Bugema University turn to Mugagga in bid for more trophies
Last season, Nyanzi guided Bugema to the knockout stages of the University Football League (UFL), but the university says it wants to take a new direction and build a stronger football programme for the future.
Bugema University sports manager Robinson Masereka (left) welcomes new head coach Andrew Mugagga (right) after signing his contract. (Courtesy Photo)
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Bugema University have parted ways with football coach Meddie Nyanzi and appointed Andrew Mugagga as his replacement as the university seeks to improve results and win trophies.
Last season, Nyanzi guided Bugema to the knockout stages of the University Football League (UFL), but the university says it wants to take a new direction and build a stronger football programme for the future.
University sports manager Robinson Masereka said the decision was based on the university's long-term plans.
“We are only seeking another direction. We need to improve the results and win some trophies. We are looking at the future, the next 10 years,” Masereka said.
Bugema University sports manager Robinson Masereka (left) with new head coach Andrew Mugagga (right) after signing his contract. (Courtesy Photo)
“He is versatile. He has worked in technical roles at UWA and has good player-handling skills. We want to dominate the University Football League and the East African University Games,” Masereka said.
The new coach will also receive support to strengthen the team. The university plans to recruit new players, improve equipment and provide better support for players.
“We are planning to facilitate the recruitment of players and give players more benefits, including accommodation and feeding. We also plan to introduce full talent scholarships in different sports,” Masereka said.
Bugema also wants to develop women's football and enter a women's team into a regional league, with the long-term target of competing in the East African University Games.
Masereka said the university sees sport as part of its wider education programme.
“Sports can shape a whole person. At Bugema, we develop students not only for trophies but for life. Sports teach responsibility, discipline and leadership,” he said.
The institution has produced basketball players including Malual Dier, Choul Nyuot and Gaius Mahamba, while athletics star Joshua Cheptegei is also a former student.
Bugema's football team has also undergone several changes. After a temporary ban in 2010, the team returned in 2011.
In 2017, the team finished third in the UFL. That team produced players such as Gift Fred, who later joined SC Villa, as well as Moses Aliro, Dassy Musimenta and Lucky Johnson Kasajja.
The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) affiliated institution later won the 2022/23 East African University Games title at Ndejje, their first appearance in the competition.