Universities urged to drive football innovation through research and technology

Universities and research institutions have been challenged to take a more active role in driving the digital transformation of Ugandan football, as the sport increasingly embraces data, technology, and innovation.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations second deputy president, Dr. Azah Taibu, said stronger collaboration between academia and the sports sector is critical to bridging skills gaps and building a sustainable football economy.

“Football is a massive industry. Innovation will guide us in developing research-based, sustainable solutions that strengthen the game and the wider sports sector,” she said.

She was speaking during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the FUFA and ISBAT University at university’s main campus in Lugogo, Kampala, on Friday.

Analysts say the partnership is expected to deepen the role of research, data analytics, and artificial intelligence in transforming football in Uganda by tapping into the university niche as a technology-based entity while FUFA will bring on board its speciality in football. 

Dr. Taibu said the partnership will also strengthen local capacity will reduce reliance on foreign consultants while creating context-specific solutions for the country’s football sector.

“This gives us an opportunity to build local expertise and create sustainable jobs for our youth along the football value chain,” she said.

She added that the growing number of local teams requires specialised support in analytics and artificial intelligence, underscoring the need for universities and research institutions to actively support clubs and the wider football ecosystem. FUFA also plans to establish a research and innovation hub to generate homegrown solutions for challenges in the sport.

The partnership comes amid growing recognition that data-driven decision-making is now central to modern football — from player performance analysis to tactical planning.

Edgar Watson, Chief Executive Officer of FUFA, said artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how matches are analysed and managed.

“AI is crucial because it captures details that the human eye cannot easily track during a match,” he said, citing examples such as tracking player movements, touches, and defensive actions that can influence match outcomes.

Watson added that football offers opportunities beyond the pitch by integrating research, technology, and innovation. 

Dr Azar Taibu, FUFA Second Vice President (right) hands over the national team jersey to Prof. Matthew Kalmatacal (left), Vice Chancellor of ISBAT University

He said partnerships with academic institutions allow students to develop careers that combine sports and technology while maintaining academic and physical development.

The importance of data-driven performance analysis was echoed by Shawn Mubiru, CEO of FUFA Media Services, who said artificial intelligence helps teams analyse small but decisive details that shape match results.

He said collaboration with academic institutions will help develop local expertise in sports technology and open career pathways that combine football, research, and innovation.

At ISBAT University, administrators say the collaboration reflects a broader shift toward integrating education, technology, and sports development.

Pradeep Kumar, Director of Studies, said football today involves strategy, marketing, and real-time decision-making,  areas where artificial intelligence can support analysis, forecasting, and performance monitoring.

He said integrating AI, robotics, and analytics into sports programmes will help students apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, stimulate job creation, and support local innovation while promoting holistic student development.

Prof. Matthew Kalmatacal, Vice Chancellor of ISBAT University, noted that building competitive football teams requires significant investment in training, coaching, physiotherapy, and other support services.

He also acknowledged the guidance of Varghes Mundamattam, Chairman of the Board of Directors, in advancing the university’s sports initiatives.

Prof. Kalmatacal said collaboration with FUFA TV and FUFA Media aims to combine sports, academia, and artificial intelligence to strengthen both university teams and the wider sporting ecosystem.

Marketing officials say the initiative will also help students translate classroom knowledge into practical applications.

Fahad Musa, Head of Marketing at ISBAT University, said linking football with technology will improve performance tracking, enhance decision-making, and expand career opportunities in sports-related innovation.

He said the partnership will also support job creation, local innovation, and holistic development by combining academics with active participation in sports.

The collaboration will run for four years, according to Dr. Paul Giju, Academic Registrar at ISBAT University, who said it will focus on research, analytics, and predictive tools to support footballers and clubs nationwide.

“We are joining hands to make Uganda great,” he said, adding that the partnership will explore artificial intelligence applications to advance sports development.

Stakeholders say the initiative marks a shift toward positioning football not only as a sport but also as a technology-driven industry capable of driving innovation, employment, and economic growth.