA Technical Master plan 2023-2030, the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma came in as a top needed tool to support me as a head of department (football development) charged with implementation of the TMP. The 5 course domains are all linking to our TMP in one way or the other, a factor that necessistate knowledge transfer from learning to practice. A vast connection to the best FIFA tutors and my course peers who are from all over the world is another factor that is already connecting to our football development current and future efforts” Added Ali Mwebe
“With FUFA at a time of implementing the 7-year Technical Master Plan, Ali Mwebe the footnall development director’s ability to accomplish this Diploma is a key step in this process as we are advised on the updated Global Football Development trends that are appropriate from FIFA and all other confederations, especially the places and major football power houses where the 4 course blocks were held. His Success is a begining step to the Success of the FUFA Technical Master Plan implementation and Uganda’s future Football at large” Says Edgar Watson Ssuubi, FUFA Chief Executive Officer
“Many congratulations to Ali Mwebe for graduating from the first ever edition of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma,” says Steven Martens, FIFA Director of Global Football Development.
“The future of global football requires expert leaders across the world and we believe this qualification will help us achieve that aim,” added Martens. “We are excited to see how each graduate from the Diploma will help shape and influence the future of football in the years to come,” added Martens.
‘A transformational experience’ for Technical Leaders
Edition one of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma was attended by Technical Leaders from Member Associations, Confederations and FIFA and proved to be a ‘transformational experience,’ says Jamie Houchen, FIFA Head of Technical Leadership
“The effort, energy, insight and camaraderie each participant has brought to the Diploma has ensured the past 18 months have been a transformational experience for everyone involved,” explains Houchen. “The FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma is the first qualification of its kind and we truly believe it will play a huge role in the leadership of football around the world in the future–the first cohort of graduates are now equipped with the skills and competencies to lead the way in this area.”
2023/24 FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma graduates:
Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, The Crested Cranes wound up their stay in Algeria on Saturday with yet another international friendly game.
The game played at the Tchacker Stadium in Blida, Algiers ended in a 1-0 win for the hosts.
The decisive goal arrived in the 34th minute with Ghoutia Karchourni scoring direct from a free kick.
Coach Sheryl Botes made two changes from the team that had started the first game with Resty Nanziri and Ruth Aturo starting ahead of Shakirah Nankwanga and Daisy Nakaziro respectively.
It should be noted that the first leg played on Wednesday ended in a 2-1 win for Algeria.
The coach believes the team picked valuable lessons and hopes to use them going forward.
“I’m first of all happy that we got two intensive games against such an opponent like Algeria. I believe the players benefited a lot facing such a team twice,” she said.
“Definitely, we had some positives picked despite losing both games and these can only be building blocks going forward.”
The team continues to prepare ahead of a busy schedule next year that will have the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Uganda U17 Boys National Team has learned the teams they will be facing in the upcoming CAF U17 AFCON- CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.
The draws were held live on FUFA Tv by CECAFA General Coordinator Jean Sseninde on Thursday.
The Cubs have been placed in Group A alongside Tanzania, Ethiopia and Burundi.
The other Group (B) has defending Champions Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Kenya.
The tournament is scheduled to take place between 14th – 28th December 2024 at Hamz Nakivubo Stadium and St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The top two teams at the end of the group stage progress to the semifinals while the two teams that reach the final earn the tickets to playing at the final tournament.
The teams are expected to arrive in Uganda by December 9th to carry out the mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests.
FUFA on Tuesday, 26th November 2024 held a football technical stakeholders’ meeting at Jevine Hotel in Kampala. The engagement saw several coaches, instructors and former player invited.
The meeting was attended by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, FUFA Executive Committee Members Ronnie Kalema and Apollo Ahimbisibwe plus FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
Also present was FIFA Regional Technical Consultant Dominique Niyionzima and FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe.
The day’s discussion hinged on creation of a pathway for an elite footballer, right from the age of 13 to life after football.
FUFA President indicated it is high time that the country changed the way footballers are developed in order to create a holistic player.
“As a Federation, we have registered success in the areas of governance and business but the pillar of sport had challenges. We therefore, took the initiative of creating a synchronized way of creating a proper life cycle of a player we want,” He said.
“We introduced the FUFA Technical Master Plan that covers a player’s life in four phases of mass football, elite football, professional football and life after football. At the moment, we have mass football projects going on but what brings us here today, is elite talent development.” The President added.
FIFA Regional Technical Consultant Dominique Niyionzima was full of praise for FUFA given the various efforts made at developing the game of football in Uganda.
“One thing that has defined FUFA is leadership. I oversee 13 countries in the region but it is the first time I’m seeing an FA President attending such an engagement and he is active throughout. I have had the privilege to look through the content in your Technical Master Plan and I believe this is the game changer for Ugandan football.” He said.
