FUFA Drum Match-Day Five concluded with West Nile emerging as the only side to register a victory, while the remaining three fixtures ended in evenly contested draws across the weekend.
At Mbale Municipal Stadium on Saturday, West Nile delivered a composed performance to defeat Bugisu 2-0, securing the crucial three points they needed. Sadat Anaku and Moses Ocoman found the back of the net to condemn Bugisu to yet another defeat, leaving them winless and pointless in Group A.
The result propelled West Nile to six points, a tally that sees them join Acholi in the quarterfinals.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Kampala Province finally got off the mark in Group D after grinding out a 1-1 draw away to Tooro. Eric Tumwine put the hosts ahead, but Tekakwo James responded to earn Kampala their first point of the campaign.
Despite the draw, Tooro advanced to the last eight with six points, while Kampala remain bottom of the group with just one point.
Sunday’s action produced two more stalemates. In Group B, Buganda and reigning champions Lango shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Emmanuel Oketch handed Lango an early lead in the 25th minute, but George Kaddu scoring for the second match running restored parity for Buganda just before the break.
Buganda now sit on six points, with Lango close behind on five.
The Group C encounter between Busoga and Bunyoro also ended level. Dickson Matama struck early to give Busoga the advantage in the 15th minute, only for Agondeza to equalise for Bunyoro later in the contest.
Busoga moved to five points, while Bunyoro climbed to four as the group remains finely balanced.
The FUFA Drum returns this weekend with Matchday Four fixtures spread across Saturday, 27th and Sunday, 28th December, as regional heavyweights renew rivalries and others chase redemption with the group stage gradually reaching its decisive phase.
In Group B, Ankole will be under pressure when they welcome inaugural champions Buganda to Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara. The hosts are looking to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 loss to defending champions Lango on Matchday Three, a result that slowed their momentum. Buganda, meanwhile, arrive with fond memories of their first-ever FUFA Drum triumph in 2018, when they edged West Nile 2-1 on aggregate. Their earlier Group B encounter with Ankole ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in August, setting the stage for another potentially open and entertaining contest.
Attention on Saturday will also turn to Pece Stadium in Gulu, where Acholi host Bugisu in a Group A showdown. Buoyed by a 1-0 away victory in the first leg, Acholi will be targeting a rare double over Bugisu as they push to strengthen their standing in the group. Bugisu, on the other hand, will be keen to respond and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Sunday’s action shifts to Group C, where Kigezi entertain Busoga at Kabale Municipal Stadium. Kigezi come into the fixture with confidence after edging Bunyoro in a dramatic five-goal thriller last weekend. However, Busoga hold the psychological advantage, having beaten Kigezi 2-0 in their previous meeting, and will be chasing another victory to assert control of the group.
In Group D, Tooro will play hosts to Teso in what promises to be a tight affair. Their first-leg meeting ended goalless in August, but Teso arrive in buoyant mood after edging Kampala 1-0 last weekend, courtesy of Michael Siwu’s decisive strike. Tooro will be eager to make home advantage count as the race intensifies.
With the FUFA Drum group stage set to climax in January before the knockout rounds, every point now carries added significance. Beyond the results, the competition continues to celebrate Uganda’s regional diversity, uniting communities while offering a platform for emerging talent to shine.
The much-anticipated FUFA Drum group games are set to return, marking an exciting new chapter in the 2024/25 season as regional pride once again takes centre stage across the country.
Following the conclusion of Match Day One and Two played in late August and early September, attention now shifts to the resumption of group fixtures scheduled between December 2025 and January 2026.
The FUFA Drum, Uganda’s flagship regional football competition, continues to provide a unique platform that unites communities while showcasing emerging talent from all corners of the nation.
The opening round of fixtures saw competitive starts across all four groups. Acholi edged Bugisu 1–0 in Group A, while Buganda and Ankole shared a thrilling 3–3 draw in Group B.
Busoga made a winning start in Group C with a 2–0 victory over Kigezi, as Group D began cautiously with a goalless draw between Teso and Tooro. Match Day Two maintained the intensity, highlighted by West Nile’s narrow win over Bugisu and Bunyoro’s 2–1 triumph against Busoga.
