The year 2025 stands as a defining chapter in the history of Ugandan football. Across governance, international competition, youth and schools football, domestic leagues, technical leadership, officiating, awards and infrastructure, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations recorded milestones that strengthened Uganda’s position on the continental and global stage.
Uganda co-hosts CHAN 2024
Uganda successfully co-hosted the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania under the Pamoja East Africa framework. The tournament marked a major organisational milestone for FUFA and demonstrated the country’s readiness to host large-scale continental competitions.
The championship was characterised by strong fan engagement, with Ugandan supporters turning up in large numbers and creating a vibrant atmosphere that showcased the nation’s football passion across all host venues.
Historic CHAN quarterfinal qualification
The Uganda Cranes delivered a historic campaign at CHAN 2024 by qualifying for the quarterfinals for the first time. The achievement represented a breakthrough for the senior national team in the competition and underlined the progress of locally based players.
Uganda Cranes at AFCON 2025
The Uganda Cranes returned to Africa’s biggest football stage by qualifying for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco. The team competed with resilience in a challenging group and gained valuable continental experience.
FIFA World Cup qualification campaign
In the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, the Uganda Cranes finished as group runners-up, reflecting competitive consistency and continued growth against strong opposition.
Historic year for youth football
Youth football reached unprecedented heights in 2025. The Uganda Cubs qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup and progressed to the round of 16, marking one of the most significant achievements in the country’s youth football history.
The campaign was led by head coach Brian Ssenyondo, who became the first coach to guide Uganda to a FIFA World Cup, a landmark moment in the nation’s football journey.
In addition, Uganda secured qualification for the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 under the guidance of Laryea Kingston, the Men’s Youth National Teams Head Coach, reinforcing sustained progress in youth development pathways.
CAF African Schools Football Championship
Uganda played a central role in the CAF African Schools Football Championship in 2025, both as host and competitor.
Uganda hosted the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, where the Uganda Boys U15 team were crowned champions after defeating Ethiopia on penalties and qualified for the continental finals. The Uganda Girls U15 team finished third after defeating Burundi in the bronze medal playoff.
At the continental finals in Accra, St Noa Girls School Zzana finished runners-up and won the silver medal, while St Mary’s Kitende finished fourth in the boys’ category. Ugandan players also earned multiple individual awards, highlighting the strength of schools football development.
FUFA leadership and technical direction
The year reinforced stability in football governance as FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Magogo was re-elected for another term, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategic direction.
At senior technical level, the contract of Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put was renewed, reflecting confidence in his leadership and technical vision. At youth level, FUFA continued to strengthen its technical structure under Laryea Kingston as Men’s Youth National Teams Head Coach.
Continental recognition
Uganda received major continental recognition in 2025 as a Ugandan referee was named CAF Best Female Referee, highlighting the country’s growing influence in football officiating.
At institutional level, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, received the CAF President’s Award for Heads of State, recognising his support towards football development, infrastructure growth and the successful hosting of continental competitions.
Domestic football
FUFA successfully organised competitive seasons across all domestic competitions in 2025.
In men’s football, Vipers SC were crowned champions of the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup, Calvary FC won the FUFA Big League, and SC Villa claimed the FUFA Super 8.
In women’s football, Kampala Queens FC won the FUFA Women Super League, Amus College WFC lifted the FUFA Women Cup, and St Noa WFC emerged champions of the FUFA Women Elite League.
In youth and schools football, Vipers SC Junior Team won the FUFA Juniors League, St Mary’s Primary School won the boys’ FUFA Odilo Primary Schools Championship, and Oasis Primary School won the girls’ category.
In indoor and sand football, Mengo Futsal Club were crowned Futsal Super League champions, while Kampala City Beach Soccer Club won the FUFA Beach Soccer League.
Infrastructure development
Significant progress was registered in football infrastructure development during the year.
The Hoima City Stadium project was officially launched by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Part of the land the stadium sits on was donated to FUFA by the Rujumba family then later transferred to Government.
The official opening of FUFA Stadium Kadiba marked another major milestone, providing a modern venue for national teams, competitions and development programmes.
Looking ahead
As 2025 concluded, FUFA emerged stronger institutionally and competitively. The achievements recorded during the year have laid firm foundations for sustained growth, with focus remaining on youth and schools football, domestic competitions, governance excellence, infrastructure development and international competitiveness.
