Brigadier General Richard Karemire has been elected Chairman of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Football Club (UPDF FC) during the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this week at Ndere Cultural Centre in Ntinda, Kampala.
The AGM was attended by representatives from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the Uganda Premier League (UPL), including FUFA delegate Aisha Nalule and UPL Chief Executive Officer Bernard Bainamani.
Brig Gen Karemire takes over from Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kulu, who previously served as Chairman and was elected Vice Chairman during the meeting.
Lieutenant Sheldon Turyamureeba was elected Chief Executive Officer, replacing Lance Corporal Walter Mambo.
The club’s Board of Directors comprises Lieutenant Muhereza, representing the Special Forces Command on behalf of Colonel Gilbert Owamagyezi; Colonel Robert Ngabirano, representing the Air Force; Major Kategaya; Captain Phionah Kanohire; Captain Lutwama; and Captain Katongole, who represents the fans.
Addressing the newly elected leadership, Brig Gen Karemire called for teamwork and innovation in mobilising resources to support the club’s three teams.
“We must work together as one unit to secure more funding and strengthen all our teams,” he said.
The outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Lance Corporal Walter Mambo, expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for the opportunity to serve the club.
“I thank the Army leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility, which enabled me to gain valuable experience in football administration and leadership,” he said.
UPDF currently manages three teams competing in FUFA competitions: UPDF FC, UPDF Women FC, and the UPDF Under-17 team.
A major outcome of the AGM was the adoption of a renewed focus on football development. Club leaders resolved to invest more in recruiting quality players, retaining key talent, and strengthening squads across all teams.
The club also committed to enhancing youth development through its junior structures, creating a clear pathway for young players to progress into senior football.
The strategy is intended to reduce reliance on external signings while nurturing talent from within the club’s ranks.
Under the new plans, the men’s team is expected to improve its competitiveness, while UPDF Women FC will continue its growth and development.
To address funding gaps, UPDF FC plans to expand partnerships and attract new sponsors.
The AGM further emphasised commercial growth and branding, with plans to enhance fan engagement, strengthen support networks, and mobilise support from UPDF personnel and the wider community.
In the recently concluded Uganda Premier League season, UPDF FC, coached by Lieutenant Alex Gitta, finished with 22 points, one point above the relegation zone.