With the return of group games on December 20, regional heavyweights will renew rivalries as Acholi host West Nile in Gulu, Kigezi welcome Bunyoro in Kabale, Ankole face Lango in Mbarara, and Teso take on Kampala in Bukedea.
The festive period promises more high-stakes encounters on Match Day Four before the groups enter the decisive phase in early January.
The final two rounds will be crucial in determining the group winners and best runners-up, with fixtures spread across Mbale, Lugazi, Kamuli, Fort Portal, Arua, Apac, Hoima and Kampala. As the race to reach the knockout stage intensifies, every point will matter in the quest for FUFA Drum glory.
With FUFA TV continuing to beam live coverage of selected matches, fans across the country can look forward to a thrilling return of the FUFA Drum group games as the 2024/25 season gathers momentum.
The FUFA Drum tournament returns this weekend, continuing to celebrate Uganda’s rich cultural diversity through football.
The competition, now in its fifth edition has grown in stature, offering teams from different regions/provinces a platform to showcase their talent while proudly representing their cultural heritage.
The qualification round, which began last year in August 2024, saw Bugisu Province secure a 2-1 first-leg victory over Karamoja Province. As the tournament resumes, six more provinces will battle to gain an early advantage in the qualification round.
The upcoming fixtures promise exciting clashes as the qualification round continues. On Saturday, February 22, Bunyoro Province will take on Rwenzori Province at The Royal Park Butema, while Kampala Province hosts Bukedi Province at Yes Center in Kampala.
The action continues on Sunday, February 23, with Ankole Province locking horns with Sebei Province at Kakyeka Stadium in what promises to be an electrifying contest.
Winners from these fixtures will advance to the next stage, joining already-qualified provinces, including Buganda, defending champions Lango, West Nile, Busoga, Kigezi, Teso, Tooro and Acholi.
Since its inception, the FUFA Drum has crowned multiple champions, with Buganda claiming the maiden edition, followed by Acholi and West Nile, before Lango’s triumph last year.
Nile Special, MTN Uganda, and Nivana Uganda are the sponsors of the tournament.
More than just a football tournament, the FUFA Drum is a festival of culture and identity, bringing communities together through their shared passion for the beautiful game.
The highly anticipated FUFA Drum Tournament is set to resume its preliminary stage action on the weekend of February 22nd-23rd. This year’s tournament promises to be an exhilarating celebration of Uganda’s rich cultural diversity through football, with six thrilling matches lined up.
Since its inception, the FUFA Drum has grown in stature, providing a platform for teams from different provinces to showcase their talent while proudly representing their cultural heritage.
The tournament’s theme, ‘Celebrating Our Ancestry’ is a testament to its commitment to promoting unity and celebrating Uganda’s diverse cultural identity.
The upcoming qualification round will see six provinces vie for a spot in the next stage, joining the already-qualified eight provinces: Teso, Busoga, Buganda, Lango, West Nile, Kigezi, Tooro and Acholi.
On February 22nd, Bunyoro Province will face off against Rwenzori Province at Kigaya Primary School in Hoima, while Kampala Province hosts Bukedi Province at Yes Center in Nsambya, Kampala.
The action will continue on February 23rd, as Ankole Province takes on Sebei Province at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara.
The match between Karamoja and Bugisu will be played when the preliminary stage gets to the 2nd leg action.
The Chairman of the FUFA Drum organising committee Rogers Byamukama, highlighted the tournament’s significance in fostering unity and promoting local football talent during a press conference held at FUFA House in Mengo.
Byamukama also assured fans of enhanced television media coverage, promising to showcase the unique cultural heritage of each province.
‘We look forward to improving the football played on the pitch and going beyond the 90 minutes for football to the expansive coverage on FUFA Tv. We shall showcase the culture, vibrant moments, and uniqueness of all provinces. The FUFA Drum is a festival of culture and identity, bringing communities together through their shared passion for the beautiful game;’ stated Byamukama.
