FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Category: League Football

  • Bobby names Cranes Squad

    June 3: Angola Vs Uganda, June 9: Uganda Vs Senegal June 16: Ugnada Vs Congo

    Invited: Posnet Omony

    Cranes head coach Bobby Robert Williamson has this Wednesday morning named his squad a head of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers match against Angola in Luanda on June 3.

    The 30-man squad comprises 22 professional players and 8 home based lads. Goal Keeper Posnet Richard Omony who features for Black Leopards FC in South Africa has landed an invitation after a long time of absence on the list. Commenting about the development, Bobby said invitations were based on individual performances and that Omony had been very active of recent hence an invitation.

    Joseph Owino of Azan FC in Tanzania is also one of the eleven defenders on the list. The available players on the squad start training on Monday May 21 at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.

    The full squad has Omony Posnet Richard (Black Leopards), Onyango Denis (Mamelodi Sundown), Dhaira Abel (IBV Vestmannaeyjar), and Hamza Muwonge (Bunamwaya) goal keepers.

    The defenders include Massa Simeon (URA), Iguma Denis (Victoria University), Isinde Isaac (St. George-Ethiopia), Kalungi Henry (Richmond kickers-USA), Walusimbi Godfrey (Bunamwaya), Wasswa Hassan (Kayseri Erciyesspor-Turkey), Ochaya Joseph (KCC), Kavuma Habib (APR-Rwanda), Ssali Edward (Bunamwaya), Joseph Owino (Azam-Tanzania) and team Captain Andrew Mwesigwa (Ordabasy FC- Kazahastan).

    The midfielders’ set has Sserumaga Mike (St. George-Ethiopia), Mawejje Tonny (IBV-Iceland), Mudde Musa (Sofapaka-Kenya), Ochan Patrick (TP-Mazembe-DRC), Kayongo Martin (AIK-Sweden), Wagaluka Dan (APR-Rwanda), Oloya Moses (Sai Gon Xuah Thanh-Vietnam) and Matovu Sula (St. George-Ethiopia).

    The striking department has Okwi Emmanuel (Simba-Tanzania), Kizito Fabian Derrick (Leonidas-Netherlands), Umony Brian (Becamex Binh Duong-Vietnam), Massa Geoffrey (Nicosia Kapia (Cyprus), Okhuti Ceaser (Bunamwaya), Mutyaba Mike (Al Merreikh-Sudan) and Ssentongo Robert (URA).

     

  • 120 Referees undergo Medical tests

    FIFA Referee Ali Kalyango undegoing a medical test before Dr. Bob Opoka on Monday, May 14 at FUFA house

    A total of 120 referees have this Monday under gone medical tests in preparations for the physical fitness tests slated for tomorrow, Tuesday at Mandela National stadium – Namboole.

    Cranes team doctor, Ronald Kisolo and FUFA Medical Committee member Dr. Bob Opoka conducted the long day exercise here at FUFA House. Clients included FIFA badge holders, USL, Big League and Regional League referees.

    Speaking shortly before the exercise closed, Dr. Kisolo said the activity was mandatory to avoid those with health problems from undergoing the fitness tests tomorrow.

    The referees were examined on a number of areas that included the heart functionality, vision, recognition of colours, body temperatures, bone positioning, aneamia and breathing among others. Kisolo further explained that the statutes required that every referee had to have good hearing skills with no wax plug in his/her ears and that both eyes must be normal with clear vision. The fitness tests start at 7:00am.

    Dr. Kisolo examining one of the referees during the medical tests

    Referee Kutegana Peter was the only victim of this exercise after doctors found his blood pressure being too high to undertake the fitness tests on Tuesday. Dr. Kisolo said the referee had been put on medication to stabilize his health.

    In a related development, 40 referees’ assessors are currently undergoing a two-day refresher course at Namboole. The course closes Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile FIFA instructors Carlos Henrique and Felix Tangawalima are already in the country to conduct the referees’ elite course.

    The course officially opens in Namboole at 2:00pm on Tuesday and will close Friday.

  • FUFA close-in to fundamental changes

    FUFA is pleased to inform the public of the commencement of fundamental reforms of the organization aimed at bringing more development-focused activities than currently.

    FUFA invited FIFA to a FUFA Constitution study organized through a two-day Residential Retreat in Entebbe from 4th to 5th May 2012.

