Kampala Lord Mayor and KCCA FC patron, H/W Erias Lukwago Ssalongo, has openly voiced his dissatisfaction with the club’s stance on the Uganda Premier League’s (UPL) newly introduced competition format.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has overhauled the traditional double round-robin system, replacing it with a three-round league beginning with the 2025/26 season. The change, FUFA argues, is designed to enhance competitiveness across the division.
However, Lukwago believes the transition could complicate matters for the 13-time league winners, who last lifted the title in 2019. Speaking at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo while addressing the club’s staff, he did not conceal his reservations.
“They know my reservations about this new format, and I had issues with the decision that we took as a club,” Lukwago admitted. “With collective responsibility, I had no choice, but my opinion (about the new format) was totally different!”
The Lord Mayor went further, stressing that the entire board and stakeholders were well aware of his objections: “We needed to protest the new league format alongside others,” he stated firmly, predicting “a very tough season,” ahead for the Kasasiro Boys.
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Despite Lukwago’s misgivings, club chairman Andrew Sserunjogi Mukiibi clarified that the decision was final and irreversible.
“I would wish to inform you, because I’d never told you that as a club, we’re going to participate in the league, and we’re going to participate in the new format,” he said. “It’s a decision which has been very painful, I know my worship (Lukwago) is not comfortable with that, and it’s an open secret, because we’re entering into something that we’re also going to learn.”
Sserunjogi added with caution:
“However, it’s coming along with a serious challenge, it’ll be disaster for us having embraced the new league format, and we become victims of that format.”
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On a more inspirational note, Lukwago used the platform to rally the squad and staff, urging them to uphold the values and traditions of KCCA FC:
“This club is more than just a team. This should be exhibited in everything we do, in how we carry ourselves and how we play. We pledge our support for you, and I believe we can write a new chapter of success this season. Believe in yourselves, in this team, and in the possibility of achieving great things together.”
Chairman Sserunjogi rounded off the meeting with gratitude, acknowledging the patron and leadership of KCCA for their unwavering backing:
“On behalf of the board and the entire club, I want to extend our gratitude to the Lord Mayor and Executive Director for their support for KCCA FC.”
