Roberts Kiwanuka has secured a second term as Chairman of the Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA), emerging unopposed at the association’s Annual General Meeting held at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi on Saturday.
Kiwanuka, who will remain at the helm until 2029, was formally declared re-elected by Ben Mwesigwa on behalf of the FUFA Electoral Committee, setting the stage for another four years of leadership focused on strengthening youth football structures across the country.
His re-election comes as UYFA seeks to build on reforms undertaken in the past year, including efforts to bring its operations into compliance with the Sports Act 2023 and statutory licensing requirements.
“For almost a year, our activities were placed on hold as we worked with FUFA and NCS to align our operations with the requirements of the Sports Act 2023 and the statutory licensing instruments. I know this period has been difficult,” Kiwanuka said.
He said the re-registration of academies through UYFA and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has helped create a more credible database of academies eligible to participate in youth football development.
Kiwanuka also identified geographical expansion as one of the priorities for his new mandate, calling for youth football development to move beyond Kampala and Buganda.
The FUFA U15 Academy League, which began in the two regions as a benchmark and pilot project, is expected to provide a foundation for extending structured youth competitions and talent development programmes to other parts of Uganda.
Representing FUFA President Moses Magogo at the AGM, FUFA Executive Committee member Ronald Barente challenged UYFA stakeholders to make unity and strategic planning central to the next phase of youth football development.
“Our goal is clear: to have football felt and played in every homestead across the country. You are the pillars of the game. Your time, sacrifice and commitment keep football alive in communities across Uganda,” Barente said.
He emphasised that grassroots stakeholders remain critical to sustaining competitions, identifying talent and building a stronger football ecosystem.
“Without you, there are no competitions, no talent development, and no progress. To deliver this, we must remain united. I urge all stakeholders to protect, defend, and promote the beautiful game. Division weakens us. Unity builds us,” he added.
Barente further called for greater professionalism in football administration, urging UYFA and its stakeholders to ensure that every activity is anchored in a clear strategic plan.
“Every football activity must have a strategic plan. Let us think, plan, and act with purpose so our decisions are deliberate and results are measurable. Football is our identity, our opportunity, and our national pride,” he said.
Kiwanuka’s second term will therefore begin against a backdrop of renewed efforts to professionalise youth football administration, broaden academy participation and create more opportunities for young players outside the traditional football centres.
New UYFA Executive Committee
Roberts Kiwanuka – Chairman
Farouk Kigongo – Vice President, Technical
Hajji Jaffer Ssengenda – Vice President, Administration
Gad Batuse – Committee Member
Ssentongo Abbey – Committee Member
Omara Francis – Committee Member
Fridah Mabeeri – Committee Member
Sserumaga Peter – Committee Member
Betty Mayanja Nagadya – Committee Member
Erebu John Michael – Committee Member
Kalema Violet – Committee Member