Reigning holders Lango Province, who secured last year’s title after defeating Busoga Province in the final at MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo, are determined to defend their crown and reaffirm their dominance in the prestigious tournament.
The FUFA Drum has witnessed four winners since its inception in 2018, with Buganda claiming the maiden edition in Arua, followed by Acholi and West Nile, before Lango’s triumph last year.
Nile Special, MTN Uganda and Nivana are the proud sponsors of the tournament.
Other FUFA Drum committee members in attendance at the press conference included Lajani Livingstone (Vice Chairman), Hajati Aisha Nalule and Tony Tumwesigye.
As the sun sets on another thrilling edition of the FUFA Drum, all eyes are now fixed on the grand finale, where Lango Province and Busoga Province are set to clash in what promises to be an epic showdown at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Saturday 23rd March 2024.
With both teams eyeing the prestigious trophy, anticipation is at an all-time high as fans brace themselves for a match filled with excitement and drama, all in the name of celebrating ancestry.
The stage is set for a captivating encounter between two formidable opponents. Lango Province, last edition’s finalists, are hungry for redemption after falling short in the final hurdle against West Nile.
Led by their star boy Allan Okello and emerging talents such as Darius Ojok, Lango has showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, including eliminating second and third edition champions Acholi province and West Nile province in the quarter and semi-final respectively, proving themselves as worthy contenders for the title. With their eyes firmly set on victory, they will leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory.
On the other hand, Busoga Province enters the final as first-time finalists, eager to etch their names in the annals of FUFA Drum history.
Bursting with experienced players such as defenders Isaac Isinde, Shafiq Batambuze, and the fast-rising Isaac Wagoina and Laban Tibiita, Busoga has been the revelation of this year’s tournament, defying the odds and toppling established giants on their path to the final, such as West Nile province in the group stages, Tooro province, as well as Teso. Under the astute guidance of their coaching staff led by Charles Ayiekoh, who is expected to join the team fresh from the Africa games in Ghana with the Queen Cranes, Busoga has forged a cohesive unit capable of overcoming any challenge that comes their way.
The clash between Lango and Busoga promises to be a battle of contrasting styles.
Lango’s experience and tactical nous will be pitted against Busoga’s energy and flair, setting the stage for an enthralling spectacle. Both teams boast a formidable array of talent across all departments, ensuring a fiercely contested encounter from start to finish.
As the final whistle beckons, only one team will emerge victorious, etching their name in the annals of FUFA Drum history. Will it be Lango Province, seeking redemption and glory, or will Busoga Province script a fairytale ending to their remarkable journey? Football fans across the nation and the two provinces eagerly await the answer as the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
The fourth edition of the 2023 FUFA Drum tournament kicked off in July 2023 with a different format this time around, consisting of a qualification round before the group stages.
Eight provinces—Bunyoro, Sebei, Bukedi, Ankole, Rwenzori, Kigezi, Busoga, and Karamoja—participated at this level on a home and away basis to determine who made it to the group stages. Busoga, Kigezi, Bunyoro, and Ankole successfully qualified.
With that brief background of the 4th edition, let’s take a look at the journey of the two finalists: Busoga province and Lango province.
Busoga Province:
They commenced their journey in the qualification round against Karamoja province and managed to negotiate the encounter with double wins at home and away, 4-1 and 1-3 respectively, to progress 7-2 on aggregate.
In the group stages, they were placed in group C alongside Bugisu and West Nile provinces. They started with a barren stalemate at Bugisu before stunning defending champions West Nile province 4-1 in Kamuli. They then returned to action by hosting Bugisu, resulting in a 1-1 draw, and concluded the group stage with a 2-1 loss at West Nile. Nevertheless, they progressed to the Quarterfinals in second place with five points, one behind leaders West Nile, to book a date with Tooro.
Against Tooro Province, Busoga took the first-leg advantage by winning 3-1 in Kamuli, thanks to strikes from Ibrahim Mugulusi, Reagan Kalyowa, and Isaac Wagoina. They lost by the same scoreline in the return leg in Fort Portal but stormed the semifinal via penalty shootouts for the first time in their history.
