Kampala, Uganda: The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has appointed a Tournament Organising Committee (TOC) to oversee the newly created FUFA Academies League, with three former Uganda Cranes internationals included on the team.
The committee will be chaired by Ronald Barente, with Roberts Kiwanuka serving as vice chairman. Other members include Farouk Kigongo, Rodrick Muhumuza, and former Uganda Cranes players Ronald Lwanga, Benjamin Ochan, and Yasser Mugerwa.
The committee will oversee the pilot competition, which is scheduled to kick off on March 22, 2026, starting with academies in the Kampala and Buganda regions.
The league will officially be launched on March 16, 2026, at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
According to FUFA, the FUFA Academies League is designed to strengthen youth football structures and provide a clear development pathway for young footballers across Uganda.
The competition will primarily target Grade 2 and Grade 3 academies that meet the licensing and operational standards set by the federation.
FUFA officials say the league will provide a structured and competitive platform for young players, ensuring academies get regular match exposure while improving the federation’s ability to identify and monitor emerging talent for future national teams.
Competition format
The pilot competition will feature 10 academies in each region, with Kampala and Buganda running separate leagues during the trial phase.
Matches will be played over two rounds, with games staged at a central venue on each matchday.
Each academy will be allowed to register a maximum of 25 players, specifically targeting players born in 2011 and 2012.
Participating academies must also complete the required licensing and registration process through the FUFA system before the registration deadline.
FUFA says the FUFA Academies League is part of its broader strategy to strengthen youth football development and create a more organised talent pipeline feeding into elite competitions and national teams.
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