The engagement started with an open-discussion where participants shared their opinions and suggestions in regard to the five salient questions asked.
Thequestions
1 – Uganda in the past boosted of technically gifted players who featured for a long time. Why don’t we have such players today?
2 – Why have Ugandan players failed to make the grade in the top Leagues?
3 – Uganda used to have giant, tall and strong players. Why has this changed over the years?
4 – What is Uganda’s competitive advantage over other countries?
5 – What is the most suitable philosophy and playing style for Ugandan Football?
Later in the day, Petros Koukouras, a staff in the FUFA Football Development Department presented the new philosophy and football curriculum that FUFA is drafting and will be finalised soon.
There were further presentations by Executive Secretary of the Football Development Committee, Ronnie Kalema on the new coaching education changes.
Among the changes that FUFA wants to introduce is the new grading of coaches from 1-7. Consideration of Academic qualificiations, experience and other managerial courses inorder to create holistic football coaches.
Ali Mwebe, also made a presentation about the 12 Regional Centres of Football Excellence that FUFA is creating.
He revealed that FUFA will take care of the head coaches, provide balls, structured programmes, competitions and training gear among others.
The FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee has banned 12 individuals from all football related activities for involvement in a match manipulation scheme orchestrated by a foreign betting syndicate that targeted a number of fixtures in the 2023/2024 season.
One of the persons has been banned for life while the rest were handed lengthy sanctions. The Investigatory Chamber of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee conducted investigations and the Adjudicatory held hearings against several football individuals for alleged breach of Article 43 of the FUFA Ethics and Disciplinary Code.
The sanctions imposed on the individuals were taken based on the different mitigating and aggravating circumstances for each party in regard to the degree of involvement in the match-fixing and the level of assistance and cooperation with the investigation.
The findings after the disciplinary proceedings guided the committee with the decisions already communicated to the concerned individuals as below;
FUFA’s efforts in redefining the game of football in Uganda continue to take shape by the day with numerous strategies set to achieve the aforementioned target.
Through the FUFA Technical Master Plan, FUFA seeks to cover four saliet areas namely; mass football, elite football, professional football and life after football.
With schools serving as the bedrock of football in Uganda, FUFA thought it wise to incorporate them at the different stages of the FUFA Technical Master Plan inorder to create a clear pathway of an elite player.
12 Government-aided Secondary Schools from all the 8 regions of FUFA were earmarked by the FUFA Executive Committee to serve as Centres of Football Excellence.
A one-day workshop was organised at Jevine Hotel in Kampala with FUFA meeting Head Teachers of the selected schools to explain more about the scheme.
Schools selected
Boys
Kibuli SS – Kampala Region Mvara SS – West Nile Region Teso College Aloet – North East Region Gombe SS – Buganda Region Nganwa High School – Western Region Kabalega SS – Kitara Region Jinja College – Eastern Region St. Josephs College Layibi – Northern Region
Girls
Kawempe Muslim SS – Kampala Region St. Katherine Girls – Northern Region Masaka SS – Buganda Region Nyakasura SS – Kitara Region
FUFA Executive Committee Member and Executive Secretary of the Football Development Commitee, Ronnie Kalema explained the synopsis of the Project and believes this move will help in transforming the game of football.
“FUFA has a vision of becoming the number one football nation in Africa on and off the pitch and that is further explained in our mission which is to develop, promote and protect football,” he said before adding, “Inorder to develop the game, FUFA took a bold step of formulating a strategy that we call the FUFA Technical Master Plan. This is a document that we have put together inorder to transform football in this country. It looks at a player from the age of 5 up to life after football.’
Dominique Niyionzima, the FIFA Regional Technical Consultant lauded FUFA and Uganda in general for the continued efforts in developing the game.
“I want to assure you that a few countries in Africa do what you are doing here. Football can only thrive where there is good governance and we really appreciate the progress you are making. To the schools, this is a good opportunity for you to contribute to the growth of football because majority of footballers horn their craft at schools.” He stated.
At the Centres of Football Excellence, FUFA will identify, support and pay the head coaches, provide training gear and organise competitions to help in nurturing of players.
Through the FUFA Talent ID framework where several scouts have been trained and designated to all districts in Uganda, talented players will be identified and placed at the respective regional centres of football excellence.
The Head Teachers and representatives of Schools who attended the meeting appreciated FUFA’s efforts in redefining the game of football and promised to embrace the new project.
“As Kibuli SS, we are proud that FUFA thought about the role we play as Schools. We have been working in isolation despite the fact that we are the breeding ground for players who go all the way to play for the national team. As Head Teachers of the selected schools, we shall rally behind FUFA on this Project and make sure we produce better and complete footballers.” Said Ibrahim Ssemakadde, the Head Teacher of Kibuli SS.
FUFA is in the process of formulating a football curriculum that will help in creating a national philosophy and playing style.
