The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba has explained the rationale behind the extension of the football academy registration deadline, outlining the broader framework for academy licensing, inspection and elite football development under the FUFA Technical Master Plan.
On the extension of the academy registration deadline
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) extended the football academy registration deadline to ensure that all stakeholders are given adequate opportunity to complete the registration process.
FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba explained that although two registration windows had initially been provided, from 1st to 31st July and from 1st to 31st January, a review revealed the need for flexibility.
‘It was important to extend the deadline to give an opportunity to all our stakeholders to register their academies,’ Mutyaba said.
On challenges encountered during registration
Mutyaba noted that the extension was informed by challenges experienced during the registration process, including technical system issues and gaps in information dissemination.
He acknowledged that some key individuals involved in academy operations may not have received timely information, which necessitated additional time for compliance.
‘We looked at the challenges we had, including technical issues with some systems, and the fact that information may not have reached some very important individuals,’ he explained.
On stakeholder response to the extension
The FUFA Football Development Director confirmed that feedback from academy stakeholders has been positive, with many welcoming the extension as an opportunity to regularise their operations.
‘They have been happy because the extension has given room for most of them to actually register their academies,’ Mutyaba said.
On the FUFA Technical Master Plan and elite football development
Mutyaba reiterated that academy registration is a core component of elite football development under the FUFA Technical Master Plan launched in 2023.
He emphasised that academies form a critical talent development environment that must be properly structured and regulated.
‘Registering academies gives us an opportunity to guide them, align them and ensure that we have the right human resource so players are developed in the right environment,’ he noted.
On the shift to online registration
FUFA transitioned to an online academy registration system to improve efficiency, accessibility and cost effectiveness for stakeholders.
According to Mutyaba, the system allows academies to submit documents remotely, creates a centralised database and eliminates the need for physical visits to FUFA headquarters.
‘The online system eases the registration process and helps stakeholders share documents from wherever they are,’ he said.
On academy inspection and the experts panel
FUFA has established a seven-member experts panel tasked with physically inspecting academies and assessing compliance with the required standards.
Mutyaba explained that only academies that meet the set criteria will be evaluated, approved and recommended for licensing.
‘The experts panel will ensure that only academies that qualify and meet the necessary requirements are recommended,’ he stated.
On the legal framework and licensing
The academy registration and inspection process is guided by the National Sports Act, which mandates the National Council of Sports to licence sports academies.
FUFA has been given the authority to approve and recommend football academies that meet the requirements for licensing by the National Council of Sports.
On academy categorisation and the talent pathway
Mutyaba outlined the four-tier academy structure introduced by FUFA, with the National Football Academy at the apex, managed by FUFA.
This is followed by Grade 2 Academies operated by Uganda Premier League clubs and private entities, Grade 3 regional academies and Schools of Excellence, and Grade 4 foundation academies at community level.
‘This grading system allows us to identify and nurture talent from the district level up to the National Academy,’ he explained.
On support and compliance
To support academies throughout the process, FUFA has appointed an Academy Licensing and Compliance Officer to handle correspondence, provide guidance and respond to stakeholder queries.
Mutyaba said the role is aimed at simplifying registration and ensuring continuous engagement with academies.
‘This will help academies navigate the requirements and ensure compliance with ease,’ he concluded.
