The high cost of running grassroots football clubs and the inability to pay players full salaries are threatening the growth and sustainability of lower-division football in Uganda, Redants FC Chief Executive Officer Jean Sseninde has warned.
Speaking during the club’s end-of-season awards ceremony, Sseninde said managing a Fifth Division club requires significant financial commitment, making it difficult to retain talented players despite their ambitions of advancing in the game.
“It takes a lot of financial commitment, and it is draining. It is not easy to get a player to stay because they are not earning a full salary, but what we do at our club is show these players that regardless of the level you are at, you can still be a professional,” she said.
Her remarks came as Redants FC celebrated finishing among the top five teams in the Makindye Fifth Division League after recovering from a difficult start to the season.
“We basically had a tough start, but later we fought back. We had to do everything possible to ensure that our club stayed in the league, and we eventually achieved our goal. Why not celebrate that?” Sseninde said.
Despite the financial challenges, Sseninde said the club remains committed to climbing Uganda’s football pyramid, with ambitions of earning promotion to the Uganda Premier League (UPL) and eventually competing in the CAF Champions League.
“For us, we have big targets. We want to be the best in the country. Hopefully, one day we will be in the UPL and later play in the CAF Champions League. We know the journey is long, especially when it comes to sustainability,” she said.
The ceremony attracted senior football administrators and government officials, including Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put, FUFA Second Vice President Dr Azah Taibu, State Minister for Labour Simon Mulongo and NRM National Mobiliser Rosemary Namayanja Sseninde.
Addressing the players, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put encouraged them to remain committed, noting that many international football stars began their careers in lower divisions.
“Many World Cup stars started in the Fourth or Fifth Division. Through hard work, they reached where they are today. I hope to see some of you playing for the national team in the future,” Put said.
He also called for increased investment in football infrastructure, saying quality pitches and training facilities are essential if Uganda is to compete with Africa’s leading football nations.
“To perform at a high level, you need good-quality pitches and facilities. The countries that invest in infrastructure are the ones leading football in Africa,” he said.
FUFA Second Vice President Dr Azah Taibu reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to supporting football development at the grassroots level.
“We take our responsibility seriously. That is why we are dedicated to supporting players, coaches and officials at every level by giving them the resources they need to succeed. Our goal is to build a strong foundation that will take Ugandan football to the international stage and create opportunities both on and off the field,” he said.
Redants FC now turns its attention to regional competitions as it continues its pursuit of promotion through Uganda’s football league system.