In the Semifinal, they faced neighbors Teso province and dominated the two legs, winning 2-1 and 1-0 in Teso and Kamuli, respectively, progressing to the final with a 3-1 aggregate score.
Lango Province:
Finalists of the third edition, Lango began their journey from the group stages, where they were placed in group B with Kigezi and Kampala provinces.
They played their first game at Kigezi and won 1-0 before defeating Kampala Province 2-1 at Akiibua stadium. Their last two group games saw them defeat Kigezi 3-0 at home before drawing 1-1 with Kampala at Bugolobi Coffee grounds, securing their spot in the Quarters as leaders with 10 points.
In the Quarterfinal, they faced Acholi province and progressed over the two legs with a shocking 0-2 away win in Kitgum, thanks to strikes from Emmanuel Obua and Denis Omedi, and a 1-1 draw in Lira, advancing 3-1 on aggregate.
The Semifinal witnessed a repeat of last edition’s final as they battled West Nile province. Lango managed to win the first leg 2-0 in Lira, thanks to a Denis Omedi brace, before losing 1-0 at Greenlight stadium, but they made it to the final with a 2-1 aggregate score.
MTN Uganda—a sponsor of the FUFA Drum have confirmed that the match tickets for the FUFA Drum Final between Busoga and Lango on Saturday 23rd March 2024 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo can now be purchased using the MTN MoMoPay.
The latest development means that the tickets are now on market for the long-awaited final. However, no tickets will be sold at the gate on match day.
The FUFA Organising Committee Chairman Rogers Byamukama says that 3,000 ordinary tickets at 25,000 UGX each and 50 tickets at 100,000 UGX each are the only two categories that can be purchased using MTN MoMoPay.
To purchase the tickets on MTN MoMoPay, type *165*98# and follow the details. This category will be open till a few hours to match time. The match will kick off at 4 PM.
Busoga, Lango Province teams allocated 3,000 tickets
The Organising Committee has allocated 3,000 tickets to the province teams in the final and can only be bought in bulk at 20,000 UGX each. Each Province (Busoga and Lango) has been allocated 1,500 tickets per team.
If the tickets are not yet bought by Friday midday, they will be transferred to the open market category which will be bought on MoMo pay only.
The tickets of this category will be sold through the Management Committee of each Province.
All is set for the final of the fourth edition of the FUFA Drum 2023/2024 at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo between Lango and Busoga Provinces. The organisers of the competition, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), together with sponsors MTN Uganda, Nile Special, Rock Boom, and betPawa, have revealed plans ahead of the anticipated final scheduled on 23rd March 2023 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Six thousand tickets will be on sale, with one thousand five hundred tickets reserved for each province, and the remaining three thousand will be strictly sold via mobile money payment, with no tickets sold at the gates on matchday.
Three thousand tickets at UGX 20,000/= each have been earmarked for the province fans each at bulk purchase and the remaining three thousand are to be sold at UGX 25,000/= each via Momo Pay. Each province having one thousand five hundred tickets. All these tickets are to be sold starting from Monday 18th March 2024.
Rogers Byamukama, FUFA Drum Committee Chairman
MTN, the official sponsors and biggest supporters of football in Uganda, have promised their commitment to all Ugandans, not only the two finalists. They have facilitated the purchase of tickets at fans’ convenience through the MTN Momo app and even catered to non-smartphone users via a code *165*98#. Fans have been urged to purchase their tickets starting on Monday.
MTN will create a fan experience at viewer parks in Iganga and Lira for fans who won’t travel to Lugogo.
MTN is the biggest supporter of football in Uganda and our committment stands. We have availed our platform to ease the purchase of tickets from the MOMO Pay App and using the USSD Channel *165*98#. We believe that from the comfort of your home so that you can secure your seat.
For the fans who can’t make it, there will be big screens in Iganga and Lira. We don’t want the people at the stadium to be the only ones enjoying.
John Paul, MTN Uganda Sponsorship and Events Manager
Nile Special, who have been with the FUFA Drum since inception, will provide drinks at Lugogo and create various promotional stations (bars) from the two regions at the final.
