Africa’s Beach Soccer Supremo Congratulates Deo Mutabazi Upon Securing a FUFA Exco Seat

African Beach Soccer Union (ABSU) president Mahmud Hadejia has extended warm congratulations to Deo Mutabazi following his appointment as an Executive Committee Member at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

Mutabazi, who is also the ABSU first vice president and the chairman of the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA), was appointed and announced as a FUFA Executive Committee member by the FUFA president Moses Magogo during the 101^st FUFA Ordinary General Assembly held on 5^th July 2025 at Hoima Resort Hotel in Hoima.

He will serve a full four year term running through to 2029.

In a letter that carried pleasing congratulatory message to the FUFA president too, Hadejia highlighted that this development is a landmark achievement and a historic milestone for beach soccer in Africa.

“We are especially proud to celebrate Mr Deo Mutabazi, a pivotal figure in advancing beach soccer across Africa. As the first Vice President of ABSU and Chairman of the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA), his election to the FUFA Executive Committee marks a landmark achievement and a historic milestone, amplifying African beach soccer’s influence on the global stage.”

He further noted that Mr Mutabazi’s vision and experience as leader will make FUFA stronger than before.

“Mr Mutabazi brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served as Chairman of the FUFA Competitions Disciplinary Panel, and developmental outreach launching beach soccer initiatives across East Africa, including introducing the game to Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and recently Somalia. These efforts align seamlessly with ABSU’s purpose of fostering a stronger and more sustainable beach soccer culture across the continent, driving prosperity through collaborative development, a vision Mr Mutabazi has championed tirelessly.”

“As ABSU works to facilitate a robust beach soccer framework through strategic partnerships, Mr Mutabazi’s leadership will be instrumental. We are confident that his involvement in the FUFA Executive Committee will continue to strengthen your federation, supporting our mission to add value and build a thriving beach soccer culture in Africa.”

Mutabazi is the first beach soccer delegate to become a FUFA executive committee member. He has been serving as the chairman of the Competitions Disciplinary Panel at FUFA.

UBSA Chairman Lands Executive Role At FUFA

Deo Mutabazi, Uganda Beach Soccer Association’s Chairman and beach soccer delegate, has been appointed to serve full four year term on the executive committee of football’s local governing body – Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

Mr Mutabazi’s appointment to the FUFA Executive Committee was confirmed by the FUFA President – Hon. Moses Magogo at the 101st Ordinary General Assembly in Hoima on Saturday.

For the first time in history, a beach soccer representative has secured a seat on FUFA’s Exco, and with him joining the highest policy making organ of the federation, this move is seen as a big leap and a momentous step for a game yearning for a breakthrough.

For Mutabazi, the journey to FUFA’s top table has been decades in the making. A veteran and brilliant sports administrator, he introduced the game of beach soccer in the country and has held multiple positions in Uganda’s domestic football structures.

He is currently the chairman of Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA), and has served as FUFA Competitions Disciplinary Panel Chairman for about a decade now, making him one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s football.

On the continental stage, Mutabazi is the first Vice Chairman of the Africa Beach Soccer Union (ABSU), a position he has held since July 2020.

Alongside Jonathan Kassano from Tanzania, Mutabazi also acts as the representative of the East African region on the committee.

FUFA Executive Committee

The FUFA Executive is a policy making organ of the federation that takes key decisions on football matters in Uganda on a quarterly basis.

The Committee is headed by the FUFA President who chairs the meetings that happen on a quarterly basis to come up with key policy matters.

Currently, the FUFA Executive Committee is composed of 15 people including the FUFA President as the head, three Vice Presidents, eight delegates from the eight regions of FUFA and at least two Women representatives.

The New FUFA Executive Committee 2025-2029:

Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim – President

Mugisha Justus – First Vice President

Dr. Azah Taibu – Second Vice President

Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi – Third Vice President

Exco Members:

Deo Mutabazi

Rogers Byamukama

Rasoul Ariga

Agnes Mugena

Isa Magoola

Dan Obote

Frank Ankunzire

Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe

Rogers Mulindwa

Ronnie Kalema

Ronald Barente

Additional information was extracted from fufa.co.ug

Battle For The Title: Red-Hot Kampala City Face Record Winners St. Lawrence University, MUBS Meet Mutoola In The Championship Play-Offs.

