Lugazi FC coach Kikomeko says retention of key players signals long-term ambition

Lugazi FC head coach Abbey Kikomeko believes the club's decision to retain key players while integrating young talent demonstrates a commitment to long-term success, rather than merely preparing for another Uganda Premier League season.

The Leaders have renewed the contracts of captain Richard Ayiko and winger Moses Buga, while also bringing in Christopher Birungi, Jamaldin Buchochera, and Louis Anguti. The club has continued to support injured striker Peter Chuti, who recently underwent successful knee surgery.

Kikomeko stated that keeping experienced players alongside promising recruits is the right approach as Lugazi aim to improve on last season's 13th-place finish with 25 points.

"Building a strong team is not only about signing new players. It is also about keeping leaders who understand the club's culture while bringing in young players hungry to improve every day," Kikomeko said.

Captain Ayiko has signed a new two-year contract until 2028, following another impressive campaign in which he featured in all 26 league matches and scored once. The experienced defender joined Lugazi in 2024 and played a pivotal role in helping the club earn promotion to the Uganda Premier League, before guiding them to survival in their debut top-flight season.

Kikomeko believes Ayiko's influence extends beyond the pitch.

"Ayiko's performances helped us gain promotion and remain in the Premier League. His leadership, professionalism, and commitment continue to set the standard for every player at this club," he said.

Buga has also committed his future by signing a one-year contract. The winger joined Lugazi in 2020 and was part of the squads that secured promotion to the FUFA Big League in 2022 and the Premier League in 2024.

Lugazi have further strengthened by signing attacking midfielder Christopher Birungi on a four-year deal from Nyendo FC, following a season in which he scored six goals and provided 10 assists.

Versatile defender Jamaldin Buchochera has arrived from Rwanda Premier League side Gasogi United on a two-year contract, bringing experience from previous spells at BUL FC, Gaddafi FC, and Mbale Heroes.

The club has also welcomed back 20-year-old defender Louis Anguti on a four-year contract. The former Uganda U-18 captain began his career at Lugazi Soccer Academy and previously scored the goal that secured the club's promotion to the FUFA Big League in 2022, before moving to Tanzania's Coastal Union.

Away from recruitment, Lugazi have continued to show faith in striker Peter Chuti despite his long-term injury. The forward, who joined the club in March while injured, has undergone successful surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament injury at Mukono Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre and is expected to return in approximately nine months.

Elsewhere, Kitara strengthened their squad by signing experienced midfielder Nicholas Kasozi on a two-year contract from Tanzania's Kagera Sugar. The former SC Villa and KCCA player reunites with coach Wasswa Bbosa as the Royals prepare for the FUFA Super 8, Super Cup, Uganda Premier League, Stanbic Uganda Cup, and CAF Confederation Cup.

Entebbe FC also continued their recruitment drive by unveiling Congolese left-back Yannick Mitrail from UAE side Fujairah. He joins fellow new arrivals Anwar Ntege, Sharif Ssengendo, Ronald Kayondo, Grant Matsiko, and Swadiki Moro ahead of the new season.