    FIFA and FUFA officials who attended the meeting

    The FIFA Delegation led by Mr. Primo Cavaro (FIFA Development Officer) also included Mr.  Nicolas Valticos (Legal Counsel- Corporate Legal, FIFA Legal Affairs Division) and Mr. Ashford Mamelodi (FIFA Regional Development Officer)

    On the other hand, the FUFA team was led by the Vice President in charge Administration Eng. Moses Magogo but  also included Mr. Mujib Kasule (VP–USL), Mr. Rogers Byamukama (FUFA Excom Member), Mr. Edgar Watson (FUFA CEO), Mr. Luganda Alex (Sec –Legal com), Mr. Bazirengedde Meddie (FUFA Legal) and Mr. Ojok Odur (Chairman-FUFA Disciplinary Committee)

    FIFA has made both mandatory requirements and strong recommendations drawing their experiences from all over the world as the best practices while the FUFA Executive Committee has also got areas noted for changes but the mandate to make the changes lies within the decisions of the FUFA Executive Committee and ultimately the FUFA General Assembly. As was the case with the Jinja Declaration, The FUFA Executive Committee considers the FIFA recommendations very highly

    The reforms shall also be extended to all FUFA Members whose constitutions will be required to be modified in line with the new constitution

    “So far the proposed reforms are going to make fundamental changes in the way FUFA as an organisation is managed and how it relates with its members in enforcing association football rules. The most important part is that the reforms are taking institutions ahead of individuals and this can only enhance football development” said Eng. Moses Magogo shortly after the last session.

    There are a number of preliminary discussions still going on between FIFA and FUFA and as soon as the appropriate moment comes, the details of the reforms will be communicated and tabled for discussion. The timeline requires certain sections implemented before the new season begins

    “FIFA has been keenly following events in Uganda and we are sure that only changes in certain areas of the FUFA and FUFA Members’ Statutes (read Constitutions) will cause lasting solutions” said Primo Cavaro.  FUFA will keep all stakeholders updated appropriately.

     

  • Get theatre out of football-Govt. orders Kwizera

    Minister Charles Bakabulindi has rubbished the Kwizera federation branding ot circus

    Education and sports State minister Charles Bakabulindi burst out laughing when told of a new body fronting itself as the legitimate local soccer governing body.

    “I have heard of that group. They are not serious. It is a circus. It is time people got serious and stopped mixing theatre with serious football”.

    The group headed by Godfrey Kwizera on Friday last week launched a parallel federation. Former FUFA Vice president Polly Ouma was also named head coach of the said federation with a duty of releasing a squad for the group’s international calendar. At their launch, Kwizera reportedly said his group would mainly deal with foreign based players.

    FIFA, the international football governing body recognizes the current federation headed by Lawrence Mulindwa as the legitimate federation in Uganda. In 2010 FIFA directed the national body to take action on the same group.

    The disgruntled group has Godfrey Kwizera, former player Dan Walusimbi and Polly Ouma as its key players. In 2009, Kwizera showed interest to contest for the elections of the FUFA president but he could not even reach out to ten out of over 80 recognized districts. He also failed to show up at the election venue.

    Surprisingly, the next elections are just one year away but instead of getting down to the grassroots to canvass for support if his group is really serious, they are only staging comedy day in, day out!  (This piece ran in the Sunday Vision News paper of May 6 with James Bakama as its author but the original story has slightly been edited for our web site).

  • On-form Hippos off to Maputo

    The Hippos left Thursday morning

    The Uganda U20 National football team, the Hippos left for Mozambique on Thursday morning for the return leg against the hosts, fixed for Saturday.

    FUFA Zone One Chairman Ibrahim Maraka led the 25-man delegation that travelled by Ethiopian Airlines from Entebbe International Airport around 2:00am.

    The contingent included 18 players and seven officials. Speaking before boarding, head coach Nkata Paul said the players looked focused to earn Uganda some good results adding,  ‘we shall attack them but with consciousness at the back’.

    The players who travelled included, Kalyowa Emmanuel, Ochaya Joseph, Owori Isaac, Nkata Fred, Mukisa Yusufu, Wadri William, Aucho Khalid, Maloba Denis, Kyeyune Saidi, Wakiro Nico Wadada, Ssenkoomi  Samuel and Kasadha Lawrence. Others are Ogwang Julius, Opiyo George Abege, Yayo Kato Lutimba, Tuliraba Alex, Ssekisambu Erisa and Magoola Salim Omar.

