The Federation of Uganda Football Associations has explained the decision to extend the football academy registration deadline, with Football Development Director Bashir Mutyaba outlining how the move fits into the wider academy licensing and elite development framework under the FUFA Technical Master Plan.
FUFA had initially opened two registration windows, from July 1 to July 31 and from January 1 to January 31, but opted to extend the process after reviewing challenges faced by stakeholders. Mutyaba said the decision was taken to ensure inclusivity and allow all academies adequate time to comply.
“It was important to extend the deadline to give an opportunity to all our stakeholders to register their academies,” Mutyaba said.
He noted that the review identified technical challenges with the registration system and gaps in information dissemination, which meant some key individuals involved in academy operations did not receive timely communication.
“We looked at the challenges we had, including technical issues with some systems, and the fact that information may not have reached some very important individuals,” he explained.
According to Mutyaba, the response from academy stakeholders has been largely positive, with many welcoming the additional time as a chance to regularise their operations.
“They have been happy because the extension has given room for most of them to actually register their academies,” he said.
Academy registration, Mutyaba stressed, is a core pillar of elite football development under the FUFA Technical Master Plan launched in 2023. He described academies as critical environments for talent development that must be properly structured and regulated.
“Registering academies gives us an opportunity to guide them, align them and ensure that we have the right human resource so players are developed in the right environment,” Mutyaba noted.
As part of the reforms, FUFA transitioned to an online registration system aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and cost effectiveness. The platform allows academies to submit documentation remotely, while also creating a centralised database and reducing the need for physical visits to FUFA headquarters.
“The online system eases the registration process and helps stakeholders share documents from wherever they are,” Mutyaba said.
FUFA has also constituted a seven member experts panel mandated to physically inspect academies and assess compliance with the required standards. Mutyaba explained that only academies that meet the set criteria will be evaluated, approved and recommended for licensing.
“The experts panel will ensure that only academies that qualify and meet the necessary requirements are recommended,” he stated.
The registration and inspection process is anchored in the National Sports Act, which gives the National Council of Sports the mandate to licence sports academies. Under this framework, FUFA is authorised to approve and recommend compliant football academies for licensing by the council.
Mutyaba further outlined FUFA’s four tier academy structure, with the National Football Academy at the top, managed by FUFA, followed by Grade 2 academies run by Uganda Premier League clubs and private entities. Grade 3 includes regional academies and Schools of Excellence, while Grade 4 consists of community based foundation academies.
“This grading system allows us to identify and nurture talent from the district level up to the National Academy,” he explained.
To support academies through the process, FUFA has appointed an Academy Licensing and Compliance Officer responsible for correspondence, guidance and responding to stakeholder queries. Mutyaba said the role is intended to simplify registration and maintain continuous engagement.
“This will help academies navigate the requirements and ensure compliance with ease,” he concluded.
