KCCA FC has been penalized for fielding an ineligible player, Gavin Kizito, in their Uganda Premier League (UPL) match against Mbarara City.

As a result, the FUFA Disciplinary Panel has ruled that KCCA must forfeit the game.

Kizito, a right-back, played in the match on January 7, 2025, at Kakyeka Stadium, where KCCA secured a 2-0 victory.

However, the panel determined that he was ineligible to feature in the game, having accumulated three yellow cards, which should have sidelined him under FUFA Competition Rules.

“The FUFA Disciplinary Panel has sanctioned KCCA FC for violating FUFA Competition Rules and Regulations by fielding an ineligible player, Gavin Kizito. As a result, KCCA loses the match by forfeiture, and Mbarara City is awarded three points and three goals,” the statement partly reads.

In addition, the FUFA Referees Disciplinary Panel has suspended referee William Oloya from officiating football matches for six months with immediate effect.

Following this ruling, KCCA has dropped to fourth place in the league standings with 24 points, now trailing log leaders Vipers SC by ten points.

Uganda Premier League side Vipers SC have intensified negotiations with in-form forward Isaac Ogwang.

Ogwang has been impressive this season, scoring six goals in 15 matches for Police FC.

His outstanding performances have not only contributed significantly to his club but have also earned him a call-up to the national team.

With only six months remaining on his contract, the 23-year-old forward has attracted interest from Vipers SC, KCCA, and URA. However, Vipers are currently leading the race for his signature.

The Venoms are reportedly willing to buy out the remainder of his contract to secure his services during the January transfer window.

After the first round of the season, Vipers sit atop the league table with 34 points from 15 matches.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August 2025.

However, the exact date in August was not confirmed in the statement.

“Good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities for the hosting of a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.

“However the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts some of whom have been based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have advised CAF that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities are at the levels necessary for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024,” a statement from CAF reads in part.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe thanked the heads of state for the three countries that will host the tournament for their commitment to having the facilities ready and meet the standards required.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.

“I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.”

The draw of the tournament will go ahead as planned in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday 15th January 2025 at 8:00 pm (EAT).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will be conducted by three East African football legends.

Hassan Wasswa (Uganda), Mrisho Ngasa (Tanzania), and McDonald Mariga (Kenya) will preside over the draw, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 15, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.

The draw will determine the groupings and knockout pathway for the tournament, which is set to kick off next month.

The competition will be co-hosted by three East African nations: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The selection of these three football icons symbolizes the unity and collaboration among the host nations in organizing the tournament.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Kenya may not be ready to host the opening game as initially planned.

The draw is expected to provide further clarity on the matter, including confirming which country will host the final.

Two international friendlies are being lined up for Uganda Cranes ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that kicks off next month.

Head coach Paul Put confirmed the development after Monday’s training at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

“We first had contact with Senegal but they have kept us waiting. So we will play Niger in Rwanda on 18th January,” Put told the press.

Put also said there has been communication with the Democratic Republic of Congo who are currently having their camp in Dubai for another buildup next weekend but it has not been confirmed.

“We also contacted DR Congo who are in Dubai. I have been talking to FUFA and if we can have visas ready on time, we may play this game on 24th January. But these are things I cannot commit 100% because it is the President and his committee to decide, I can only propose.”

Uganda will be playing at CHAN for the seventh time but the Cranes have never progressed beyond the group stage.

The tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be played between February 1-28.

Meanwhile, the draws for the tournament are scheduled to be held tomorrow (Wednesday, January 15) in Nirobi, Kenya.

Sheryl Botes Ulanda, the Uganda U17 Women’s National Football Team coach, trimmed the number of players that will continue preparing for the qualifiers for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Thirty-nine players were originally summoned to start preparations and entered the residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru last Wednesday.

“This morning we have released some players and we are left with 25 players as we continue with our preparations ahead of the games against Namibia,” Botes confirmed.

“The players have really been positive since we arrived here. We are going to keep organizing video sessions so we explain to them what we want them so and they have it in their minds. They know what is at stake now and what we are up against and we are constantly giving them the confidence and belief that beating Namibia is attainable and that it is a collective effort not individual,” she added.

The Teen Cranes will battle Namibia over two legs with both games to be played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubothe. The first leg will be played on Thursday, January 16 while the return leg comes three days later.

