Uganda Premier League side KCCA FC have tied down midfielder Ashraf ‘Fadiga’ Mugume until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The agile midfielder inked a three-year employment contract to continue his life at the Lugogo-based side that seeks to attain its lost glory.

The development was confirmed on the club’s official website on Wednesday, June 12 evening.

“Ashraf Mugume has committed his future to KCCA FC for another three years until the end of 2026-27 season,” the statement partly reads.

Mugume initially joined KCCA in 2020 as a free agent. Since then he has been an integral piece in the building puzzle of the Kasasiro Boys.

“I feel delighted to commit my future to KCCA FC. I have been happy since joining the club in 2020,” he stated after putting pen to paper.

“The first days at the club were a little tough as I had to adapt to a new environment but thanks to my teammates they made me feel at home. I am now a better player and have gained experience over the years,” he added.

“I am committed to the club and I want to win with KCCA FC. I have had several conversations with the manager and I am aligned with his philosophy and hopefully, we can achieve many great things.”

Mugume has previously played for Police and Vipers SC before joining KCCA FC.

Seven months into Paul Put’s reign as the Uganda Cranes coach, there is new hope and confidence in the national team’s rebuild.

That and more was seen in the recent two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Botswana and Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

After the 1-0 victory against Botswana, Ugandans flooded Namboole with the hope of killing off wounded Desert Foxes. Travis Mutyaba’s early goal lit up the crowd, but later on, the tables changed as the visitors scored two goals in the second half.

Surprisingly, even after the loss, Ugandans applauded the boys because of the great fight staged against the Desert Foxes under the floodlights.

Looking at the recent games, the team is on the right path and the 68-year-old gaffer believes the team will pick lessons that will be helpful in the journey from now on.

“I think we did well in the first half because I think we were more dangerous than Algeria. However, we were missing experience in the team,” he stated.

“The loss on Monday gives us a number of lessons to take home. Playing against big teams creates confidence, and I know we shall keep improving as a team,” he added.

“We shall go back and analyse so that we know what exactly we have to ask the players to improve while on the other hand, we can only appreciate them for the good things done.”

The gaffer also credited the fans for turning up in big numbers and further asked them to keep behind the team during this rebuilding process.

“I am so sorry that we did not win or draw against Algeria, but I appreciate all of you (fans) for turning up in high numbers. I ask you to keep supporting the team during this process,” he concluded.

After the four games played, Uganda Cranes have six points after two wins (Somalia and Botswana) and two losses (Guinea and Algeria).

Uganda Cranes return to action on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, as they visit Mozambique on the fifth matchday of the ongoing qualifiers.

Uganda Premier League side KCCA has completed the signing of attacking midfielder Steven Munguchi from Gaddafi FC.

Munguchi has put pen on a three-year employment contract that will keep him at the Lugogo-based side until the 2026-27 campaign.

The development was confirmed at the club’s official website on Monday, June 10, 2024.

“Steven Munguchi has put pen on paper with KCCA FC until the end of the 2026-27 season,” the statement partly reads.

Munguchi revealed that he knows the demands and growth required for playing for a club like KCCA FC.

“I know the demands of playing for a club like KCCA FC and I am ready to live up to that,” Munguchi stated.

“I am happy to sign for KCCA FC. It is such a great feeling to be part of this club with a very rich history. The club has a plan and proper systems,” he added.

“I was able to tell through the interactions I have had with the manager. I have some friends at the club and I am certain they will help me to fit in.”

Munguchi has previously played for URA FC, Soltilo Bright Stars, Gaddafi FC and Kakiri TC.

Uganda Premier League side KCCA has announced the acquisition of youngster Shafik Nana Kwikiriza.

Kwikiriza has put pen to paper on a five-year contract employment that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028-29 season.

The announcement of the signing was confirmed on the club’s official website on Monday morning.

“Kwikiriza Shafik Nana has signed a five-year deal with KCCA FC until the end of the 2028-29 season,” the statement partly reads.

The youngster shared with the club media his excitement after switching from Jinja-based BUL to KCCA FC.

“I am delighted to join KCCA. It is a dream come true to join a club of this calibre. I have had conversations with the club manager and he shared with me his grand plan and philosophy,” he stated.

“I believe I can be a key figure to his plans. I want to add to the rich history of his club and I trust that we can do this together with my other teammates,” he added.

