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Big League: Blacks Power edge Kataka in Mbale
Ssenyondo pleased with Uganda Cubs second half performance in defeat to Morocco
Uganda Cubs fall to Morocco in AFCON U-17

Kitara Football Club became the first team to be relegated from the Premier League after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Express Football Club on Friday at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku.

With just 13 points with only a possible 12 remaining, the most maximum points Kitara can amass is 25 which still leaves them in the relegation zone since 13th placed Busoga United are on 26 points.

Regardless of Busoga United’s results in their remaining games, Kitara can’t go above them which officially relegates them with four games remaining to end the season.

Kitara’s compatriots MYDA who also joined top-flight this season are also on the brink of returning to the FUFA Big League.

MYDA lost 2-1 to visiting Wakiso Giants on the same day at King George IV Memorial Stadium in Tororo.

The side is second from bottom with 14 points and can accumulate a maximum of 26 points if they win all four remaining games. Should Busoga United pick a point in their remaining games, MYDA will also be officially relegated.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has released the dates for the Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinals.

Vipers hosting SC Villa at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende is the first on the card and will be played on Tuesday, May 25. A clash between the record Cup winners Express and KCCA at Wankulukuku will be played the following day.

Wakiso Giants will face off with Police on Thursday, May 27. The first leg ties will end with Proline hosting the winner between Kigezi Home Boyz and Bul on Friday, May 28. The remaining Round of 16 tie between the two sides (Kigezi Home Boyz and Bul) will be played on May 25 in Kabale. Bul leads 2-1 from the first leg played at Bugembe a couple of weeks ago.

The return legs of the quarterfinals will be played on May 31, June 11 and June 12 presents two matches at MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo with KCCA hosting Express at 4pm while Police host the Purple Sharks at 1pm.

Quarterfinal Fixtures 

First Leg

Tuesday, May 25

Wednesday, May 26

Thursday, May 27

Friday, May 28

Second Leg

Monday, May 31

Friday, June 11

Saturday, June 12

MTN Uganda’s commitment to developing sport across the country was re-echoed in their new commitment to boost Tooro Kingdom Masaza football tournaments and the newly introduced inter-counties bicycle competitions.

The telecom giants entered a partnership worth Seven Hundred Million Uganda Shillings, with the kingdom of Tooro to support the Kingdom’s socio-cultural and economic programs.

It will be executed under MTN Y’ello Hope, as Corporate Social Investment projects. MTN has also committed to supporting the annual Empango or coronation celebrations over the period of the partnership.

Representing the Chief Executive Officer, the MTN Uganda General Manager, Sales, and Distribution, Mr. Joseph Bogera presided over the symbolic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, that took place at the Karuzika in Fort Portal, during the Omukama’s silver jubilee Empango celebrations.

Mr. Bogera said that MTN is working with cultural institutions like the kingdom of Tooro, because they are a strong community establishment that fosters shared beliefs and unity of purpose.

“As MTN, we believe that we are good together because MTN only succeeds if the communities in which we operate succeed.

“Being a partner in development gives us the opportunity to support the social and economic aspirations of our customers and the Ugandan community in general.

“We are focused on actively demonstrating what can be achieved if we work together to enable a shared value system,” Bogera said, adding that MTN is proud to be associated with the Kingdom of Tooro and what it stands for in the lives of its people.

Rt. Hon Bernard Tungakwo the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom thanked MTN Uganda for caring and supporting the people of Tooro over the years.

“I am happy to note that MTN has over the years shown its care for the people of Tooro. Our association stretches years back, and this partnership is further testament to the bond that exists between the people of Tooro and MTN.

“We are indeed grateful for all the support you have extended to the kingdom and pledge to continue supporting MTN in whatever way we can,” Tungakwo said.

As part of MTN’s 20-year anniversary celebrations, the company supported the renovation and equipping of the maternity wards at Kijuura Health Centre III and Kabarole Hospital in Tooro Kingdom.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the Qualifers for 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to October 2021.

The qualifiers were due to get underway next month. The change has been made due to infrastructural and Covid-19 challenges that could not grant the qualifiers to roll off in June.

“The reasons for the postponement were based on the actual conditions of certain stadiums in Africa and the restrictions related to COVID-19.

“The 1st round will now take place in the FIFA window of 18-26 October and the 2nd round February 14-23, 2022,” a statement released by CAF Deputy General Secretary in charge of Football and Development, stated.

The Draws

Forty-four (44) countries including Uganda entered their teams for the Qualifiers that will kick-off with first-round action.