Teams for the championship playoffs have been confirmed after last week’s results, meaning we now know all the four clubs vying for the title of the FUFA beach soccer league season 2024/25.

Following wins against Wolves and Grace Church on the last day of the regular season, defending champions St. Lawrence University finally joined Kampala City, MUBS, and Mutoola in the play-offs, and the four sides are set to play out two semi-finals and a final at the Bamboo gardens beach soccer arena in Kasanje, Wakiso.

Two time winners MUBS will meet Mutoola while last season’s finalists Kampala City will face the record six time winners and defending champions St. Lawrence University next week on Sunday 29^th June 2025.

**Final table standings after the regular season**

Kampala City and MUBS made it to the play-offs with 44 points each but the former had a superior goal difference of 46 as the sides finished first and second on the table respectively.

Mutoola comfortably finished third with 40 points. They were followed by St. Lawrence University who had to win their final two games of the regular season to seal the last play-off spot.

Full fixtures of the championship play-offs:

Sunday 29^th June 2025

Bamboo gardens beach soccer arena, Kasanje.

Kick-off: 12pm

Semi-Final 1

MUBS BSC Vs Mutoola BSC

Semi-Final 2

Kampala City BSC Vs St. Lawrence University BSC

Third Place Play-off

Loser Semi Final 1 Vs Loser Semi Final 2

Final

Winner Semi Final 1 Vs Winner Semi Final 2

How do the championship playoffs work?

The playoffs involve the four teams that finish in the top four places after the regular season.

The semi-finals pit the first placed team against the side who finished fourth, while the club in second meet the third placed team.

The winners of those semi-finals face each other in the playoff final to decide the champion of the league as the losers settle for the third place play-off match.

Past league winners:

2009-2010 – Club Tinka

2010-2011 – Braza Braza

2011-2012 – Kabalagala Rangers

2012-2013 – MUBS

2013-2014 – St. Lawrence University

2014-2015 – Kira Young

2015-2016 – Nkumba Select

2016-2017 – MUBS

2017-2018 – Isabeti

2018-2019 – St. Lawrence University

2019-2020 CANCELLED.

Due to COVID Pandemic

2020-2021 – St. Lawrence University

2021-2022 – St. Lawrence University

2022-2023 – St. Lawrence University

2023-2024 – St. Lawrence University

Ugandan Referee Ivan Kintu Bayige Short-listed For 2025 Beach Soccer World Cup

Experienced Ugandan beach soccer referee Ivan Kintu Bayige is featuring on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) referees shortlist from which the final names that will officiate at the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be selected.

Seychelles will host this premier beach soccer biennial championship from its capital city – Victoria, from May 1^st – 11^th 2025.

**Bayige (left) cautioning a coach during a FUFA beach soccer league game.**

Bayige rose to the coveted rank of a FIFA beach soccer referee in 2015, and has since officiated at five Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) finals (December 2016 – Nigeria, September 2018 – Egypt, October 2021 – Senegal, October 2022 – Mozambique and September 2024 – Egypt).

His officiating and game handling at continental competitions has been magnificent throughout, attracting appointments for even global beach soccer events – including some in Dubai.

FIFA has been taking note of his top notch performances, and he is now on the cusp of etching his name in Uganda’s history as the first Ugandan beach soccer referee to officiate at the world cup.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) will contribute five referees to the showpiece but has seven on the shortlist released by FIFA.

Bchir Hamdi from Tunisia, Ishimwe Cynthia (Burundi), Lamghaidar Driss (Morocco), Ndayisaba Ramadhani (Burundi), Ndiaye Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane (Senegal) and Siave Louis from Mauritius complete the pack of African referees on FIFA’s long list.

