By William Muwonge and Norman Katende

THE battle for Ugandan soccer’s top job has crystallised into a two horse race between educationist Lawrence Mulindwa and former civil servant Chris Rwanika.

FUFA returning officer Patrick Okanya closed nominations for the FUFA top job on Thursday. Zubairi Galiwango pulled out of the race while former president Denis Obua said he had quit soccer administration.

Mulindwa and Chris Rwanika are expected to formally launch campaigns for the FUFA presidency next week.

The campaigns will lead to elections for football governing body’s top job in Kampala on December 17.

FUFA returning officer Patrick Okanya, endorsed the two men’s candidature and gave them the go ahead to begin campaigning. “They are now free to explain their positions to the electorate. The process that will end December 16,” Okanya said.

“But I will closely be monitoring their campaigns to ensure they adhere to the rules.”

Mulindwa, 41, proprietor of St Mary’s Kitende SSS just like veteran football administrator, 66-year-old Rwanika, is making a maiden shot at the top job.
Mulindwa, instrumental in transforming his school into a sports powerhouse, represents a new brand of administrators.

Rwanika, is part of the old order having served as FUFA secretary before.

At the nomination, Mulindwa unveiled a manifesto detailing a plan of action up to 2015. He said he intends to see the Cranes compete again at the Nations Cup and feature at the 2008 Olympics and 2014 World Cup
Rwanika promised to lead what he described as a clean and accountable administration, which he said was lacking in FUFA.

A total of 115 delegates, representing various groups including coaches and institutions of learning, will ultimately pick the man to take charge of the game.
The polls will mark the end of FIFA’s road map to bring back normalcy to Ugandan football.

In February, government disbanded the Denis Obua led executive for abuse of office.

Meanwhile, the City Tyres Super League will not kick off until the FUFA presidential elections are finalised, according to FUFA Competitions Committee chairman Kavuma Kabenge.

Kabenge said that the kick off, earlier scheduled for this month, can not be honoured as most people are concentrating on the forthcoming elections.

“We can not enter any commitment with sponsors or organisations now. They are waiting for the situation to calm down. It can only do so after the elections,” Kabenge said.

He said, the federation funds are not enough to facilitate the referees travel and to run the league minus sponsorship.