    The Hippos travelled with a 4-0 result advantage they registered in Kampala fourteen days ago. CAF appointed the South African referees to handle the return match. The delegation is expected back to Kampala on May 7.

  • Kisumu U20 friendly called off

    FUFA Finance Vice President Anthony Kimuli and Ogwel Patrick (VP Youth) sharing a joyful moment with U20 head coach Paul Nkata and his assistant Abdalllah Mubiru before Uganda walloped Mozambique 4-0 @befoi
    FUFA vice president in charge Finance Mr. Anthony Kimuli and his colleague Patrick Ogwel (Youth) share a moment of joy with U20 Head coach Paul Nkata and his assistant Abdallah Mubiru last week before Uganda Hippos walloped Mozambique 4-0. The return leg has now been fixed for May 5 in Maputo

    Please note that the earlier planned friendly match for our U20 National team against Nyanza Province in Kisumu has been called of.

    Reasons:

    (i) The match was encroaching on the time frame allocated to USL to have the Bell Super League matches end on schedule. Travelling to Kisumu would have led to an extension of some league matches especially those involving clubs like Proline, Express, SC. Villa, URA and Maroons.

    (ii) The duration between the proposed match days in Kisumu (April 28 and 29) and the Mozambique return leg date was too small. The Mozambique game has been confirmed for May 5.

    (iii) The latest communication coming in from Mozambique has pointed towards having our return leg played on an artificial turf at Chibuto stadium, North of Maputo City. This has compelled us to shift camp to Njeru Technical centre for an intensified training which will also give our players a good exposure of playing on an artificial turf. The players leave for Njeru on Sunday.

    We regret any inconveniences caused to our stakeholders but the changes are intended to ensure that the Hippos pick up good results from Maputo.

  • Kalyango for Al Merreikh- TP Mazembe CAF tie

    The confederation of African Football Associations (CAF) has appointed a set of four Ugandan referees to officiate a crucial CAF Orange Club Champions league match between Al Merreikh of Sudan and DRC’s league giants TP Mazembe. Ali Kalyango, a no nonsense man will stand in the centre of the game to be played in Khartoum City.

    He will be assisted by Hussein Bugembe and Ngobi Musa Balikoowa. Brian Nsubuga travels as a standby referee. The game will be played on the weekend of May 11-13.

    Uganda Cranes young skilled player Mike Mutyaba features for Al Merreikh and is expected to play in this game.

    In another development, FIFA has also appointed Ssemambo Aisha, Diana Mukasa, Nakitto Marex and Irene Namubiru to handle the FIFA U20 Women World Cup (3rd round) match between Nigeria and DRC. The game will be played between May 4-6.

    Meanwhile a former Grade I referee and match assessor, Moses Wagambula has passed on. He reportedly succumbed to diabetes from Mbale Hospital and he will be laid to rest on Friday at Bulago village, Mbulamburi district, 30km from Mbale town.

  • Sadolin FC player shot dead

    FA leader Lawrence Mulindwa has issued a statement urging security agencies to speed up the investigations into the player's murder

    Godfrey Ddamba Lutaaya 29, a Sadolin FC player, a Kampala Regional League club was on Saturday afternoon shot dead by a gun man alleged to have been a member of the Uganda Police force.

    Sadolin FC club Manager Joseph Opio said, the player was traced from his home until the assailant found him with friends in Bweyogerere where he was shot dead. “He asked him whether he was Ddamba and on giving his response that he was, the policeman shot him. He also injured two other friends”, Opio explained.

    FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa has this Monday morning sent a condolence message to the deceased’s family, Sadolin Football Club and the entire football fraternity in Uganda. “I am shocked to learn that the incident I watched on one of the local television bulletin a night ago, involved our own player who was shot dead by a gun man”. Reads part of Mulindwa’s condolence message.

    The Ugandan FA President has described the deceased as having been ‘a talented Goal Keeper’ but regretted that his life had been lost in ‘un clear circumstances’. “It’s my hope that the security agencies exhaustively investigate this matter and punish the culprit in a deserved manner” Mulindwa said.