The youngster comes to KCCA at a time when the club is hungry for titles and yearns to go back to their old glory days.

In the previous season, KCCA finished fifth on the Uganda Premier League log with 54 points collected in 29 games.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

• Monday, June 10, 2024
• Uganda 1-2 Algeria

Uganda Cranes suffered a 2-1 loss to Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.

While Uganda took a 1-0 lead in the first half, Algeria returned in the second half ruthless and claimed all the maximum points on the day.

Travis Mutyaba opened the scoring for Uganda with a powerful low shot that found the back of the net in the early minutes.

The midfield battle intensified as the half progressed. Fahad Bayo dispossessed an Algerian player in midfield and found Steven Mukwala on the right flank. Mukwala’s curling effort went just wide after a sliding tackle by Madani Mohamed conceded a corner to Uganda.

Uganda continued to press, with Mutyaba and Kenneth Semakula combining to set up Mukwala for another chance. However, his effort sailed narrowly wide.

Algeria threatened late in the first half when Ronald Sekiganda’s loose pass found Bounedjah Baghdad. Lwaliwa made a crucial block to deny Baghdad’s goal attempt.

Rogers Mato’s powerful shot from distance was well-saved by Algerian goalkeeper Anthony Manderea in the closing minutes of the first half.

The second half saw a quick turnaround in fortunes. Houssem Aouar equalized for Algeria with a powerful close-range effort just two minutes after the restart.

Uganda then had a penalty shout denied when Rogers Mato was brought down in the box.

Algeria took the lead in the 58th minute through Benrahma Moamed. A defensive lapse by the Ugandan backline allowed the Desert Foxes to break through and take control of the match.

Despite the strong fight from the boys, the visitors took advantage as they stretched to nine points.

Uganda Cranes remain on six points in four games, having registered two victories and as many losses.

Elsewhere, Botswana registered a 3-1 victory against Somalia in the other game played in Group G of the ongoing Qualifiers.

• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
• HT: Uganda 1-0 Algeria

At the break, Uganda Cranes lead Algeria 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers encounter at Mandela National Stadium.

Travis Mutyaba broke the deadlock with a powerful low effort that hit the inside of the frame before rolling into the back of the net.

Six minutes later, Halidi Lwaliwa nearly connected into Uganda’s net, but goalkeeper Ismail Watenga was quick to save the moment.

In the 30th minute, Fahad Bayo won possession in the middle park before releasing Steven Mukwala on the right flank, but Madani Mohamed’s sliding tackle awarded Uganda a corner kick.

The boys got into a rhythm as the first half neared the end. Mutyaba and Kenneth Semakula connected with Mukwala, but his resultant curling effort went narrowly wide.

Ronald Sekiganda’s lose pass nearly cost the team, but Lwaliwa’s timely block kept Bounedjah Baghdad’s effort far from the target.

Rogers Mato’s powerful effort on target was palmed away by Algeria’s custodian Anthony Manderea in the 43rd minute.

Algeria’s best chance came at the end of the first stanza as Benrahma Moamed’s effort bounced off the frame before it was fully gripped by the custodian Watenga.

Uganda Cranes’ head coach has made changes to the team that will take on Algeria in the 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Two changes have been made to the team that started against Botswana last Friday.

Bobosi Byaruhanga starts in midfield alongside Ronald Ssekigaanda and Kenneth Ssenmakula is pushed to right back in the place of Elvis Bwomono.

Roger Mato takes the place of Allan Okello to join Faahad Bayo and Steven Mukwala to make up the front three.

Travis Mutyaba maintains his number ten role and is tasked with creating for the front three.

Isaac Muleme maintains his place at left back while Halidi Lwaliwa and Elio Capradossi will pair up in the head of defence.

Isam Watenga leads the group from between the sticks.

In a gripping encounter played at the Kibiito Primary School Playground, Bunyangabu and Kibale County settled for a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the MTN Tooro Amasaza Cup.

The game kicked off with high energy as both teams were eager to make a strong start. Kibale County drew first blood in the 31st minute through Ivan Ahereza with a precise header from a corner kick, putting the visitors in the lead and sending their supporters into jubilation.

Bunyangabu County, however, remained resilient and continued to push forward. Their perseverance paid off in the 90th minute when Ivan Kisembo equalized with a penalty kick, securing a point for the hosts dramatically.