MUBS Returns, Mutoola Face KJT On Match Day One

After more than four months of preparations, the FUFA Beach Soccer League (FBSL) is back! The expectations are always sky high as the new season rolls by with key additions made in most of the competing sides. We are ready for another highly competitive season with a lot of mesmerising talent, excitement and hopefully, a tight battle for the title.

Makerere University Business School (MUBS) has returned to the fold after sitting out the 2023/24 campaign, and this takes the count of competing teams this season to eleven (11) from ten that participated last season.

Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje will host most of the matches for this term. Five promising fixtures will set the new season into motion this Sunday of November 10, 2024 with the first match kicking off at 1pm prompt.

Super four finalists – Mutoola BSC is set to take on Kampala Junior Team (KJT), MUBS face Grace Church and Mengo Hill.

Buganda Royal will aim to thrill their passionate fans when they face their counterparts – Mengo Hill in a mouth-watering opening day encounter, before Grace Church return to the pitch with Wolves.

Defending champions – St. Lawrence University, Kampala City, MS Sand Lions and Kiringente will join the action on outing number two.

Full fixtures:

Sunday November 10, 2024

Mutoola BSC Vs KJT – 1pm

MUBS Vs Grace Church – 2pm

Buganda Royal Vs Mengo Hill – 3pm

Grace Church Vs Wolves – 4pm

Mengo Hill Vs MUBS – 5pm

Kampala City Rise From The Dead To Win Super Four Title

Kampala City pulled off a thrilling super four beach soccer tournament comeback as Ambrose Kigozi inspired a 6-2 win against rivals Mutoola BSC at Kasanje bamboo gardens beach soccer arena.

Oscar Ssendege took advantage of Kampala City’s casual start in the final on Sunday to put Mutoola ahead before he doubled their lead in the first period.

However, the Ab’emikwano rose from the dead and returned for the second period in red hot form – turning the game around for a great win and their maiden trophy in beach soccer as they also etched their name in the history of the super four – as one of the only three clubs to have ever won this competition since its inception in 2021.

They laid siege to Mutoola’s area, and their efforts were rewarded with two goals that drew the game level by the end of the second period. This lease of life was orchestrated by Kigozi.

**Ambrose Kigozi smiling with the trophy**

Ambrose Kigozi kept the stage alight in the final twelve minutes when he made it five goals to his name before Paul Kato completed the turnaround with a fine strike that sealed the victory for Kampala City. This triumph also marks the first trophy for Ivan Kulika as a coach.

Semi finals

Mutoola required penalties to see off St. Lawrence University in a pulsating semi-final following a sensational 4-4 draw in normal time. They won 1-0 in spot kicks.

Kampala City defeated Buganda Royal 6-1enroute to the final.

While this tournament is limited to only the top four teams as ranked by the previous season, it was a nail-biting show and a fine way to begin the new beach soccer season – with the FUFA beach soccer league (FBSL) just five days away (set to begin on Sunday November 10).

UBSA Holds Successful 12th Ordinary General Assembly, Pass Budget For 2024/25 Season

Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) successfully held its 12th Ordinary General Assembly at Buganda Royal Institute in Mengo, Kampala.

Key stakeholders – including all the 44 beach soccer delegates and officials from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) convened on Saturday to review, plan and discuss the activities of the association. General Secretary of the Africa Beach Soccer Union (ABSU) Taye Olajide, president of Pro Beach Soccer South Africa – Gordon Masondo and FUFA executive committee member and the executive secretary of football development, Mr. Ronnie Kalema, who represented the FUFA president Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, followed the meeting via zoom.

***UBSA chairman Deo Mutabazi delivering his speech during the assembly***

During the assembly, UBSA chairman – Deo Mutabazi presented to the delegates the UBSA activity report for 2023/2024 season, highlighting the various activities his administration undertook since the last ordinary general assembly.

Capacity building (FAMACO1, beach soccer coaching and refereeing courses), super four beach soccer tournament, Muwanguzi Memorial Cup and the FUFA beach soccer league were some of the notable activities the association successfully held in the past season.

