A coalition of Ugandan football legends, spearheaded by Sulaiman “Mike” Mutyaba and Hassan “Gibby” Kalule, has called upon the Government of Uganda to urgently address what they describe as entrenched “corruption and bad governance” within the country’s football leadership.
The appeal was formally delivered during a press conference held at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala on Monday, 8th June 2026.
The gathering brought together a formidable bloc of 40 former players, unified in purpose and voice.
Presenting a jointly authored statement, Kalule—alongside Mutyaba—articulated the group’s concerns:
“Our statement today is to appeal to the government of Uganda to intervene and investigate the irregularities and mismanagement in football by top leaders.
The game of football can easily lead to the beginning of national development if more good governance is in place.
The government has over the years injected a lot of money in football that has been misappropriated by the Magogo regime.”
The legends emphasized that their agitation is not driven by personal ambition for leadership positions, but rather by a desire for systemic reform. Kalule reiterated:
“We are not fighting for leadership, but we want to see transparent transition in electoral processes for good governance.”
A United Front Across Football Stakeholders
The movement transcends individual voices, drawing strength from multiple football interest groups.
Among those represented were the Fraternity for Football Legends and Fans, Football Patriots, Uganda Footballers Federation, and the Academy Owners Association, among others.
Operating under a unified agenda, the coalition issued FUFA leadership with a 14-day ultimatum to settle all outstanding payments owed to national team players and to resign with immediate effect.
Failure to comply, they warned, would trigger a series of peaceful demonstrations, including an anti-corruption run aimed at amplifying public awareness and dissent.
Engagement with National Council of Sports
Following the press briefing, the delegation proceeded to the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters, where they engaged in a prolonged meeting with General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel.
By press time, the outcomes of this meeting had not yet been disclosed.
A Pattern of Disillusionment Among Investors
The legends’ grievances are further underscored by a historical pattern of football investors exiting the game under contentious circumstances, often citing governance failures.
Among the notable cases:
Proline FC (formerly Nalubaale FC under Njuubi):
Under Mujib Kasule, the club endured significant challenges, including relegation from the topflight to the FUFA Big League and subsequently to the Kampala Regional League, where it has struggled to recover.
This decline came despite Proline’s widely acclaimed academy system, which has produced talent for numerous Ugandan clubs.
Kira Young FC (2010–2015):
Former proprietor Jimmy Lukwago remains openly regretful of his involvement in football, citing adverse experiences during his tenure with the once-prominent side.
Kirinya Jinja SS (later Busoga United): Businesswoman Diana Nyago, a vocal and passionate investor, was reportedly forced out after resisting alignment with what she termed corrupt administrative structures.
Her ownership was controversially transferred first to Mugerwa Takowa and later to the Busoga Kingdom under unclear circumstances.
The club has since struggled, suffering relegation in 2024 and eventual demotion to the regional leagues amid licensing and structural challenges.
Katwe United: Politician Allan Ssewanyana’s fallout with FUFA leadership stemmed from his accusations against FUFA President Moses Magogo regarding the alleged resale of 2014 FIFA World Cup tickets on the black market.
After escalating the matter to FIFA, Magogo received a two-month suspension following a plea bargain.
Katwe United subsequently faced operational difficulties within the domestic football structure.
SC Villa / Nyamityobora FC:
Eng. Immanuel Ben Misagga’s exit from SC Villa during the 2015/16 season was followed by his investment in Nyamityobora FC.
However, the club encountered systemic challenges and was eventually dissolved, marking another short-lived project in Ugandan football.
Wakiso Giants FC:
In the most recent development, proprietor Musa Atagenda announced the dissolution of the club over the weekend, citing persistent lack of fairness within the football system.
Rather than selling the club, Atagenda opted to terminate its operations, bringing an end to its eight-year existence.
A Defining Moment for Ugandan Football
The collective stance taken by the legends signals a critical juncture for Ugandan football.
Their demands—rooted in accountability, transparency, and institutional reform—highlight growing unrest among key stakeholders who believe the sport’s potential is being undermined by governance failures.
As the 14-day ultimatum countdown begins, attention now shifts to FUFA leadership and government authorities, whose response may shape the immediate and long-term trajectory of football in Uganda.
