Written By | Alex Mbamanya
FUFA Academy Experts Panel
Search
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced the appointment of the FUFA Academy Experts Panel (FAEP) to oversee the supervision of football academies for structured football development in the country.
The seven-member panel, chaired by Ronnie Kalema, comprises experienced professionals in football development who are expected to strengthen the nurturing and progression of football talent.
The panel will review academy applications, conduct on-site technical inspections, and submit a final report on compliant and successful applicants.
FUFA Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba confirmed the appointments, noting that the move aligns with the FUFA Technical Master Plan aimed at ensuring proper football development.
“FUFA found it necessary to establish an experts’ panel that will be responsible for inspecting football academies across the country,” Mutyaba said.
The development comes days after FUFA extended the deadline for the registration of football academies, a process Mutyaba said is mandatory for all academies.
He reiterated that academy registration is a core component of elite football development under the FUFA Technical Master Plan launched in 2023.
FUFA football development director Bashir-Mutyaba
Mutyaba emphasised that academies form a critical talent development environment that must be properly structured and regulated. According to the FUFA Technical Master Plan, FUFA has introduced a four-tier academy structure, with the National Football Academy at the apex and managed by FUFA.
This is followed by Grade Two academies operated by Uganda Premier League clubs and private entities; Grade Three regional academies and Schools of Excellence; and Grade Four foundation academies operating at the community level.
FUFA has also appointed an Academy Licensing and Compliance Officer to manage correspondence, provide guidance, and respond to stakeholder inquiries.
Although the exact number of registered football academies in Uganda remains unclear—owing to some collapsing after registration and others newly emerging—it is estimated that about 250 academies are currently operational.
Panel Members