“We have had capacity building across all sectors – football administration, refereeing and coaching. This will help us to have professional officials to promote our game,” Chairman Mutabazi said.

“On infrastructure, we added more sand on our beach soccer facility at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. However, we still have a challenge of inadequate beach soccer facilities in the country.”

“But despite the challenges the association and the clubs are facing, we successfully completed the UBSA league season 2023/24 and the Muwanguzi Memorial Cup. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the teams that took part.”

Mr. Mutabazi re-echoed the importance of developing beach soccer infrastructure in the country, and also revealed that the post COVID-19 pandemic adverse effects continue to impact negatively on the everyday sporting activities of the association.

Multi-million budget for 2024/25 season

The assembly passed a budget of Uganda shillings 389 million for the 2024/2025 season. A considerable part of this budget will go to grassroots development, women’s beach soccer, youth initiatives, and capacity building.

Beach soccer for schools

Beach soccer was introduced in schools in 2023, and the second edition of the schools competition was held at the beginning of September in Soroti.

UBSA executive member Joseph Tamale noted that beach soccer has sparked competition amongst schools, but the shortage of facilities remain a big challenge to developing the game in the learning institutions.

FUFA Football Development Director, Ali Mwebe, who also doubles as the technical director at UBSA, said that the partnership between UBSA and Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) will yield more positive results, and assured delegates that FUFA firmly remain committed to supporting the game.

“UBSA’s partnership with USSSA will expose talented players to become beach soccer professionals. FUFA is also committed to supporting UBSA including both men’s and ladies’ national teams.”

Rewarding outstanding performers

Plans to recognize and award exceptionally talented players and best performing teams in USSSA beach soccer games were also announced during the assembly. This initiative aims to promote competition and excellence amongst beach soccer playing schools in Uganda.

The inaugural awards function will be held this year at FUFA house in Mengo. The awards categories will feature top scorers, best goalkeepers, most valuable players (MVP) and best teams of the just concluded games which include; Standard High School Zzana (Both boys and girls), Teso College Aloet (Boys), Mukono Kings (Girls), Immaculate Heart Secondary School (Girls) and London College of St. Lawrence (Boys).

This article is being updated……………………….

Capacity Building: 40 Successfully Complete FAMACO1 Course

Forty participants have achieved a significant milestone in their lives by earning qualifications in football management following their successful completion of the Football Administration and Management Course Level One (FAMACO1) on Wednesday.

**Former Uganda Cranes forward – Brian Umony (in T-shirt) receiving his certificate from FUFA deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza**

Most notable among the graduates at Multitech Business School were two former Uganda Cranes players – Brian Umony and Yasser Mugerwa.

Veteran sports journalists – Lean Ssenyange, Pius Serugo, Peter Tabu, Marble Kebirungi, and Philip Mugabi also successfully completed the three days course and smiled on their way home with honours.

**NTV’s Mable Kebirungi (centre) was among the two ladies who completed the course.**

Current Sand Cranes players – Baker Lukooya, Allan Katwe, Musa Ssali Kiwanuka and George Stephen Omiat were also part of the class, highlighting the growing importance of planning for life beyond the pitch.

**Sand Cranes magician Baker Lukooya (with goggles) is now a certified football manager**

The training was insightful and informative for the participants who now have a much improved and positive approach to the game.

Proficient instructors – Ronnie Kalema, Decolas Kiiza and Yusuf Awuye conducted the course, and the trio took the participants through a host of modules including; introduction to football structures, football human resource, football competitions, football fans and importance, football communication, football statutes, football regulations and importance, football protection and match organisation, among others.

Deputy chief executive officer in charge of football at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) – Decolas Kiiza presided over the closing function of the course, and awarded the duly trained football managers with certificates.

The course was organized by the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) in conjunction with FUFA.

