The FUFA Juniors League 2026 edition will officially kick off this Saturday, 7th March 2026, marking another milestone in Uganda’s structured youth football development pathway.
On the origins of the FUFA Juniors League
The Football Development Director, Bashir Mutyaba, explained that the FUFA Juniors League was established in 2015 as part of a deliberate effort to streamline and standardise youth competitions across the country.
‘It was started in 2015 as one of the projects to ensure that we streamline and standardise youth competitions, create age-specific competitions in Uganda. We marked 10 years of FUFA Juniors League excellence in 2025.’
On talent development and pathway creation
Mutyaba emphasised that the primary objective of the FUFA Juniors League is to provide a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent, particularly those who can progress into national teams.
‘The FUFA Juniors League was started to ensure that a platform is created for young players to scout, young players that will feed the youth national teams.’
On success at continental and global level
The FUFA Juniors League has contributed to Uganda’s success at youth level, including qualification to major continental and global competitions organised by Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
‘And one of the success stories that we have from the FUFA Juniors League is that we are able to qualify for several AFCON U-17 championships and also eventually qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.’
On notable graduates
The league has produced several players who have progressed to the senior national team, highlighting its long-term impact on Uganda’s football development structure.
‘We have several players that have progressed, graduates from the FUFA Juniors League to the senior national team, players like Semakula Kenneth, Travis Mutiaba, Abdu Aziz Kayondo and Bobosi Byaruhanga, among others.’
The 2026 season is expected to build on this strong foundation as FUFA continues to strengthen structured youth football development across the country.
💬 'One of the success stories that we have from the FUFA Juniors League is that we are able to qualify for several AFCON U-17 championships and also eventually qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.,' – Bashir Mutyaba, FUFA Football Development Director#FJL2026 pic.twitter.com/RhYxV7YVeu
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) March 3, 2026