We have two ways to support. For the people who will be at the venue, we shall provide cold beers. For those who can’t make it there will be five venues in Lira and Jinja where they can watch the match live with refreshments. We shall also partner with MTN at their watch party.
We are made of Uganda and implore everyone to come and support.
Douglas Karema, Trade Marketing Executive – Nile Special
betPawa Uganda, who continue to support FUFA in growing talent and football in Uganda, have paid more than twenty million Shillings in winning bonuses and promised to do the same at the final.
We are very excited to be here to continue support FUFA. We have also paid over 20 million in locker room bonus for the teams from the quarter final stage and look forward to support the teams in the final.
Ivy Igunduura, betPawa Country Marketing Manager
Harris International, the makers of Rock Boom and passionate supporters of community development, will also partner with all the sponsors at the viewer parks in the two regions.
As a partner in this journey,we appreciate all the regional teams that participated, and to the finalists; Busoga & Lango, we wish you all the best. May the best team win.
Rock Boom is a passionate supporter of the community. We shall be at the different venues to journey with the fans together with the other sponsors.
Comfort Ahumuza, Corporate & Sustainabilty Coordinator – Harris International
The kick-off for the final will be at 4 PM, and teams will go for extra time in case there’s a draw during normal time.
Busoga Province and Lango Province have secured positions in the final of the MTN, Nile Special, RockBoom and betPawa Uganda sponsored competition after winning the semi-finals by aggregate score.
Isaac Wagoina scored twice for Busoga Province in the first leg and the hosts had a late consolation goal through Robert Eseru. Still, the second leg saw Jerome Kirya score in the thirty-sixth minute to seal their spot in the final with a 3-1 aggregate score in a match that was hosted at Kamuli Institute Grounds.
Bakali Magumda was named Man of the Match.
At the Green Light Stadium, past winners West Nile Province failed to make it to the final despite winning the second leg through a Muhammad Shaban goal in the sixty-eighth minute. Lango province scored twice during the first leg through Denis Omedi to give them the much-needed advantage.
Muhammad Shaban was named Man of the Match
Pictorial: Busoga Province 1-0 Teso province (Agg. 3-1)
Pictorial: West Nile Province 1-0 Lango province (Agg. 1-2)
The first leg of the MTN Uganda, Nile Special, RockBoom and betPawa Uganda sponsored FUFA Drum Competition semi final was played on the 20th and 21st of January 2024 at Soroti Stadium and Akii Bua Stadium respectively.
Teso Province hosted Busoga Province on Saturday 20th January 2024 in a match that ended 2-1 in favor of the visitors.
Busoga Province scored twice through Isaac Wagoina in the thirty-eighth and fifty-sixth minute before the host team pulled one back through Robert Eseru.
Bakali Magumda was named the Man of the Match.
The following day, West Nile Province visited Lango Province in Lira and the hosts emerged victorious scoring two goals past Norman Angufindru.
Denis Omedi stood out, scoring twice to secure the win for Lango Province and was named the Man of the Match.
The second leg of the semi final will be played on the 27th and 28th of January 2024 as West Nile Province hosts Lango Province at the Greenlight Stadium, arua while Busoga Province hosts Teso Province at the Kamuli Institute Ground.
West Nile Province and Teso Province became the first sides to reach the 2023 FUFA Drum semi-final.
West Nile put up a resilient performance on Saturday and edged out Buganda Province 1-0 at Kavumba Recreation Ground to progress 3-2 on aggregate following a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Nebbi a week ago.
Skipper Gaddafi Wahab scored the all-important goal for the defending champions in the 39th minute off a Cromwell Rwothomio assist.
Buganda Province tried to search for an equaliser but couldn’t unlock the resilient West Nile defense.
At full time, Buganda skipper Viane Sekajugo was named Man of the Match.
In the semi-final, West Nile now awaits the winner between Lango Province and Acholi Province, who will meet again in the quarter-final return leg this weekend at Akiibua Stadium in Lira, with Lango leading 2-0 from the first leg.
