The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has appointed former Ghana international Laryea Kingston as the head coach of Uganda’s national men’s football junior teams.
Kingston’s unveiling took place on Wednesday at FUFA House in Mengo, where FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson described the move as a key step in overhauling the country’s youth football structures and ensuring year-round development.
Watson said the federation had for long faced challenges in developing young players due to limited preparation time before major competitions.
“We have had situations where the identification of players at underage levels happens only when a tournament is around the corner,” he noted. “This has limited exposure for young players and created gaps in their development. FUFA’s new Technical Master Plan aims to change that.”
As part of this plan, FUFA has set up a nationwide scouting system to identify and monitor young players from all regions, including upcountry areas that are often overlooked.
Kingston’s appointment, Watson said, is part of this wider effort to ensure Uganda’s Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 teams receive consistent coaching and structured preparation.
“We’ve been deliberate in choosing a coach with international and African experience who can dedicate himself fully to the development of our youth teams,” Watson said. “Kingston brings the right mix of experience, neutrality, and passion for nurturing young talent.”
The 44-year-old Kingston, who holds UEFA A and CAF B coaching licences, represented Ghana at all youth levels before featuring for the Black Stars and playing club football in Europe, including in Scotland.
He has previously coached Ghana’s Under-17 national team and worked with the Right to Play Academy.
Kingston will work closely with FUFA Development Director Bashir Mutyaba and the Technical Department under a two-year contract.
Speaking at his unveiling, Kingston thanked FUFA for the trust and reflected on his memories of Ugandan football.
“I still remember playing against Uganda during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in Accra—it was one of our toughest matches,” he recalled. “I’ve always respected Ugandan football, and I’m excited to be part of its future.”
He also mentioned his friendship with former Uganda Cranes star David Obua, with whom he played in Scotland, crediting him for helping him understand Uganda’s football culture.
Kingston emphasized that his mission in Uganda is not only to produce great players but also to shape disciplined and responsible individuals. “Football took me off the streets and gave me a future,” he said. “Now I want to give back by mentoring young players and helping them achieve their dreams.”
He pledged to engage directly with grassroots clubs and academies to expand talent discovery and instill key values such as teamwork, discipline, and mental resilience.
“With the support of FUFA, coaches, and the community, we can build a solid foundation for the future of Ugandan football,” Kingston said.
