It’s good news for Uganda after learning that the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) action will be taking place in the Pearl of Africa.

The development was confirmed by the CECAFA President, Wallace Karia who also doubles as the Football boss in Tanzania.

Earlier in September, CAF confirmed that Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania won the bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, in October, it was revealed that Kenya was going to host CHAN 2024 which is set to be played in September next year.

Karia has now noted that the tournament will be hosted by three countries so it’s spread all over the East Africa region.

“Next year in September, we have been given the hosting rights in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, and each nation along with Zarzinbar will provide at least one venue for the competition,” Karia said.

“We will ask CAF to group all the four countries of CECAFA in the draw to create competition between us,” he added.

This will be a great initiative that allows the three countries to have a test of organizing a global tournament before the real business in 2027.

Semifinal Results

• Butembe 1(4)-1(1) Kigulu
• Busiki 0(4)-0(3) Bugabula

The semifinal stage of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup was concluded over the weekend with Busiki and Butembe securing hard-fought victories, propelling them into the final.

The stage is now set for a thrilling cup clash on December 30 at Kakindu Stadium, promising football enthusiasts in the Kingdom an enthralling culmination to this prestigious tournament.

How Butembe and Busiki reached the finals

The clash between Butembe and two-time winner Kigulu unfolded dramatically at Bugembe Stadium. Despite a soggy playing surface due to earlier rains and a late 4:45 pm kick-off, Butembe emerged as 4-1 victors after a penalty shootout.

Mikel Abasa set the tone for Butembe, splendidly scoring directly from a corner in the 25th minute but Kigulu responded when Butembe’s goalkeeper, Peter Kadama, made a mess of Amos Tatambula’s cross ten minutes into the second half.

Kadama made amends later on as he ensured the game would be settled in a shootout and stood tall between the posts with only Sula Kisubi finding the net. Butembe’s Maurice Isabirye, Simon Mutinda, and Tonny Tulituka secured the victory, propelling Butembe into the finals.

Butembe’s coach, Afan Ikoba, reflected on their strategy. “We knew we were against a very worthy finalist with very good players, and we had to settle for an early goal strategy that was vital.”

In another enthralling encounter, Busiki secured their place in the finals with a 4-3 shootout win over Bugabula following a goalless draw at Gaddafi Arena. Despite the absence of goals in regular time, the intensity was palpable as both teams battled for a spot in the championship match.

Final Showdown Beckons

With the semifinal dust settled, the stage is set for a thrilling final between Butembe and Busiki at Kakindu Stadium on December 30.

Both teams demonstrated resilience and skill in their respective shootout victories, leaving fans eager to witness who will emerge as the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup winner.

The final promises high stakes, with a trophy and prize money of Ugx12m for the winner and Ugx8m for the runners-up.

Men

• Makerere 2-0 UCU
• IUIU 2-1 Uganda Martyrs
• Nkumba 2-0 Busitema

Women

• KU 0-1 Nkumba
• UCU 1-0 Kyambogo

Nkumba University and Makerere University kicked off the AUUS Games 2023 with well-deserved victories on day one.

Nkumba secured a 2-0 victory against Busitema in the game that was played at the UCU second pitch on Sunday evening.

The game started on a low after a heavy downpour.

Lanky and powerful forward Mete Irivai shot Nkumba into the lead thus handing them a great start to the game.

Alon Kiyo was on the end of a team-constructed goal to double Nkumba’s on the day.

In the other game, Makerere University defeated hosts UCU in a 2-0 victory in the presence of a huge home crowd.

UCU kicked off on the front foot showing an intention of bagging an early lead.

Unfortunately, Sam Omara had different thoughts as he placed Makerere in the driving seat for 30 minutes.

At the start of the second stanza, Ivan Ochieng doubled the lead placing the icing on the cake.

On day two of the championship, Makerere will take on wounded Busitema while Nkumba will lock horns with hosts UCU on Monday.