In the other quarter-second leg that was played on Monday morning after being postponed due to heavy downpours at Kihihi High School, Kanungu, home side Kigezi Province came from behind to draw 1-1 against Teso Province.
Teso, who won the first leg 2-1 in Soroti, struck first in the 82nd minute through Nathan Oloro’s penalty after Henry Tumusiime handled the ball in the forbidden area before being sent off.
Defender Hussein Kato then levelled matters in stoppage time, but this wasn’t enough to guide his side to the semis as they bowed out 3-2 on aggregate.
Kato went on to be named MOTM at full time.
In the semi-final, Teso will now face the winner between Tooro Province and Busoga Province, who play again this weekend in Fort Portal, with Busoga leading 3-1 from the first leg.
The 2023 FUFA Drum quarter-final first leg kicked off on Saturday with two games on the schedule.
At Boma Grounds in Kitgum, in what was dubbed the Northern Derby, Acholi Province welcomed last edition’s finalists, Lango Province, in a highly anticipated encounter.
Acholi Province starting XI against Lango Province
The home side dominated most of the proceedings in the first half with numerous attacks but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Hudu Mulikyi, Dominic Ayella, Abonga Dominic, and Francis Onekalit all came close to scoring but were unsuccessful.
Lango Province starting XI against Acholi Province
In the second half, the spirited Lango side came back rejuvenated and displayed a much-improved performance throughout, resulting in two crucial goals on the road, granting them the Northern Region bragging rights.
Bul FC starlet Emmanuel Obua broke the deadlock in the 68th minute with a powerful shot just outside the box, leaving Acholi custodian Derrick Ochan beaten.
Seven minutes later, Starboy Denis Omedi doubled the visitors’ lead with a long-range effort to beat Ochan, who was off his line.
Lango Province’s Denis Omedi celebrates after scoring against Acholi Province
The result meant that Lango took the first-leg advantage and will be hoping to secure a spot in the semi-finals when the two sides face off again in the return leg at Akii Bua Stadium in Lira on Saturday, 18th November 2023.
Emmanuel Obua was named Man of the Match at full time after a brilliant display.
Emmanuel Obua, Man of the Match
At Soroti Stadium, the home side, Teso Province, also took the first-leg advantage over Kigezi Province, defeating them 2-1.
The visitors drew first blood in the 34th minute through the usual suspect Dickson Niwamanya to ensure they went into the break in the lead.
In the second half, the hosts scored two goals through Police FC forward Isaac “Falcao” Ogwang, who is now the tournament’s leading scorer, in the 55th and 79th minutes respectively, to claim the first-leg advantage before they meet again on Sunday, 12th November, at Kihihi Primary Ground in Kanungu.
Following his match-winning display, Ogwang was named Man of the Match at full time.
Quarter-final first-leg action continues this evening with two games, as defending champions West Nile host the first edition champions Buganda at Luo Ground, Nebbi, while Busoga will welcome Tooro Province at Kamuli Play Ground.
The FUFA Drum is proudly powered by MTN Uganda, Nile Special, and BetPawa.
FUFA and BetPawa Uganda entered a historic partnership worth 1.1 Bn Uganda Shillings (320,000 USD) on Wednesday, 6th September, which will see the latter become Uganda’s official football partner.
At a function held at Fairway Hotel in Kampala, this historic collaboration with the FA promises to reshape the landscape of Ugandan football.
This momentous partnership, worth UShs 1.18 billion ($320,000), signifies a shared commitment to nurturing local talent, enriching the fan experience, and uplifting football standards throughout Uganda.
Ntoudi Mouyelo, Managing Director at Mchezo Africa, which owns betPawa, expressed his excitement, stating,
“We are thrilled to collaborate with FUFA in accelerating the growth of Ugandan football. This partnership is a significant investment in our local players and teams, and together, we can enhance the experience for fans and players alike. We are creating more opportunities for all those involved in Ugandan football.”
The signing ceremony for this transformative partnership will mark the official launch of three sponsored properties for the FUFA 23/24 season: FUFA Drum, the betPawa BIG League, and the betPawa Futsal League.
