Former Uganda Cranes midfielder Patrick Ochan was the engine behind the qualification of Mutolere Football Club (Volcanoes) to the FUFA Big League for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
To attain this feat, Mutolere Football Club was unbeaten, right from the regular season of the Western Uganda regional league through to the promotional play-offs where they eliminated Booma 2-1 on aggregate (after two legs).
Mutolere was among the four promoted teams to the second highest tier division on Uganda’s football pyramid alongside Amus Football Club (Eastern), Buwambo United (Buganda) and Packwach Young Stars (Northern and West Nile regions).
“It was a great achievement we did as we completed the entire season unbeaten” Ochan revealed to Kawowo Sports Media in an exclusive interview.
“I give thanks to the players, fellow coaching staff, fans and the team management led by the club president Dr Martin Mbonye” the former Standard High School Zzana, Sports Club Villa, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and TP Mazembe midfielder added.
Throughout the season, Mutolere Football Club was flawless and unmatched; winning at their Mashaka fortress and away week-in, week-out.
The first draw arrived against Gorilla Highlands Football Club and the second during the play-offs with Booma.
Some of the important players they dwelled upon included skipper Alex Mandela, former Soltilo Bright Stars player Fiat Cleopus, top scorer Julius Lukyamuzi, goalkeeper Andrew Ssekandi, Sunny Kaija, Davis Muheirwe; among others.
Planning ahead:
The new season (2026/27) in the FUFA Big League is expected to kick off in September – October 2026.
According to Ochan, the club has long time plans of growing the project into a tangible competitive club that aspires to play in the Uganda Premier League and at one stage represent the country on the continent in the CAF Competitions.
Besides the domestic league competition, Mutolere Football Club also competes in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Ochan is soon upgrading to the CAF “B” certification.
