Outgoing Kitara Football Club president Deo Kasozi has revealed his greatest accomplishment at the club during his three-year tenure at the helm.
Kasozi, who officially stepped down from his role on Monday said that his biggest achievement was securing a permanent home ground in Hoima, a landmark he says defined his legacy more than any trophy or league position.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NBS Sport on Tuesday, Kasozi highlighted the acquisition of Royals Park in Butema, Hoima, as the cornerstone of his presidency.
The venue, which became Kitara’s official home at the start of the 2023/24 season, marked a significant shift in the club’s identity and autonomy.
“I think the biggest achievement I’ve had at the team is getting a home venue of our own,” Kasozi said.
“It’s not up to standard, but it’s better than renting a venue, and it is approved to host games.”
The development gave Kitara a tangible footprint in their home district, a milestone Kasozi believes laid the foundation for long-term growth and community connection.
He recalled the emotional high of hosting their first game at Royals Park against NEC, calling it a “momentous occasion” for the club and its supporters.
Kasozi did not shy away from addressing criticism about the stadium’s readiness, particularly from rivals.
“Our rivals at NEC always mock us that our home ground in Hoima is not up to standard, but we’re better than them who rent Lugogo,” he asserted.
Kasozi confirmed his departure from his role as Kitara president citing constitutional limits and a personal decision to serve only three years of a potential four-year term.
Despite internal hope he would extend his presidency, Kasozi insisted the timing was right.
“At the beginning of the season, I hinted that I would be retiring at the end of the season. I think this is the right time,” he explained.
Appointed ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, Kasozi’s tenure has been widely hailed as the most successful in Kitara’s history.
Under his leadership, the club won the FUFA Big League and earned promotion to the Uganda Premier League, secured their first-ever Uganda Cup title, and competed in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Even in his final season, which began with struggles, his decision to bring in experienced coach Wasswa Bbosa proved crucial, as Kitara recovered to finish seventh.
However, Kasozi also admitted to one major regret: not engaging the club’s supporters more actively during his time in charge.
“I did not engage the fans properly. I concentrated mainly on the team, and I feel that I didn’t reach the fans the way I was supposed to,” he reflected.
“If I had moved door to door talking to fans, I’d have mobilised more.”
He urged his successor to prioritize community outreach and fan engagement as a key pillar of leadership moving forward.
