Brig Gen Karemire calls for teamwork and innovation as UPDF FC unveils new leadership

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Football Club (UPDF FC) has ushered in a new leadership team following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Ndere Cultural Centre in Ntinda, Kampala, with a renewed focus on strengthening governance, football development and financial sustainability.

Brigadier General Richard Karemire was elected Chairman of the club, taking over from Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kulu, who now assumes the role of Vice Chairman. Lieutenant Sheldon Turyamureeba was also elected Chief Executive Officer, replacing Lance Corporal Walter Mambo.

The AGM was attended by representatives from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the Uganda Premier League (UPL), including FUFA delegate Aisha Nalule and UPL Chief Executive Officer Bernard Bainamani.

The newly appointed Board of Directors includes Lieutenant Muhereza, representing the Special Forces Command on behalf of Colonel Gilbert Owamagyezi; Colonel Robert Ngabirano representing the Air Force; Major Kategaya; Captain Phionah Kanohire; Captain Lutwama; and Captain Katongole, who represents the fans.

Addressing the new leadership, Brig Gen Karemire called for unity, teamwork and innovative approaches to mobilising resources to support the club’s three teams.

“We must work together as one unit to secure more funding and strengthen all our teams,” Karemire said.

He emphasized the need for collective effort to build a stronger institution capable of competing effectively at all levels.

Outgoing CEO Lance Corporal Walter Mambo thanked the UPDF leadership for giving him the opportunity to serve the club, describing the experience as an important chapter in his football administration journey.

“I thank the Army leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility, which enabled me to gain valuable experience in football administration and leadership,” Mambo said.

UPDF FC currently manages three teams competing under FUFA structures, including UPDF FC, UPDF Women FC and the UPDF Under-17 team.

One of the key resolutions from the AGM was the club’s renewed commitment to football development through investment in quality recruitment, player retention and squad improvement across all teams.

The leadership also highlighted the importance of strengthening the club’s youth development structures to create a clear pathway for young players to progress into senior football. The approach is aimed at reducing dependence on external recruitment while nurturing talent from within.

The new strategy will see the men’s team work towards improved competitiveness, while UPDF Women FC continues its growth and development within women’s football.

To address financial challenges, the club plans to expand partnerships, attract more sponsors and improve its commercial activities. Leaders also committed to strengthening the club’s brand, improving fan engagement and mobilising greater support from UPDF personnel and the wider community.

The changes come as UPDF FC seeks to build on lessons from the recently concluded Uganda Premier League season, where the team finished with 22 points, just one point above the relegation zone under coach Lieutenant Alex Gitta.

The new leadership now faces the task of transforming the club into a more competitive, financially stable and professionally managed football institution.