List of graduates:

Lukwago Phillip, Magembe Trava, Katongole Isa, Birungi Alfunsi, Mukasa Nathan Mayega, Baluku Owen, Tumwesigye Enock, Mugabi Phillip, Kebirungi Marble, Amanya Mark, Mustafa Nanfumba, Olobo Paul, Serugo Pius, Edwok Julius, Tumwesigye Graham, Oryem Morris, Kapampa Eddie, Nandala James, Serebe Ismail, Omony Brian, Tabu Peter, Leon Ssenyange, Nshabomwe Isiah, Bakunda Julius, Walusimbi Solomon, Mukwaya Brian, Ssempala Moses, Mukisa Hope James, Bunoga Baker Emmanuel, Kisembo Innocent, Mibulo Juma, Nabbanja Aisha, Joel Sewankambo, Omiat George Stephen, Kayemba Abbas, Lukooya Baker, Yasser Mugerwa, Kafulu Francis, Allan Katwe, Ssali Musa Kiwanuka.

Buganda Royal To Host 12th UBSA Ordinary General Assembly

Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA)’s executive committee resolved on Tuesday to hold its 12^th Ordinary General Assembly on Saturday September 7, 2024 in Kampala.

Buganda Royal Institute Beach Soccer Club will host the Association’s annual general meeting again, for the third time running.

The 44 UBSA delegates will convene for the assembly business starting 10 am at the Buganda Royal Institute conference hall.

UBSA chairman – Deo Mutabazi will chair the assembly where the executive members will deliberate on matters of the association and also provide an account of the previous beach soccer season.

UBSA’s delegates come from the ordinary members of the association who include;

FUFA Beach Soccer League Clubs

FUFA Women Beach Soccer League Clubs

UBSA Lower Leagues Clubs

UBSA Referees

UBSA Players

UBSA Youths

UBSA Coaches

UBSA Schools

UBSA Universities

The Association held its first general assembly in 2013.

St. Lawrence Beats Kampala City To Win Sixth League Title

St. Lawrence University’s juggernaut continued on Sunday as they successfully defended their title at the FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru.

The Saints defeated Kampala City 4-3 in the final to win their fifth consecutive crown but sixth in total following triumphs in 2014, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

A brace from Baker Lukooya, and strikes from Brian Nkuubi and Joshua Letti Lubwama sealed the title for St. Lawrence.

Lukooya opened the scoring for the Saints just seconds into the first period. Before even the dust settled, the crafty forward doubled the advantage for his side to throw Kampala City into a valley of no return. Brian Nkuubi then made it 3-0 for St. Lawrence before the first break.

**Brian Nkuubi steering away from his marker**

Kampala City waited the second period to wake up from their slumber. Their talisman Paul Lule found the breakthrough for the Ivan Kulika coached side as he scored a brace to reduce the deficit but they allowed Lubwama to arrow in the fourth goal for St. Lawrence which proved to be the match winner.

The Ab’emikwano looked like they would plot a comeback when Ambrose Kigozi struck to put the scores at 4-3 during the second period but it was merely false hope. Despite raising the tempo of their game and putting St. Lawrence on the edge as the game progressed, the third period produced no goal to force Kampala City settle for the silver medals.

**Kampala City won silver after finishing second**

Enroute to final, St Lawrence outclassed Buganda Royal 5-1 while Kampala City defeated Mutoola 6-4 at the semi-final phase.

Mutoola won the bronze medals, after beating Buganda Royal 5-3 in the third place play-off whilst their star player Steven Nyalimo was named the competition’s most valuable player (MVP).

Edward Kasibante of Buganda Royal received the best goalkeeper award as MS Sand Lions were the fair play team.

St. Lawrence’s Davis Nono was the best coach of the season but Kampala City’s Paul Lule was the top scorer with 47 goals.

**MVP Steven Nyalimo (right) receiving his award from chairman UBSA – Deo Mutabazi**

Individual Awards

MVP – Steven Nyalimo (Mutoola)

Top scorer – Paul Lule (Kampala City)

Best goalkeeper – Edward Kasibante (Buganda Royal)

Best Coach – Davis Nono (St. Lawrence)

Fair Play Team – MS Sand Lions