In a significant move aimed at revitalizing youth football in Uganda, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has officially named former Ghanaian international Laryea Kingston as the full-time head coach overseeing all Uganda men’s junior national teams.
The appointment was announced at a press briefing held at FUFA House, where Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson hailed the decision as a milestone in the Federation’s long-term strategy to professionalize and strengthen youth football development.
In his address, Mr. Watson expressed gratitude to the media and football stakeholders for their continued partnership, before reflecting on the persistent challenges that have hindered structured youth development in the country.
“We have had situations where the identification of players at underage levels happens only when a tournament is around the corner,” said Mr. Watson. “This has not only limited exposure for young players but has also created gaps in consistency and development. FUFA has therefore developed a Technical Master Plan, particularly focusing on youth football, to address these concerns.”
Watson explained that for years, Uganda’s junior teams only convened in the buildup to major competitions, leaving little room for meaningful preparation or sustained training programs. To remedy this, FUFA has now introduced a comprehensive Technical Master Plan designed to promote continuous scouting, structured coaching, and consistent team-building throughout the year.
Welcome Laryea Kingston, Head coach of the Uganda National Men’s Football Junior Teams for the next 2 years. pic.twitter.com/zsfxt9CnFR
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 8, 2025
Central to this plan is a national scouting network that will unearth talent across the country—including from remote and underrepresented regions. Watson emphasized that this structure would allow FUFA to track promising youngsters from early stages and provide equal opportunities for players regardless of location.
He noted that the appointment of Laryea Kingston reflects FUFA’s commitment to hiring a dedicated, full-time professional capable of managing Uganda’s U15, U17, and U20 national teams.
“We have been categoric in selecting a coach who is neutral, experienced in both African and international football, and capable of identifying and nurturing young talent,” he said.
Watson described Kingston as the perfect candidate for the position, citing his impressive playing and coaching background. The former Ghana international represented his nation at every level, from the U15 to the senior team, and featured prominently in European football, including a spell in Scotland.
Kingston holds both UEFA A and CAF B coaching licences and has previously worked with Ghana’s U17 team as well as the Right to Play Academy, where he honed his skills in youth coaching and player development.
“The coach will work closely with the FUFA Development Director, Mr Bashir Mutyaba, and the Technical Department to ensure that our youth teams are continuously scouted, trained, and ready for national duty,” added Mr Watson. “He will be a resident coach working full-time over a two-year contract, with the main goal of producing competitive and well-prepared youth teams.”
FUFA Unveils Laryea Kingston as Head Coach of the Uganda National Men’s Football Junior Teams https://t.co/yYW5VRbRM3
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 8, 2025
FUFA also confirmed that the Uganda U17 team, which recently qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, will continue under the guidance of Coach Brian Senyondo during this period. Watson commended Senyondo’s dedication and revealed that this tournament would mark his final assignment with the U17s before transitioning to other roles within FUFA’s coaching framework.
Kingston’s appointment, according to FUFA, signals a new era for Ugandan youth football, one built on continuity, structure, and long-term vision rather than short-term preparation.