FUFA Women Super League side Kampala Queens has released two players; Grace Aluka and Margaret Kunihira.

The development of releasing the two players was confirmed via the club’s social media on Saturday.

The two players are set to join Tanzania outfit Ceasiaa Queens in a move to become professional footballers.

“We wish you the best Margret Kunihira. Thank you for the amazing memories we have shared together. We wish you the best in your new home,” the club statement read.

Unlike Kunihira, Aluka has struggled to have playing time at the club since switching sides from Olila High School. The move to Tanzania will give her a chance to his career she was gradually sinking.

“Everyone at the palace wishes you all the best. Thank you Grace for the memories, we wish you all the best in your next chapter,” the statement also wished Aluka the best.

After playing four games into the ongoing campaign, Kampala Queens are still at the summit of the log with 10 points.

Kampala Queens will return to action on Wednesday, January 3 as they host Kawempe Muslim at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

Kampala Regional League | Results

• Proline 1-0 Katwe United

Paul Kiranda scored the only goal as Proline registered a 1-0 victory against Proline in the FUFA Kampala Regional League at MTN Arena, Lugogo on Sunday evening.

It was an evenly poised game as both sides had a fair share of possession in that the goal was the only difference.

There was no major point to note out in the first half and it ended in a goalless draw giving the second half more meaning to the game.

Kiranda found the back of the net two minutes past the hour mark in the biggest moment of the game. The forward’s powerful header into the back of the net gave Proline the edge.

In the 70th minute, John Bakwata replaced Solomon Lutalo as Proline introduced fresh legs into the middle park.

At the end of the day, Proline squeezed through to bag maximum points from the tough duel.

Police FC head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa revealed that poor defending of set pieces has cost them a lot and this time around denied them victory against Kigezi HomeBoyz.

Police FC shared spoils in a 1-1 draw against Kigezi HomeBoyz in the FUFA Big League at Kabale Municipal Stadium on Thursday evening.

“We had the lead but we defended poorly the set piece and got punished,” Mugerwa told the club’s media.

“Poor set pieces’ defending has greatly affected us throughout the campaign but we shall take the point away from home,” he added.

Duncan Sseninde was at the end of a well-constructed goal to give Police FC a lead in the 47th minute before the hosts levelled through Joseph Sseremba eight minutes later.

“We have to go back and regroup and see how we finish the two games left in the first round. We are going to make corrections, the display was not the best and we can always make it better.

After picking a point, Police are still on the Fufa Big League summit with 27 points while Kigezi HomeBoyz are ninth on the table with 12 points after playing 12 games.

Police will return to action on Friday, December 22 as they host Kataka FC at Kavumba Recreational Grounds.

FUFA Big League | Thursday Results

• Kigezi HomeBoyz 1-1 Police
• Kiyinda Boys 1-0 Blacks Power.
• Onduparaka 1-1 Mbale Heroes
• Kataka FC 2-0 Calvary
• Young Elephant 1-2 Booma
• Jinja North 2-0 Ndejje University

Kigezi HomeBoyz held onto log leaders Police FC to a one-all stalemate in the FUFA Big League on Thursday Evening.

In a game played at Kabale Municipal Stadium, Duncan Sseninde gave the visitors the lead before Kigezi restored parity through Joseph Sseremba.

Timothy Beinomugish made a brilliant run on the left flank before delivering a delightful cutback but Stephen Agaba failed to capitalize on it before the final whistle of the first stanza.

Amidst early attempts from either side, none of the two teams found the back of the net and business was pushed to the second half.

Police head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa introduced Regan Male to replace Daniel Otto to increase the pace up front.

Sseninde finally broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half. Male kickstarted the attack and Denis Kalanzi set up Sseninde who guided the ball past goalkeeper James Tukei.

Sseremba levelled matters in the 55th minute of the game from Davis Muheirwe’s corner thus lighting up the large crowd in Kabale.

