Uganda football transfer window opens

The Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, FUFA Women Super League, and FUFA Women Elite League transfer window officially opened on Monday, July 1, 2024, and will close on September 21, 2024.

With the new football campaign just around the corner, clubs are wasting no time in strengthening their squads

In Kitara, former maroons FC captain David Ndihabwe has joined the club until the end of June 2025.

This will be his second stint with the Royals having spent the 2018/19 season with them.

The midfielder was involved in five goals for Maroons FC scoring one goal and assisting four last season.

The Royals have also unveiled defender Ronald Otti, signing a contract until 2025.

The 23-year-old, who was voted UPL defender of the season for the concluded campaign, has signed a contract with Kitara FC until 2025. Ronald Otti was recently called up to the national team as a replacement for Bevis Mugabi in the World Cup qualifiers.

He brings valuable experience and skills to the team, having played 20 games, scored 3 goals, provided 3 assists, and won 3 Pilsner Man of the Match awards last season for BUL.

URA FC confirmed the departure of Najib Fesali. Fesali, who joined URA FC from Kyagwe Ssaza in 2019, made a significant impact during his tenure with the Tax Collectors. His departure paved the way for a move to BUL FC, where he filled the void left by Ronald Otti's departure to Kitara FC.

Midfielder Vianey Ssekajugo and left-back Eric Ssenjobe have also left the club while right-back James Begisa Penza has renewed his contract with the club for another two years.

Meanwhile, at Vipers SC, the six-time UPL champions were swift in their recruitment efforts. Under the new stewardship of head coach Nikola Kavazovic, the Vemons have confirmed the signing of Issa Bugembe.

The 19-year-old has joined the Kitende doors from Uganda Premier League side Soltilo Bright Stars FC after the expiration of his contract, where he has spent over two seasons. He has been netted down to a four-year employment contract with the Venoms that could run until the end of the 2027/28 season. 

Bugembe is also a student at St. Mary’s Boarding Secondary School, Kitende (SMASK), which is a close affiliate and a feeder-side to Vipers SC.

Vipers SC has also secured the services of promising talents such as Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Kimera, and Angolan Pedro Honjo.

KCCA FC, another powerhouse in Ugandan football, welcomed promising left-back Isa Mubiru from Vipers SC, alongside midfielder Sharif Ssengendo from Gaddafi FC bringing the total number of new arrivals to five.

The duo makes the number of new arrivals under Abdallah Mubiru at Lugogo this window to five.

Other new signings under the guidance of head coach Abdallah Mubiru are Steven Munguchi from Gaddafi, Shafik Kwikiriza from BUL, and Emmanuel Anyama who was signed from Kaaro Karungi.

Maroons FC is set to lose over 8 players, including key players Fred Amaku, defender Patrick Bayiga, Abraham Tusubira, Darius Ojok, Jacob Okao, Felix Okot, and long servant Ronald Orombi are all out of contract.

Jackson Nunda, Innocent Biyiika, Fredrick Kigozi, and Solomon Walusimbi are the other players out of contract at the Luzira-based side.

The Uganda Premier League season begins on September 13, 2024, while the FUFA Women's Super League starts on September 8, 2024. The FUFA Big League season kicks off on September 22, 2024, and the FUFA Women Elite League begins on September 21, 2024.