    Ddamba will be laid to rest at Kalungu-Lukaya this Monday, 4:00pm. He has been a player for Sadolin FC since 2007 and he was instrumental in guiding the club to the Regional league where it stands in the 4th position on the table. The deceased featured for his club last Wednesday as they edged Bright Stars FC 2-0 at Lugogo and this was his last game before meeting his death on Saturday afternoon. Preliminary details indicate that he survives with a widow and three children.

    May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

  • Rwenshama are Western Region Champs

    [image src=”https://fufauganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSC00503.jpg” lightbox=”yes” align=”left” float=”left”]Rwenshama FC from Rukungiri are the champions of the FUFA Western Region league.

    The club crowned at the beginning of this week will now have to play the table leader from Kitara regional league to determine the winner into the FUFA Big League next season.

    Speaking at the crowning ceremony held at Rukungiri Municipal stadium, FUFA Vice President Chris Kalibbala urged club officials to ensure discipline of their players as a way of developing quality and competitive talents. Rushere FC finished second with 23 points while Ibanda United trailed with 10 points on the table.

    Regional Chairperson Abbas Ssendyowa attended the function.

  • Defiant Kabenge in shocking drama!

    In what can be termed as real drama of events, the banned former Uganda Super League (USL) board chairperson, Kavuma Kabenge now denies knowledge of any disciplinary actions ever taken against him by FUFA or its judicial bodies!
    Kabenge has also down played all the past efforts showed by the world football governing body, FIFA , the Government of Uganda and any other institutions including Supersport in restoring sanity within the National league.
    “….It has been established that no disciplinary decision has ever been taken by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations and its judicial bodies against me” reads part of Kabenge’s March 15 response to FUFA. The errant official was responding to the communication from the Federation CEO Edgar Watson sent a day earlier warning him against the continued violation of association football rules.
    “Based on the meetings with FIFA officials Mr. Primo Canvaro and Ashford Mamelodi, with the Minister of State for Sports (Hon. Charles Bakabulindi) and with Super sport official Mr. Gary Rathbone, it was unanimously advised that you step aside and tender your appeal to the FUFA Appeals Committee” FUFA wrote. The statement further added, “Duly Constituted FUFA judicial bodies exist and that the first instance body (FUFA Disciplinary Committee) sat and pronounced itself on your matter. These matters are not disputes but disciplinary issues”.
    But Kabenge has stubbornly hit back alleging that such meetings did not have resolutions and therefore not binding. “There are no resolutions of meetings be it with the Minister of sports, FIFA nor Supersport that you are talking about……in the circumstance there is nothing to appeal against” wrote the errant former USL board chairman.
    In yet another parental approach, the federation had granted both Kabenge and former CEO Ebil Ssegawa three working days to express interest to appeal. The grace period expires on Monday March 19.
    FUFA further called for immediate withdraw of all matters brought before civil courts of law by the two officials or their agents as the actions were contrary to the rules governing association football and punishable. Kabenge has however remained quiet on the directive to withdraw court cases.
    With such details continuing to emerge from Kabenge, the judgment remains open to you to prove whether himself and his agents have any positive feelings towards the good of Ugandan football governed under association football rules. (Story compiled by Rogers Mulindwa, Head of Communications in FUFA)

  • Bell Cup:USL clubs land ‘easy’ fixtures

    Uganda Super Division Clubs have this Thursday morning landed ‘favourable’ fixtures in the round of 16 draws democratically conducted at Ivys Hotel here in Kamapala City.

    At this colourful function, the tournament sponsors, East African Breweries Limited (EABL) Uganda were represented by their Brand Manager, Dianah Nsubuga. FUFA Vice President in charge of Technical matters Livingstone Kyambadde stood in for the federation President Lawrence Mulindwa.

    The draw results will have the 2011 National League Champions and Bell-Uganda Cup finalists, URA travelling to Kasana Ground to play Luweero United FC on Tuesday March 27. On the same day another Super Division club Maroons FC hosts Aurum Roses as Bunamwaya SC travels to Namboole to play lowly ranked Misindye, a Fufa Big League club. Masaka LC hosts Victors at Masaka Recreational Ground the same Tuesday.

