FUFA held a one-day workshop at FUFA Hotel, Kisaasi for coaches and administrators of teams set to participate in the pilot FUFA Academies League. FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim launched the league.
FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba, FUFA IT Assistant Ryan Kalema and FUFA Communications staff Mayamba Stephen facilitated the workshop. The sessions focused on understanding the FUFA Technical Master Plan, media operations and the competitions management system, which requires the registration of players, coaches and officials.
The FUFA Academies League will kick off on 22 March 2026 with four matches at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
Mutyaba opened his presentation by outlining the foundation of the Technical Master Plan.
‘FUFA launched the Technical Master Plan in September 2023. Those of you who have been following will note that one of its key aspects is the standardisation of youth competitions,’ he said.
He explained that the Technical Master Plan is built on four pillars.
‘The TMP has four pillars. The first is mass football, which focuses on football for everyone and increasing numbers across administrators, players and other human resources around the game. The second pillar is elite football, which focuses on developing players with potential and helping them reach their highest performance levels. The third pillar is professional football, where these players transition into clubs to play at a professional level. The fourth pillar is life after football, recognising that careers in football do not last forever,’ Mutyaba said.
He added that the workshop would focus on elite football in line with global development frameworks.
‘Today we are focusing on the second pillar, which is elite football. In line with the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, we are working with FIFA to establish programmes that will develop the game further,’ he noted.
Mutyaba urged participants to align with FUFA’s direction.
‘We want you to appreciate the direction FUFA is taking and move with us in implementation so that we develop at the same pace while improving and enriching the game,’ he concluded.
Participants welcomed the initiative and highlighted its importance in bridging development gaps.
Namugera Martin, CEO of Rays of Grace, said the league will address long-standing challenges in youth development.
‘We are pleased with this new arrangement for the U15 players. Previously, young players progressed from primary school to secondary school without a platform to compete at their level. This hindered their growth. Now we can prepare them knowing there is a league where they can compete and improve. We thank FUFA for this innovation,’ he said.
Faizal Nsubuga, Director of Kayda Soccer Academy, emphasised the importance of organisation and qualified coaching structures.
‘The key takeaway is organisation and management of academies. Head coaches must work with structured teams. The requirement for CAF C licensed head coaches will improve player development because of their experience and knowledge,’ he said.
Nakyeyune Safina, Head Coach of Teletubbies, noted that the league provides long-awaited opportunities for young players.
‘I thank the organisers because our players lacked competitive opportunities. Many joined secondary schools at a disadvantage due to age and experience,’ she said.
Agaba Robert, Manager at Kayda Sports Academy, praised the workshop and its practical value.
‘The workshop was very insightful. I look forward to the league and urge participants to implement what we have learned. The coaching requirements will also motivate more coaches to upgrade their qualifications,’ he said.
Martha Nanyonga of Msingi S.A described the league as timely.
‘We are excited about this league. It provides the right platform to showcase and grow both coaches and players,’ she said.
Musoke Yasin, Technical Director of Ebenezer Soccer Academy, highlighted its role in player progression.
‘This is a major initiative. Players have lacked a structured pathway from skill acquisition to performance phases. This league provides that bridge and will help us compete with leading football nations,’ he said.
Chemari James, Head Coach of Maroons Soccer Academy, believes the initiative will benefit the wider football ecosystem.
‘This will help clubs and the nation by enabling players to progress through the development stages effectively,’ he said.
Yahaya Ssewajwa, Technical Director of Edgars Youth Programme, described the league as a significant opportunity.
‘This is the right time. It gives young players a platform to showcase their talent and develop into future stars,’ he said.
Tenywa Mubarak of Twinbrook Soccer Academy emphasised the value of standardisation.
‘Standardising the league will help us produce quality players who can feed the national teams,’ he said.
Sammie Maloba, CEO of Msingi SA, noted the long-term benefits of a structured competition.
‘We are excited to have a league. It provides a longer period to assess and improve players compared to short tournaments. This is a long-awaited initiative,’ he said.
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