The Crested Cranes of Uganda were drawn against Ethiopia in the first round of the Qualifiers. The winner of the tie over the two legs will face the winner between South Sudan and Kenya in the second round.

Onduparaka head coach Vialli Bainomugisha feels the club’s special treatment by telecom Giants MTN Uganda is driving the club forward.

MTN Uganda are the main sponsors of the Uganda Premier League outfit and have sustained their support over the years. 

The CAF “B” licensed tactician openly expressed gratitude towards the telecommunications company.

“Onduparaka Football Club is a club driven by the passion of the fans since its founding days. Fans motivate the players and exert the necessary pressure for the team to perform well,” he said.

“The club is also happy and grateful for the support that MTN Uganda has extended as the official sponsor. 

“We are also very thrilled that our dear sponsors still believe in us and that they are extending our contract. We promise to keep shining in this 2020/2021 season.”

On Tuesday, 02 February 2021, MTN Uganda announced the renewal of its sponsorship contract with the West Nile-based club hitherto tagged as the Caterpillars.

The renewed sponsorship deal from MTN also entailed the unveiling of a specially designed new jersey for the football club for the 2020/2021 season with the selves having a traditional fabric exhibiting the cultural heritage attached to the club.

MTN Uganda has sponsored Onduparaka since the 2017/18 season and will continue sponsoring the Arua-based club for another year.

Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer highlighted MTN’s intentions to continue supporting local sports across the country.

Somdev was addressing the media during a special press conference held at Hotel Africana in the heart of the Ugandan capital city, Kampala.

“As the biggest supporter of local sport in Uganda, MTN has over the last 22 years, committed to the growth and development of local football in Uganda,” Somdev said. 

“This continued sponsorship of the West Nile-based football club that rose from the ashes of turmoil to join the top football league in Uganda is a further demonstration that indeed we are good together.”

To further support the club especially now that the fans are not allowed into the pitch because of Covid 19, MTN will run “Predict and win challenges” for all Onduparaka FC games where fans will predict how many goals Onduparaka FC would score during the game, during the month and the entire season and stand to win several prizes such as MTN data.

The Uganda National Beach Soccer team, the Sand Cranes, left the country for Senegal ahead of the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations.

The Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations will be played from May 23-29 in the coastal city of Saly.

Uganda’s team that has three goalkeepers, six defenders, and as many forwards departed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The team is rich in experience with the likes of goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige, Douglas Muganga, Sulaiman Ochero, Emmanuel Alex Wasswa, and Ismail Kawawulo.

FUFA Executive Committee member Hamid Juma leads the delegation which also has Deo Mutabazi (Uganda Beach Soccer Association chairman) and Anthony Tumwesigye.

The Sand Cranes are in Group A alongside Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania and hosts Senegal.

“We have had good training for the championship and we expect to compete at the tournament. The players are in the right mood mentally and physically,” said Jamal Salim Muwonge, the Sand Cranes head coach.

Full Team

Goalkeepers: Meddie Kibirige (St. Lawrence University BSC), Nasser Lwamunda (Kiringente BSC), Ronald Mutebi (St. Lawrence University BSC)

Defenders: Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Davis Kasujja (MUBS BSC), Douglas Muganga (MUBS BSC), Rica Byaruhanga (St Lawrence University BSC), Jonathan Kikonyogo (St. Lawrence University BSC), Suleiman Ochero (St. Lawrence University BSC)

Forwards: Ismail Kawawulo (MUBS BSC), Baker Lukooya (St. Lawrence University BSC), Alex Emmanuel Wasswa (St. Lawrence University BSC), Swalley Ssimbwa (St. Lawrence University BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Ronald Magwali (Buganda Royal BSC)

Officials

KCCA FC and MTN Uganda have partnered to rename the Uganda Premier League club’s stadium to “MTN Omondi Stadium, Home of Legends.”

The deal was signed with an undisclosed amount of funding attached to it with a goal of honoring the legacy of Phillip Omondo, the late footballer who dedicated his life to football.

Philip Omondi played for local side Kampala City Council FC (currently KCCA FC) from 1973 to 1979, when he moved to the United Arab Emirates to join Sharjah.

Omondi played for the Uganda national football team at the 1974, 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations, where he was the leading goal-scorer, in the tournament that Uganda finished second.

The naming rights partnership was signed to last 10 years and KCCA Lord Mayor expounded on it more in a press conference at the Stadium’s media section.

“The relationship we have enjoyed for some good time, and this time we are taking it a notch higher. This is a huge milestone in the development of local soccer. We thank MTN very much and for also promoting our brand. We have a dream of being number one and we are realizing that dream.