    A week earlier on March 20, SC Villa will have played Mbarara Old Timers in Nakivubo with Uganda Police hosting Boroboro Tigers in Namboole on March 29. Kireka United, a Kampala Regional League club will host Jinja Municipality which features in the FUFA Big League at Kyambogo University ground on Saturday march 31.

    In his speech read out for him by the Vice President in charge of technical matters Livingstone Kyambadde , the FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa hailed the sponsors for choosing an upcountry ground to host this year’s finals. The finals will be played at Pece stadium in Gulu district on June 12. Mulindwa further called on the football fans in Uganda to EABL back by identifying with and consuming Bell Lager. EABL’s Dianah Nsubuga said they were committed to supporting football development in the country.

    The function was also attended by the Cranes Head Coach Bobby Williamson, a delegation from the East African Breweries limited (EABL) Uganda and club officials among others.

  • Uganda’s Hippos to play Rwanda’s Junior Wasps

    The Uganda U20 team, the Hippos will have a second test of the Rwanda’s Junior Wasps in another international friendly match on Wednesday March 21.

    The two youthful sides settled for a 1-all draw in Kigali on February 28 and will now meet in Kampala for the return leg of their international friendly. Both nations are preparing for the CAF Africa U20 Championship due in April. Uganda plays Mozambique on the weekend of April 20-22 while Rwanda travels to Namibia on the same date.

    Charges for the open and covered stands have been uniformly put at Shs.3000 only and Shs.10.000 for the pavilion. Secondary and primary school students dressed in uniforms will access the stadium at no cost. Five new faces have been included on the list that starts training this Saturday in Wankulukuku stadium. They include Kigonya Matia (Misindye), Jjuuko Maurishid , Bukenya Deus, Wadada Nicholas (Bunamwaya) and Bagole Kasule David (BiDCO).

    Others are Goal keepers Mugabi Alex (Simba) and Akol Emmanuel from Maroons. The defenders are Makoba Denis, Namwanja Simon, Wasswa Hassan (ELS Academy-Entebbe), Kasadha Lawrence (SC Villa) and Mukisa Yusufu (Proline). The list of midfielders has Gigi Ali (Proline), Aucho Khalid (Simba),Tuliraba Alex (Maroons), Nkata Fred (Bombo United), Achoma Robert, Katenda Hamis (SC Villa), Mutyaba Muzamir (Maroons).

    Goal scorer in Kigali Opio George Abega (Maroons) will leads the list of strikers who included Said Kyeyune (URA), Wadri William (Proline), Ocho Brian (Maji) and Opolot Martin from Bombo United FC. Paul Nkata, Abdallah Mubiru and Steven Kiggundu are in charge of Uganda’s technical bench.
    End

  • St. Juliana edge Kawempe 8-7 to lift Cup

    St Juliana High school-Gayaza emerged Champions of the schools’ category FUFA organized Women’s day Football Tournament that ran for three days and concluded yesterday at Old Kampala Secondary School.
    St. Juliana beat traditional Kawempe Muslim secondary school 8-7 in spot kicks after playing to a goalless draw in the mandatory 90 minutes. The winners walked away with a Cash Prize of UG Shs.500, 000/= and a trophy. First runners-up Kawempe Muslim received Shs.300, 000/= in cash prize.
    Kampala United lifted the open Club Championship after converting all their five penalties against three by Makerere University club. This particular final comprised Crested Cranes play makers on both sides. Kampala United went home with Shs. 200,000/=.
    Jolly Primary school won the primary schools’ trophy after beating Kazo Primary school 1-0 in the finals to take home a cash prize of 100,000/=. The money for cash prizes was a donation from St Juliana Secondary school Director Mr. Jeff Sserunjogi who is also a FUFA delegate.
    Akol Tracy of St Juliana High school was voted the best player. A total of 40 teams participated.
    (Story compiled by Kenneth Muwanga).

  • FUFA News Round up, March 7

    3 to sit player agents’ exams

    The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has short listed three applicants for the player Agents examinations scheduled for March 29. The successful candidates are John Nsambu Chrysostom, James Ofong and Musa Kizito. The trio will have to answer 20 questions, five of which will be locally set and the rest from FIFA. The Federation education officer, Mr. Lubega Byuma William will be in charge of the examinations.

