Uganda Martyrs H/S WFC have moved to the top of the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League standings after recovering from a goal-down to defeat Jinja United WFC 2-1, taking their tally to 13 points from six matches.
The Lubaga-based side have made a significant improvement on their start to last season, when they had collected just five points from the opening six matches. Their current record of four wins, one draw and one defeat represents an eight-point improvement at the same stage.
Their attacking statistics are equally impressive. Uganda Martyrs have scored 10 goals, the highest tally in the league, while conceding five. Their goal difference of +5 is also the best in the competition, highlighting their attacking threat, although maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial as the campaign progresses.
Their opening six matches have included a convincing 4-1 victory over Rines SS WFC, an away win against St Noa that ended the latter’s unbeaten run, and another victory away to Lady Doves at Katusabe Stadium. They also held last season’s runners-up She Corporate to a 1-1 draw before narrowly losing 2-1 to defending champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The results reflect a side that has made considerable progress. But what is driving the improvement?
For head coach Edward Kasozi, better pre-season preparations have played a significant role. Last season, limited preparation time affected the team’s tactical readiness, but this campaign has allowed the technical team more time to work on the players’ conditioning and tactical understanding.
‘So far, so good. We have collected 13 points, which is a good start. The performances have also been good, and our target remains to win as many games as possible,’ Kasozi says.
The coach is encouraged by the players’ response to the work done in training and their improved tactical execution. However, he recognises that maintaining the current momentum will require careful management, particularly as the fixture schedule becomes more demanding.
‘We need to manage fatigue because the fixtures will become many as the season progresses. We also have to guard against complacency. We must remain focused and take every game as it comes,’ he adds.
There is also a renewed sense of collective responsibility within the squad. Captain Gloria Namugerwa points to a stronger commitment among the players and technical team, with everyone working towards a shared objective.
‘A lot has changed in the dressing room. We have made commitments to one another as players and as a technical team. We understand what we want, and at the end of the day, our focus is on getting the three points,’ Namugerwa says.
She also credits the new additions for bringing quality to the squad and blending well with the existing players. For the captain, the strong start is a reflection of the work invested during pre-season.
The improved team performance has also provided a platform for individual players to excel. Auki Kigongo has been one of the standout performers, scoring three goals and collecting three Woman of the Match awards in the opening six matches.
Primarily deployed on the right wing, where she can cut inside onto her stronger left foot, Auki is also capable of operating in midfield and has occasionally featured at left-back, including for the Crested Cranes. Her versatility, ability to take on opponents and contribution from set pieces have made her an important part of Uganda Martyrs’ attacking play.
‘I have been working hard in training, and the encouragement from my teammates and coaches has also helped me. We believe we can achieve something big this season, and that belief motivates me to keep working hard,’ Auki says.
While the performances on the pitch are attracting attention, the progress is also rooted in a longer-term plan at club level.
According to club CEO Freda Ayerango, Uganda Martyrs began rebuilding two seasons ago after losing several key players. The process has involved strengthening the team’s environment, keeping the players together in camp, motivating the squad and ensuring the technical team has adequate support and preparation time.
Now in the third season of that rebuilding process, Ayerango believes the investment is beginning to pay off.
The improvement is therefore the product of several factors: better pre-season preparations, quality additions to the squad, a stronger dressing-room bond and sustained investment from club management in creating the right environment for the team.
But could this finally be Uganda Martyrs’ year?
Kasozi remains cautious about looking too far ahead. With the season still in its early stages, his immediate priority is to win as many matches as possible and ensure the team maintains its standards.
For Uganda Martyrs, the challenge now is to sustain their attacking threat, improve defensive consistency and manage the demands of a long campaign as the competition intensifies.
Their rebuilding process is beginning to deliver results. Sitting at the top after six matches, with the league’s highest goal tally and best goal difference, the Lubaga side have established a promising foundation.
Whether they can turn that promising start into a genuine challenge for the league title will depend on their ability to maintain the consistency that has brought them this far.