Kibale coach Brian Walusimbi expressed his concerns over the officiating, particularly the timing of the penalty awarded to Bunyangabu. “There were several irregularities that favored the host team. The timing of the penalty was questionable, but we remain optimistic about our chances in the next match,” Walusimbi commented.

The match saw an impressive turnout of fans and officials, including the Minister for Gender and Culture, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, and other Tooro Kingdom dignitaries.

Minister Peace Regis Mutuuzo, who is also the Bunyangabu district woman Member of Parliament, showed her support with a generous donation of 500,000 Shs to the match.

Additionally, she pledged 100,000 Shs for each goal scored by Bunyangabu, further incentivizing the team’s performance. “MTN has supported the kingdom in various sectors, and we appreciate their commitment. We have achieved a lot through them,” said Mutuuzo.

Aggrey Byaruhanga, the MTN representative, emphasized the critical role of HIV awareness and prevention in the region. “We thank the attendees for their support and promise continued backing from MTN. This tournament is not just about sports; it’s about community and health,” Byaruhanga noted.

Owek. Micheal Wandera, the Sports Minister of Tooro Kingdom, praised the partnership with MTN Uganda, highlighting the significant financial support from political leaders in Bunyangabu. “The Amasaza tournament has been a dream realized through our partnership with MTN Uganda. The event has been largely peaceful and entertaining, with the public coming out in large numbers to support their teams,” Wandera stated.

The opening match set a thrilling tone for the tournament, promising more excitement and community engagement in the coming weeks. As the tournament progresses, fans and participants alike are eager to see how the competition unfolds and who will emerge victorious in this celebration of sport and culture.

2026 FIFA World Cup | Fixture

• Monday, June 10, 2024
• Uganda vs Algeria – 7 PM

Uganda Cranes lock horns with Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers encounter at Mandela Namboole Stadium, Namboole on Monday.

The Cranes come into this game with six points in two group games, thus attaining immense confidence ahead of the game against Algeria.

In the pre-match conference, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put acknowledged the fact that Algeria is a big country, but they are ready to fight.

“Algeria is one of the best teams in Africa, so it will not be an easy game,” the gaffer stated.

“According to what I observed in the game against Botswana. I believe to have the potential to make it hard for Algeria,” he added.

“We respect them and cannot underestimate them. They have good players that play in big teams, but after their loss to Guinea, they will come all out.”

“We have to be careful because Algeria has had more preparations. It’s very hard to prepare a team for a game after two days, though we have to show a good mentality and mindset.”

Head to head

The two nations have played 14 games against each other. Algeria has won on six occasions, and Uganda has secured a victory thrice while they have shared spoils in five games.

Algeria has been a bitter opponent to Uganda, having secured three straight wins in the last three meetings.

Team News

Uganda Cranes captain, Khalid Aucho is set to miss the game due to an injury suffered before joining the camp.

On the other hand, Algeria comes into the game without the services of Riyad Mahrez, Islam Sliman, Ramy Bansebaini, and Youcef Atal.

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• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
• Monday, June 10, 2023
• Uganda vs Algeria – 7 PM

Uganda Cranes will be taking on Algeria in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers encounter at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.

The Cranes skipper Ismail Watenga believes that the ambience created by the home crowd with be key to igniting the fight in the clash against Algeria.

“I call upon the fans to turn in high numbers so that we can take on the Algeria challenge as a nation,” the skipper said in the press conference ahead of the game.

“I thank all the fans who attended the last game. Each time they screamed in the stands the players were motivated and pushed for the victory (against Botswana),” he added.

“For the next game, we are ready as players and we badly want victory. The coaches have prepared us well and I think as a team we are ready to fight for maximum points.”

“The coaches have done their job and it’s now up to us the players to implement what we have been training. We know it’s a tough game but we are going to fight and leave everything on the field.”

In the last training, Uganda Cranes legends like Denis Onyango, Simione Masaba and Timothy Batabaire turned up during the team’s last training and Watenga credited the kind action.

“I thank the senior players like Denis Onyango for turning up to motivate the players. It’s a kind gesture and we (players) thank him for standing with the team,” he concluded.

A victory against Algeria would send Uganda Cranes to the top of the group with nine points in four games.