FUFA President, Moses Hassim Magogo, echoed these sentiments, saying,
“This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Ugandan football. It is more than just financial support; it is a firm pledge to the future of our beloved sport, a promise to double down on our shared vision for progress.”
The overarching goals of this partnership are manifold: to nurture and cultivate more careers within Ugandan football, to activate and bolster existing fan bases while expanding their reach nationwide, and to motivate players with the Locker Room Bonus.
“Under this partnership, we are introducing the Locker Room Bonus, which offers players fast and direct benefits. The players who make the squad list per match will receive cash tokens sent to their phones after the game if their team wins. We are setting aside 25% of the value of this partnership towards this LRB,” explained Mouyelo on his part.
BetPawa’s track record of success in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda highlights its ability to drive sports growth across Africa. In this new collaboration with FUFA, betPawa is dedicated to developing football infrastructure that benefits local communities and will take up Title Sponsorship of Futsal and the Big League to create an end-to-end football development pathway. The ultimate aspiration is to elevate the standard of football in Uganda.
A historic collaboration between betPawa (@betPawaUG) and the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) that promises to reshape the landscape of Ugandan football has been signed.#betPawaXFUFApic.twitter.com/hjcqBLMok9
This partnership represents a remarkable fusion of sports, business, and community development. As betPawa and FUFA combine their strengths, they are poised to inscribe a new chapter in the annals of Ugandan football history, with the ultimate objective of establishing Uganda as a footballing powerhouse on the African continent.
Benefits under the Futsal competition will include awards for MVP of the season, best goalkeeper, coach, player of the season, most assists, and young player of the season.
Similar award categories, supported by betPawa, will be given out in the Big League, as well as an overall token for the league’s winning team, which is among the four clubs that earn promotion to the country’s top-tier league at the end of each season.
Quotes
"It is a beautiful moment when we get a corporate partner that believes in our work. And they come to join us to add a brick or two to our development." – Rogers Byamukama, FUFA EXCOM Member in charge of Marketing@betPawaUGpic.twitter.com/AA46fa3hqJ
"I make this appeal to the public that this is our Country, it is our game. Let us support those who identify with our sport." – Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, FUFA President#betPawaXFUFA | @betPawaUGpic.twitter.com/FkiGEtqDTy
"I am impressed on how organised FUFA is. I know what I am talking about is very small but it is very important. This is not a sponsorship but a partnership." – Ntoudi Moutelo, Managing Director at Mchezo Africa#betPawaXFUFA | @betPawaUGpic.twitter.com/ZfRfYtegcl
FUFA has issued Circular No. 1173 concerning regulations for development of players in line with the FUFA Hattrick for the next five years under the federation’s Technical Plan.
Following extensive consultations with stakeholders, the FUFA Executive Committee has now approved the release of updated regulations for immediate implementation.
The FUFA Deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza confirmed the latest development in a circular issued on Thursday evening;
‘FUFA wishes to thank all stakeholders that have effectively participated in the consultations and sharing feedback during the process of coming up with the final and updated regulations concerning development of players’
The regulations will be applied with immediate effect.
Busoga province 4-1 WestNile province Bunyoro Province 1-1 Tooro Province
The 4th edition of the FUFA Drum, an inter-provincial tournament, continued on Sunday 23rd July 2023 with two captivating clashes featuring defending champions WestNile province against giant killers Busoga province, and Bunyoro Province facing off against rivals Tooro Province.
In the Group C encounter, Busoga triumphed over WestNile with a resounding 4-1 victory at the St. Joseph’s Vocational Centre—Kamuli, leaving the visitors falling short of their anticipated performance.
The event witnessed a massive turnout, graced by notable figures such as FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo, FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA delegates, and Excom members led by Ronnie Kalema and Hon Kasiano Wadri.
West Nile took an early lead in the first minute through their typical forward, Shaban Muhammad, who skillfully headed home an inviting delivery by Rashid Okocha.
However, Busoga didn’t take long to respond, with Jeromy Kirya equalizing just 12 minutes later as he pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area.
