Overview:
In terms of infrastructure, 2024 has been a good year. First, the two biggest stadia in the land, Mandela National stadium, Namboole and Nakivubo stadium became available again.
As 2024 draws to a conclusion, SC Villa and Kitara will be among the clubs reflecting on the glory.
The Uganda Cranes and Cubs did proud as well but the Hippos fell short.
Infrastructure development has left smiles on sports men while it is a year to remember for Denis Omedi.
Ismael Kiyonga rounds the main highlights of the beautiful game in the past 12 months.
SC Villa end two decade wait for title no.17
May 18th, 2024 is the day that will be etched in SC Villa’s history. After 20 years, the club clinched a league title again, a record 17th extending trophy.
They had missed out on the crown a season before on final day and it appeared as though history would repeat itself until their academy product Charles Lwanga scored arguably the most important goal in his career at Lugogo to down NEC 2-0 with Hakim Kiwanuka adding the other.
A sea of blue at Lugogo in a match attended by ex-Villa players including Denis Onyango and Hakim Magumba who were part of the last successful team in 2004, staunch fans led by Katikiiro Charles Peter Mayiga and ex-Villa administrators were all present.
Kitara wins Uganda Cup
We have seen upcountry teams come with vibes including Onduparaka and Arua Hill but none etched their names on either of the two main trophies – the league or Uganda Cup.
However, the Royals after coming close to winning the premier league settled for the Stanbic Uganda Cup and went on to represent the nation in the Caf Confederation Cup.
UPL final day drama
The Uganda Premier League regularly delivers compelling storyline but the 2023/24 season proved a cut above the rest.
On the final day, four teams; Villa, Vipers, BUL and Kitara went into the last matches with a chance to win the league title.
And it was a similar story at both ends of the table as the relegation battle went to the wire.
UPDF went into the last game second from bottom but won to jump over both Busoga United and Gaddafi who miserably lost to title hopefuls BUL and Kitara respectively.
Uganda Cranes return to Afcon
A triumphant Afcon qualifiers campaign saw the Uganda Cranes make a return to the big stage after missing out on the last edition.
In a group topped by 1996 winners South Africa, Uganda ended the campaign unbeaten away from home and their highest points tally in qualification with 13 points.
Cubs qualify for Afcon finals
In the same breath, the Uganda Cubs (U-17) side will have an opportunity to try qualify for the World Cup after they qualified for the U-17 Afcon finals.
They joined the Uganda Cranes in Morocco in style triumphing on home soil revenging defeat to Tanzania in the U-20.
James Bogere, Arafat Nkoola and Isma Magala shone above the rest.
Denis Omedi to the world
When he scored a rabona against KCCA in the Fufa Super 8, none imagined how far the goal would go.
In the end, it was nominated for both CAF Goal of the Year and the FIFA Puskas awards.
Although it didn’t win in either words, a mere mention amongst the continental and global awards is big recognition to the player who has a had a good year becoming permanent member of the Uganda Cranes and also scoring crucial goals in the qualifiers as well. What a year for the lad!!!
Hippos fail to reach Afcon finals
On a sad note, the Uganda U-20, the Hippos failed to qualify for the finals of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
They lost to emerging force Tanzania in the semis and will miss a chance to impress the continent.
Namboole, Nakivubo back while Hoima and Akii Bua stadium construction begin
In terms of infrastructure, 2024 has been a good year. First, the two biggest stadia in the land, Mandela National stadium, Namboole and Nakivubo stadium became available again.
Namboole had lost its mandate to host matches since 2020 and it underwent renovation regaining its international stature thus hosting international matches again including matches for other nations; Kenya and Zimbabwe in the Afcon qualifiers.
For Nakivubo, it was demolished more than 7 years ago and not many football loving Ugandans had hope it would return but it did and is currently home to giants Express and URA and has further hosted regional matches including the Chan qualifiers and U-17 CECAFA Afcon qualifiers.
In the same line of infrastructure development, new 20,000-seater capacity stadia is being constructed in Hoima already while works for nearly same facility is already underway at Akii-Bua in Lira.
Modern times training grounds are also being worked on at Kyambogo University and Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku is in the same line while Makerere University pitch is also targeted for improvement.
In terms of uplifting and setting up of facilities, 2024 will be one to remember and all this thanks to winning the Pamoja Afcon bid 2027.
Referee Peter Kabugo collapses on duty
Sad and unfortunate that a young referee on duty lost his life. Peter Kabugo was second assistant in the match between SC Villa and UPDF.
He collapsed during the match in the second half, rushed for medical attention but pronounced dead on arrival. A great loss to the football community.
