FROM FORT PORTAL TO MOROCCO: THE RAPID ASCENT OF COACH FRED MUHUMUZA
Ugandan rising star Fred Muhumuza is appointed Assistant Coach for the Uganda Cranes ahead of AFCON 2025, bringing valuable domestic and youth experience.
Even though FUFA hasn't shared the contract details, Fred Muhumuza, a coach who's quickly making a name for himself, is joining the Uganda Cranes' coaching staff for the AFCON 2025 finals.
Muhumuza has been making big moves in Ugandan football, quickly moving up through the ranks of youth, regional, provincial, club, and national teams.
His progress in Ugandan football got more attention when he was named part of the Uganda Cranes technical team that's getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
This young coach, who's known for his careful work with clubs and his skill at studying how players grow, is now the assistant coach for AFCON.
Muhumuza is already with the Cranes in Casablanca, where the team is staying before heading to Rabat for their first Group C match against Tunisia on December 23.
He's come a long way in the last few years, doing well in local jobs and gaining the trust of important people in football.
FUFA hasn't said anything about the contract, so it's unclear how long he'll be working with the team or what his job will involve.
Those who know about these things say that it's normal for these details to be decided closer to big competitions.
Muhumuza's addition is bringing a new feel to the coaching group as it gets ready for the Cranes' Afcon plans.
His knowledge of many local players and his ability to scout out opponents are expected to go well with the team's overall plan.
Afcon 2025 is Muhumuza's biggest chance yet, and it could set the stage for the next part of his coaching career.
Muhumuza, who is in his 40s, played for Victors, SC Villa, and St. Leo’s College.
He has been a big part of youth, regional, and club teams, including winning a domestic double at Vipers SC with John Luyinda last season and leading Uganda to the Chan 2024 quarterfinals with Morley Byekwaso.
Muhumuza fact file
Full Name: Fred Muhumuza Araali
Nationality: Ugandan
Home: Fort Portal, Kabarole District
Playing position: Midfielder
Playing career
SC Villa
Victors (now defunct)
St. Leo’s College (schools)
Coaching career
Muhumuza is known as one of Uganda’s best coaches for helping players grow. People respect him because he is calm, good at tactics, careful, and focused on helping teams organise, develop young talent, and change their plans as needed.
He has a CAF B Coaching License.
Early jobs
Edgar’s Youth Program
Led St. Leo’s College, Kyegobe, to the East African Games for the first time.
Regional and club roles
Bumate FC: Early coaching job
Tooro Province (Fufa Drum): Led team to semifinals; won Coach of the Tournament
URA FC: Interim head coach (2023/24)
Vipers SC: Co-coach from April 2024 with John “Ayala” Luyinda; won the 2024/25 domestic double
National team roles
Interim assistant coach, Uganda Cranes (October 2023), working with Morley Byekwaso
Managed friendlies against Mali and Zambia with Byekwaso.
Co-coach/Assistant, Cranes Chan 2024 (August 2025)
Assistant Coach, Uganda Cranes (Afcon 2025 – Current): Named December 8, 2025, replacing Sam Ssimbwa and teaming up with Paul Put for the tournament in Morocco.
UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE
The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.
Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.
After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.
After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.
As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.
In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.
Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.
In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.
Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.
The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.
DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF
Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.
James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.
Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.
Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.
Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
About AGF Aarhus:
Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)
Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)
Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen
Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).
History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.
With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba
Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.