    Women’s day tournament on

    Uganda Women Football Association in conjunction with FUFA have organized an annual March 8th international women’s day football tournament that will attract a total of 30 clubs between 8th and 10th of this month. The identified groups are U14, U19 and the open category that will draw participants from clubs, universities and tertiary institutions among others. The venues are Old Kampala and Mengo secondary school grounds. The finals will be staged in Nakivubo. FUFA will fund the tournament.

    Masembe to conduct referees’ course

    CAF instructor, Charles Masembe will this coming Sunday, March 11, 2011 conduct a referees’ refresher course at the federation headquarters in Mengo starting 8 o’clock. All referees that officiate the Bell Uganda super league and the FUFA Big League have been directed to attend. The one day training will mainly cover the areas of self management and the interpretation and application of the football laws.

    Beach soccer calendar out

    The Uganda Beach Football Association has released an activity calendar for this year. The registration of players that started on 1st march closes on Sunday this week while the round one of the league flags off on March 18 at Lido Beach Entebbe. The first edition of the National women Beach soccer is scheduled between 21-22 April. Three days have been earmarked for the Post-Primary National Beach competition between 15-17. The U13 competition runs in August, the inter University tournament rolls off on October 6 and there will be a National Beach symposium on December 1 before a National Corporate Beach Soccer competition between Dec 8-9.

    USL clubs in fight against Malaria

    Five Uganda Super League clubs have signed a partnership to join an international campaign in the fight against Malaria. Bunamwaya SC, Hoima-Busia, Bidco, Simba SC and Proline FC officials received branded warm-up kits, balls and bibs from the United Against Malaria (UAM) team leader in Uganda, Kenneth Mulondo from the federation headquarters in Mengo today morning. UAM teram will be in Bombo on Friday in their continued efforts to create awareness and galvanise commitment to end malaria death by 2015, a target date set by the United Nations.

  • Mutumba arrives, joins camp

    The long awaited Ugandan – Sweden based player Kayongo Mutumba Martin is in the country to boost up the Cranes’ preparations ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville next week.

    On arrival at Entebbe International Airport aboard Ethiopian airlines on Saturday afternoon, Mutumba was received by FUFA Spokesperson, Rogers Mulindwa. “ I am honoured to be called upon to serve my country. I promise to offer my best if given a chance” Mutumba told the press before leaving Entebbe for Kampala. He added, “I plead to whoever is concerned to speed up the process of producing my passport. I shall be disappointed when I don’t play”

    He straight away went to the training camp at Mandela National stadium where head coach Bobby Williamson officially introduced him to the newly appointed team captain Andy Mwesigwa and thereafter joined the rest of the team for an afternoon training.

    FUFA Head of communications, Rogers Mulindwa said Mutumba will travel with the team this night as the process of securing his Ugandan passport continues. “We are taking 19 players hoping that his passport will be produced on Monday and we fly it to Brazzaville the following day” Mulindwa explained. The match is scheduled for Wednesday.

  • Baingana joins Amavubi as Hippos starts training today

    Off to Rwanda: Baingana

    UGANDA Super League and Express FC key player Bonny Baingana is already in Kigali undergoing training with Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi in preparation for their Africa Cup on Nations qualifiers match against Nigeria mid next week.

    Baingana had earlier been summoned to the Uganda Hippos camp that prepares for an international friendly match against Rwanda on February 28 but opted to travel to Kigali. The Hippos start training this Tuesday at Nakivubo stadium. Baingana travelled with Charles Tibingana Mwesigye featuring for Proline FC here in Uganda and the two have been described as ‘a big boost’ to the Amavubi camp.

    On arrival of the two Ugandan based players, Rwanda head coach Milutin Micho said, “The camp is now full with the presence of such professional players. APR and SC Kiyovu players are also in camp after their continental engagements with their clubs.”

    Uganda Federation CEO, Edgar Watson said he was due to cross check his records to establish whether the two players had been cleared and were in Rwanda on acceptable terms. He however added, “If Baingana is both Ugandan and a Rwandese, he has the right to decide where to go but the concern here is whether FERWAFA acted through the right procedures”

    FERWAFA with direct support from the Rwandese government launched a world-wide campaign of tracing all foreign based  players with a Rwandese link to lure them to Kigali and play for Amavubi. The campaign started immediately after their exit from last year’s qualifiers. France-based striker Elias Uzamukunda who plays for second division side AS Cannes will join camp before the end of this week.

