Inside FUFA’s Football Development Department: Meet The Team Driving The Game Forward

By Spy Uganda

As football continues to grow across Uganda, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has strategically structured its Football Development Department to manage and elevate the sport at all levels. From grassroots to professional play, the department oversees a wide range of programs that aim to develop talent, support players during and after their careers, and integrate science, education, and innovation into the game.

At the helm is Ronnie Kalema, the FUFA Executive Secretary for Football Development, working closely with Ali Mwebe, the Director of Football Development, to lead a diverse and specialized team committed to advancing the beautiful game.

Mandate Of The Department

The department’s responsibilities are broad and crucial to football’s sustainable growth in the country. Its areas of focus include:

Mass Football – Expanding grassroots participation and access to the sport.

Elite Football – Nurturing top-level talent and academies.

Professional Football – Supporting the development and standards of pro clubs and players.

Life After Football – Assisting players in transition to life beyond their playing careers.

Research, Science & Technology – Using data and innovation to inform training and performance.

Education and Capacity Building – Training coaches, administrators, and football professionals.

Refereeing Development – Enhancing the quality and professionalism of match officials.

Meet The Team Powering FUFA’s Football Growth

The department brings together seasoned professionals and former players, combining technical knowledge with practical experience:

Football Development Consultant – Petros Koukouras: Brings international expertise and strategic insights.

Mass Football Manager – Joan Namusisi: Leads grassroots and community football initiatives.

Elite Football Manager – Bashir Mutyaba: Oversees high-performance youth and academy programs.

Professional Football Manager – Brian Umony: Former Uganda Cranes forward, now shaping the next generation of pros.

Research, Science & Technology Manager – Lordson Aleluya: Heads innovation and performance analysis.

Assistant (Research, Science & Technology) – Nyanzi Humphrey: Supports the department with data and applied science.

Football Education Manager – Jackson Nyiima: Develops training programs for coaches and staff.

Education Officer – Patricia Ayebale: Assists in capacity-building initiatives across the country.

Referees Development Manager – Mashood Ssali: Leads the push for quality and integrity in refereeing.

Mass Football Officer – Peter Emojong: Supports grassroots outreach and development programs.

Talent ID Officer / Chief Scout – Jerome Raymond Katende: Identifies and nurtures promising young talent across Uganda.

Driving The Future Of Football In Uganda

With a clear structure and dedicated personnel, FUFA’s Football Development Department plays a pivotal role in ensuring that football is not only played but thrives at every level. The department’s commitment to innovation, education, and holistic development reflects FUFA’s long-term vision of positioning Uganda as a competitive footballing nation on the continent and beyond.

As Ugandan football continues to gain momentum, the work being done by this department is laying the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable future for players, officials, and fans alike.