“Each organ at the club functions with minimum contradiction. I am proud of the club. As the patron, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to MTN for the contribution. This is yet another big stride in the direction we want to go.

“There are two key issues we want to resolve. The first is maintenance and support for our boys. The other thing is the facilities. We are not doing well as a country in terms of facilities.”

He added; “There is a lot that is required for us to upgrade our stadium to the best standards. We are grateful for the partnership that will help us improve the standards.”

MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer Somdev Sen revealed he wanted the Stadium to be one of the re-known facilities in Africa.

“We are going to rename the stadium as MTN Omondi Stadium. This stadium needs to grow. Can we name the stadium such that everyone in Africa can say ‘this is the stadium’.

“I know KCCA FC management is dreaming to make it the best, that’s why we are naming it MTN Omondi Stadium.”

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has appointed Morley Byekwaso as the head coach of the Uganda U-23 national team, The Kobs.

Byekwaso, who is also the interim head coach of KCCA Football Club, was head coach of the U-20 side (Uganda Hippos) that finished runners-up at the AFCON U-20 championship held in Mauritania. He thus continues to work with the players he coached at the continental championship.

He will work with former Cranes right back Simeon Masaba as the Assistant Coach, Stephen Kiggundu (Goalkeepers Coach), and Ivan Ssewanyana (Physiotherapist).

Ssewanyana was part of the senior national team (Uganda Cranes) backroom staff at the AFCON 2019 tournament in Egypt and had since been on the sidelines.

The immediate task at hand for Byekwaso and his team will be at the 2021 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia.

The Eastern Region Football Association will host the 97th Ordinary Assembly of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

The assembly will be held on 21st August 2021 in Mbale with the exact hotel for the event yet to be confirmed by the Eastern Region Football Association.

The decision to have the Eastern Region FA host the Assembly was reached upon during deliberations from the 24th FUFA Executive Committee Meeting held on 30th April 2021.

“The FUFA Executive approved the Eastern Region Football Association to host the 97th FUFA Ordinary General Assembly on 21st August 2021 in Mbale City. The same Assembly will elect the new FUFA President and Executive into office for a four-year term,” a statement from Fufa read.

Incumbent Moses Magogo has expressed interest to seek re-election for another term in office.

Allan Ssewanyana and Mujib Kasule have openly declared their interest in the top seat of Uganda’s football body with Onduparaka Chairman Bernard Atiku and Nyamityobora’s Ali Ssekatawa also reportedly interested.

Fazila Ikwaput singlehandedly guided Lady Doves to the 2021 FUFA Women Super League glory as the Masindi based Lady Doves overcame UCU Lady Cardinals in the final.

Despite starting the game on bench due to a nagging injury sustained during the semi-final against Kawempe Muslim, Ikwaput proved her worth when she came on to score the winning goal.

The lethal forward needed just six minutes on the pitch to find the back of the net. She came on in the 78th minute, replacing Joweria Nagadya and with only her second touch she struck home.

Her first shot at goal sailed over but she did not make any mistake the second time when she sent a low drive past goalkeeper Ruth Aturo.

UCU Lady Cardinals started the game on the front foot and made several attempts at goal especially through skipper Hasifa Nassuna who was unlucky on the day with two of her efforts ricocheting off the woodwork.

Elizabeth Nakigozi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, converting from the spot after Mercy Nabulobi was adjudged to have held the ball in the area. The winger calmed her nerves to slot home despite goalkeeper Aturo moving to the right direction.

UCU Lady Cardinals stepped up efforts in the second half to find the equaliser after changes had been made. Catherine Nakiridde and Harriet Muwugumya replaced Jauharah Nabaggala and Cissy Nakate respectively.

The goal arrived 15 minutes from time when diminutive forward Sandra Kisakye jumped high to nod home.

Lady Doves reacted by introducing Ikwaput in the 78th minute and she paid off dividends scoring the winning goal.

Ikwaput was later named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and also ended as the competition top scorer with 8 goals.

Goalkeeper and Lady Doves Captain Daisy Nakaziro was also named the best shot stopper at the tournament.

For emerging winners, Lady Doves earned a cash prize of UGX 12M, the first runners-up UCU Lady Cardinals got UGX 7M while 3rd and 4th placed Uganda Martyrs and Kawempe Muslim took UGX 5M and UGX 2M respectively.

FUFA President, Moses Magogo who graced the final revealed that the Federation will extend financial support, paying air tickets for Lady Doves ahead of the CECAFA CAF Champions League Qualifiers.

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