Two minutes after the game restarted, Busoga province surged ahead as eventual Man of the Match, Isaac Wagoina, dodged defenders in the box, including Rashid Toha, to calmly place the ball above the goalkeeper, Rogers Omedwa.
In the 50th minute, Daniel Shabena made a precise pass to Laban Tibita from close range, enabling Tibita to score comfortably past the helpless custodian, Omedwa.
With just four minutes remaining, super substitute Ibrahim Mugulusi sealed Busoga’s victory with a ferocious strike from a distance, catching Omedwa off guard and sending the ecstatic crowd into raptures.
The victory propelled Busoga province to the top of Group C with four points, while West Nile languished at the bottom of the three-team log, yet to secure a point. Bugisu province held the second position with one point.
Isaac Wagoina was awarded the Man of the Match title, presented to him by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
Meanwhile, at Kigaaya Play Ground, Bunyoro province’s quest for their first win in the 2023 edition continued as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Tooro province.
Henry Musisi netted the opening goal for Bunyoro after 16 minutes, but Tooro’s Patrick Musinguzi equalized with a brilliant 76th-minute strike, orchestrated by an exceptional interplay between Methodius Jungu and Norman Namanya.
Having previously lost to inaugural winners Buganda province 1-0 at Kavumba recreation ground, Bunyoro secured one point from two outings, matching Tooro’s points tally, while Buganda remained on top with three points.
Henry Musisi’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The FUFA Drum 2023 is proudly sponsored by MTN, Nile Special, and Rock Boom.
The 2023 FUFA Drum group stages games continued on Saturday with two games on the card.
At Akiibua stadium in Lira, it was joy and fun as hosts Lango Province welcomed Kampala Province.
Lango didn’t disappoint as they won 2-1. Danger man Denis Omedi opened the scoring in the 35th minute to send the passionate home fans into crazy celebrations.
With six minutes into the second half, golden boy Allan Okello doubled the lead from a beautifully curled free-kick on top of his classy display in the entire game.
Kampala, who were playing their first game in group B, pulled one back in the 75th minute through Brian Kayanja.
Okello went on to be named Man Of The Match after full time and took home an accolade and 100,000 shs.
The result means Lango is on top of group B with six points while Kigezi and Kampala are yet to collect any points.
At Soroti stadium, Teso Province recovered from their first group A loss at Acholi as they beat Ankole 1-0.
Isaac Ogwang’s 27th-minute strike was all that mattered to ensure his side registers their first win on match day two.
Teso is now joint leaders with three points, same as Ankole who have played one game.
Action continues this evening with two games in line that will see Bunyoro welcome Tooro in group B at Kigaaya playground in Hoima while in group C Busoga Province welcomes defending champions West Nile at Kamuli Vocational Institute.
The 2023 FUFA Drum is proudly sponsored by MTN, Nile Special, and Rock Boom.
Lango Province and Acholi Province got off winning starts as the 2023 FUFA Drum group stages got underway on Saturday.
At Rukungiri stadium, hosts Kigezi succumbed to a 0-1 loss to last edition’s finalists Lango in the first encounter of Group B. Norman Odipio’s 9th minute strike gifted Lango the vital victory on the road to go top of the group.
Full-Time! ⏰#KIGLAN | Kigezi Province 0-1 Lango province
Odipio went on to scoop the Man of the match accolade after the tie.
At Boma grounds in Kitgum, son of the land Tito Okello’s 19th minute strike is all that Acholi needed to tame a resilient Teso Province side to go top of Group A that also has Ankole Province.
Tito Okello was named Man of the match and took home an accolade and UGX 100,000/=.
Full-Time! ⏰#ACHTSO | Acholi Province 1-0 Teso province
Action continues on Sunday with two games on the card that will see Bugisu Province entertain Busoga Province in the Eastern Derby at Mbale stadium while Inaugural winners Buganda welcomes Bunyoro Province at Kavumba Recreation center.
This Edition’s tournament is proudly Sponsored by MTN, Nile Special and Rock Boom.