“The girls look good and positive and I am happy that even from the session that we had this so far, good questions from them came up and you could see they were eager to learn and understand what it is that we want them to do against Namibia,” Botes said.

The winner on aggregate will face Kenya at the second qualification phase.

Players in Camp

Goalkeepers: Dorcus Namboozo (Amus College), Rose Kobusinge (Tooro Queens FC), Sharifah Kizito Namutebi (Kampala Queens FC), Haira Nabbosa (Kawempe Muslim Junior Team)

Defenders: Emily Nabuzale (Amus College WFC), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi (Devine Soccer Academy), Martha Babirye (El Cambio Academy), Shalom Nambuya (Amus College), Charity Katusiime (Taggy High School), Rebecca Wembabazi (Tooro Queens FC), Irene Kabarokole (Burahya Doves FC), Belinda Hope Nabawanuka (Kawempe Muslim Junior)

Midfielders: Elizabeth Apetono (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Doreen Aujat (Amus College WFC), Halima Mupyangu (Rines SS WFC), Patience Asanyo (El Cambio Academy), Joan Kizza Namulindwa (Boni Consilii), Mariam Namataka (Amus College WFC), Loyce Komugisha (Boni Consilii), Winfried Isabella Blick Kabarozi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Cynthia Kirenga (Kawempe Muslim Junior), Teopista Keneema (Mwenge Queens FC)

Forwards: Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC) and Rinah Ariho (Boni Consilii)

Uganda Cranes provisional squad starts residential training on Monday, 13th January 2025 ahead of next month’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN).

Head coach Paul Put trimmed the. squad to 26 after three days of rigorous non-residential training as the team continues to shape ahead of the tournament dedicated to home-based players.

The squad will camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi to continue with preparations.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host CHAN 2024 from February 1-28, 2025 with the draw event to be conducted on Wednesday (January 15) in Nairobi, Kenya

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Midfielders: Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isima

Forwards: Arafat Usama (KCCA FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)

• FUFA Big League | Result
• Gaddafi 1-0 Paidha Black Angels

Gaddafi secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paidha Black Angels in a FUFA Big League clash at Works Grounds, Entebbe, on Thursday.

Davis Kasirye scored the decisive goal, securing maximum points for the home side in front of an energetic crowd.

Paidha Black Angels started brightly, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough, but Gaddafi’s defence remained resolute.

In the 24th minute, Duncan Sseninde came close to opening the scoring for Gaddafi, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

Later, Jonathan Mbula skillfully beat his markers to set up Thomas Kakaire, only for the visitors to clear the ball off the line just in time.

The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Kakaire was fouled inside the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Kasirye confidently stepped up and converted from the spot, giving the hosts a crucial lead.

Paidha nearly snatched an equalizer in the dying moments, but a powerful shot struck the frame of the goal, denying them a point.

With this victory, Gaddafi cemented its position at the top of the table with 29 points, while Paidha sits sixth with 16 points from 12 matches.

Uganda Cranes head coach, Paul Put, has added KCCA FC’s Usama Arafat Kiza to the provisional squad for the 2024 CHAN tournament.

The development was confirmed on Thursday, January 9, 2024, through FUFA’s official social media channels.

“Usama Arafat Kiza of KCCA FC has been added to the Uganda Cranes provisional CHAN squad that starts training on Friday morning,” FUFA announced.

The head coach had initially named a 36-man provisional squad on Wednesday, January 8, at FUFA House in Mengo.

However, Hakim Kiwanuka and Denis Omedi, who were originally included, were later unveiled by Rwanda’s APR, ruling them out of the tournament.

Usama’s inclusion fills the gap left by their departure and adds further competition for places in the final 26-man squad.

The final squad will be announced on Monday, after which the selected players will enter a residential training camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.

Uganda Cranes forwards Denis Omedi and Hakim Kiwanuka have completed their transfer to Rwandan football club APR.

The exciting duo has penned a two-year employment contract that will keep them at the club until 2027.

Before being unveiled, the duo attended APR’s game as they took on Marine FC at the Umuganda Stadium in Rwanda.

Both played in the game as Kitara beat SC Villa in a 1-0 dramatic victory at Royals Park, Butema on Tuesday.

The two forwards will be joining their counterpart Taddeo Lwanga who also plays for the Army side.

Omedi and Kiwanuka are both part of the 36-man Uganda Cranes provisional squad summoned ahead of the 2024 CHAN.