    Meanwhile Andrew Butera who is currently undergoing rehabiulitation from France after an operation is steadily recovering according to the information reaching our desk. Butera, a Proline FC player crossed over to Amavubi in 2008.

     

  • Referee Diana Mukasa for ‘World Cup’

    FIFA Assistant Referee Diana Mukasa

    Uganda’s female FIFA assistant referee, Diana Mukasa has been selected to officiate in the Algarve women Cup 2012 that kicks off on February 29 in Portugal.

    Algarve Cup is an annual tournament that attracts first class women footballing nations across the world. Mukasa is the first referee in east, central and southern Africa to land this invitation. Africa has had only three referees invited to this year’s tournament. The two others are centre referee Aissata Amegge from Togo and Alglago Emmanuella, an assistant referee from Ghana. Mukasa says it’s a big opportunity to her as an individual and the country at large. “I shall offer my best in order to open up more chances for such future invitations in Uganda and the rest of Africa”, said the continent’s second best ranked assistant referee.

    Mukasa promises better perfomance in Portugal

    A total of eight world class nations and four other selected teams will participate in this year’s tournament. Group A and B have the strongest ranked teams believed to be in contention to win the title. Group ‘A’ has China, Germany, Iceland and Sweden while group ‘B’ has Denmark, Norway, United States and Japan the current world Cup Champions. The group winners from ‘A’ and ‘B’ will contest the final with the runners up playing for third place and those finishing third in these two groups playing for the fifth place.

    The teams in group ‘C’ that include Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Portugal and Wales will be playing tor places 7-12. The winner in this group will take on the team that finishes 4th in group ‘A’ or ‘B’ with the better record for the 7th position and the runners-up from the same group ‘C’ will play the team that comes last in group ‘A’ or ‘B’ with the worse record for the 9th position. The 3rd and 4th teams in group ‘C’ play for the eleventh place. On February 29th, World Cup champions Japan takes on Norway in an opener before America plays Denmark the same day.  The tournament ends March 7th.

     

  • Uganda Cranes lines up Pros against Egypt

    Abel Dhaira will be in charge in abscence of Onyango

    It’s now confirmed that the Uganda National Football team, The Cranes will play Egypt in an international friendly match on February 25 in Cairo.

    Our official match agents, Sport Global Management based in Geneva with a regional coordination office in Nairobi have confirmed the development with a letter coming from the Egyptian Federation.

    “We have the pleasure to inform you that we confirm to play a friendly international match against Uganda on February 25” reads part of the letter emailed to FUFA through our agents. The letter is signed by Mr. Anwar Saleh, the team’s Executive Manager.

    Emmanuel Okwi (right) put up a brilliant show during the 2011 Cecafa title in Dar and he will be part of the team to Cairo

    The weekend encounter will be the last game before Uganda plays Congo Brazzaville in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match fixed for February 29. Coach Bobby Williamson has lined up a team of 21 players expected in Cairo on February 22. Only five of the invitees are playing at home. The list has Abel Dhaira (Iceland), Ali Kimera, Simeon Masaba, Massa Geoffrey (Cyprus), Sserunkuuma Geoffrey (South Africa), Steven Bengo (Uganda), Mike Mutyaba (Sudan), Emmanuel Okwi (Tanzania), Tonny Mawejje (South Africa), Henry Kalungi (USA), Mudde Musa (Kenya) and Andy Mwesigwa (Khazerstan).

    Others are Wagaluka Dan (Rwanda), Habib Kavuma (Rwanda), Oloya Moses (Vietnam), Ochan Patrick (DR Congo), Walusimbi Godfrey (Uganda), Wasswa Hassan (Turkey), Guma Denis (Uganda), Umony Brian (Vietnam) and Kayongo Mutumba Martin (Sweden). Cranes first choice custodian Onyango Denis (South Africa) whose club plays a league match on February 24 will miss the Egypt game but joins the team later for Congo. The Ethiopian based trio of Mike Sserumaga, Sula Matovu and Isaac Isinde are also doubtful following their club engagements but will later travel to Brazzaville.

    Egypt has lined up two friendly matches before their mid week continental match. They will host Kenya’s Harambee stars on February 22 before taking on Uganda three days later.