Despite picking only a point, Police FC are still log leaders with 27 points while Kigezi HomeBoyz are ninth with 15 points after playing 12 games in the ongoing season.

Uganda Premier League | Wednesday Results

• Maroons 1-1 Vipers
• SC Villa 1-0 Gaddafi

Ivan Bogere scores the all-important goal as SC Villa edged Gaddafi FC in a 1-0 victory against Uganda Premier League on Wednesday evening.

The game played at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku was cagey and could easily have ended in a goalless draw.

Ronald Ssekiganda was fouled at the edge of the box but Umar Lutalo’s resultant effort flew slightly wide of the frame in the second minute.

Hakim Kiwanuka nearly gave the hosts the lead after beating his maker but Gaddafi’s custodian Andrew Sekandi got full hold of the effort.

The first stanza ended in a goalless stalemate and the business was pushed to the second stanza.

Bogere tapped the hosts into the lead ten minutes into the second half. Sekandi mishandled Lutalo’s strike before the forward followed to convert the strike.

The visitors tried to force an equalizer but SC Villa’s backline stood tall and firm to keep the score in their favour.

Villa moved fifth with 19 points while Gaddafi are ninth with 13 points after playing 11 games in the ongoing season.

Uganda Premier League | Tuesday Results

• Kitara FC 1-0 Express FC
• KCCA FC 3-0 BrightStars

Paul Mucureezi scored the all-important goal as Kitara FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Express FC in the Uganda Premier League at Masindi Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Kitara came into the game seeking to bounce back into winning ways after losing 2-1 to Vipers SC last Thursday under the floodlights at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Emmanuel Wasswa thought he had given the visitors an early lead but his powerful effort rattled off the frame in the eighth minute.

Six minutes later, Living Kabon got a touch onto a corner kick but Express goalkeeper Abdul Kimera palmed it away to keep the score levelled.

In the 30th minute, lanky midfielder Wasswa came close once again but his header went wide.

Mucureezi finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. The forward’s chilly touch off Kabon’s lovely delivery left Kimera frozen on the goalline.

Eight minutes into the second stanza, Marvin Oshaba and Eddy Ssebandeke were introduced to replace Alpha Ssali and Andrew Kawooya.

Eric Muber replaced Solomon Okwalinga in Kitara’s first change hence introducing fresh legs in the middle park.

Isaac Waigona’s powerful effort went slightly over the frame as Express came close once again.

It was the second loss under Alex Isabirye’s reign. Express are now winless in seven consecutive games in the ongoing season.

Kitara FC moved to the third position with 22 points while Express are eighth with 13 points after playing 11 games.

Uganda Premier League | Sunday Results

• Wakiso Giants 3-0 Busoga United
• URA FC 4-1 Arua Hill
• BUL FC 1-1 NEC FC

Kenneth Kimera scored twice as Wakiso Giants registered a 3-0 victory against Busoga United in the Uganda Premier League at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso on Sunday evening.

This was the first victory secured by the Purple Sharks in the ongoing 2023/24 campaign where they have greatly struggled.

Kimera fired the hosts in the lead in the 7th minute of the game to light up the stadium that was littered with purple by the home crowd.

Ten minutes later, Kimera doubled Wakiso Giants’ lead after Busoga United failed to suck in the pressure from the quick Wakiso front line.

The visitors got a chance to pull back one through Basham Mugwa who failed to convert from the 12-yard mark.

Captain fantastic Hassan Ssenyonjo extended the hosts’ lead to three with five minutes left on the clock to wind up the first stanza.

Wakiso Giants were dominant all through the second half but were not sharp enough to extend their scoring tally on the day.

The victory moved Wakiso Giants to the 13th position on the log with 10 points while Busoga United is 12th with 11 points after 11 games.

Next on the menu, Wakiso Giants will visit Gaddafi on Saturday, December 23 while Busoga United will host URA two days earlier.