Kitara Football Club interim president ASP Gilbert Nyaika has pledged an active and focused leadership as the club enters a critical phase following the departure of former president Deo Kasozi.
Nyaika, a police officer and experienced sports administrator, took over last month after Kasozi’s three-year term ended in June. Kasozi’s leadership was marked by key milestones, including Kitara’s promotion from the FUFA Big League, a Uganda Cup triumph, and the construction of Royal Park Stadium in Butema.
With club elections expected around mid-season, Nyaika says his priority is to ensure continuity and push for a highly competitive campaign.
“At Kitara, we’re doing well. We’re planning for the new season and setting up a team that’s competitive enough to win the championship,” Nyaika told NBS Sport in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
He acknowledged the pressure that comes with succeeding Kasozi but emphasized his readiness to meet expectations.
“It’s been a tough moment because people expect a lot—especially since I’m stepping in after Kasozi, who was an exceptional president,” he said. “But I’ve been part of the club since the beginning, serving as vice president for administration. I’m pushing to maintain, or even surpass, the standard he set.”
Nyaika’s sports background runs deep. Before joining the police, he played football and remains a passionate supporter of Ugandan sports, including basketball’s UCU Canons, rugby’s KOBs, and boxing.
Currently serving as the Community Liaison Officer at Katwe Police Station, Nyaika also sits on the boards of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), giving him broad experience in sports leadership.
His immediate focus is squad development. With several contracts expired, Kitara has begun recruiting new players and holding youth trials. The club is also looking ahead to long-term projects, such as the planned Hoima City Stadium.
“The Kitara you should expect under my leadership is one that’s competing for the league title,” he said. “With the strong technical bench we already have, we’re building a squad that doesn’t just compete—it wins.”
Nyaika also stressed the importance of strengthening Kitara’s identity and relationship with fans.
“We want to grow the club’s fanbase. This is the time for fans to be part of the journey. Kitara belongs to the people, and we want to deepen that connection.”
While he hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll run for president in the upcoming elections, Nyaika says his vision is clear and his commitment unwavering.
“My time is interim. After the season starts, we expect elections around mid-season. But until then, the work continues.”
