Uganda's efforts to raise coaching standards have received another boost after 25 coaches, including several former Uganda Cranes players and experienced top-flight tacticians, enrolled for the 2026 CAF A Coaching Diploma Course at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The CAF A Coaching Diploma is the highest coaching qualification offered under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) coaching framework and is designed to prepare coaches to manage elite teams using modern tactical, technical and leadership approaches. Across the continent, member associations have intensified the rollout of the programme as CAF pushes to improve coaching standards through the updated Coaching Convention Regulations.
In Uganda, the latest intake forms part of FUFA's broader drive to strengthen football development by producing more highly qualified coaches capable of nurturing players and improving the technical quality of the game. The programme also aligns with similar CAF coaching initiatives currently underway in countries including Kenya and South Africa.
The 10-month course officially commenced this week and will be delivered in five modules scheduled for July and September this year before continuing in November, March 2027 and concluding in June 2027.
Throughout the programme, participants will undergo both classroom instruction and practical field sessions focusing on modern coaching techniques, player development, tactical planning and leadership skills required at the highest level of football.
Training is being facilitated by an experienced panel of coach educators comprising FIFA High Performance Specialist Abdul Faisal Chibsah, FIFA expert Simon Jennings, CAF Elite Coach Educator Abraham Mebratu, CAF/FIFA Coach Educator Douglas Bamweyana and FIFA/CAF Coach Educator Jackson Nyiima.
The course also exposes participants to contemporary football methodologies, performance analysis and advanced technical concepts that are increasingly shaping the modern game.
Among those undertaking the diploma are former Uganda Cranes players and established coaches such as Tonny Mawejje, Wasswa Bossa, Jean Namayiga Sseninde, Sharifah Nantume, Bashir Mutyaba, Ben Mwesigwa, Godfrey Maato Kireewa, Michael Erebu, Geoffrey Akena, James Odoch and Steven Bengo.
The full class also includes Mutebi Shafic, Ssempigi Sadick, Maxwell Okello, Daniel Kirumira, Sharon Kizza, Peter Lado Wani, Skills Michael Lukyamuzi, Livingstone Mbabazi, Faridah Bulega, Simeon Masa, Basitu Semuyaba, Oliver Mbekeka, Saka Mpiima and Ibrahim Kirya.
Under CAF's coaching framework, candidates pursuing the prestigious diploma are expected to already possess a valid CAF B Licence and have accumulated practical coaching experience before progressing to the continent's highest coaching qualification.
The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects including tactical organisation in and out of possession, game analysis, player management, leadership, communication and the application of technology in football coaching.
FUFA believes the programme will equip the participants with the expertise required to lead clubs and national teams while contributing to the long-term growth and competitiveness of Ugandan football.
