KAMPALA UGANDA 08 October 2025: The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has appointed former Ghanaian international, Mr Laryea Kingston, as the full-time coach in charge of Uganda’s youth national teams. The unveiling took place during a press conference at FUFA House, where the Federation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Edgar Watson, highlighted the move as a major step towards strengthening Uganda’s junior national teams through year-round preparation and talent development.
In his opening remarks, Mr Watson expressed appreciation to the media and stakeholders for their continued support and outlined the long-standing challenges that have affected the growth of youth football in Uganda. He noted that junior national teams have historically only assembled when competitions were imminent, leaving limited time for proper preparation and player development.
“We have had situations where the identification of players at underage levels happens only when a tournament is around the corner,” said Mr Watson. “This has not only limited exposure for young players but has also created gaps in consistency and development. FUFA has therefore developed a Technical Master Plan, particularly focusing on youth football, to address these concerns.”
Mr Watson explained that the Federation has already established a national scouting platform aimed at identifying and tracking young talent across the country, including from upcountry regions that are often overlooked. The initiative is part of FUFA’s broader strategy to ensure continuous preparation of national youth teams and equitable talent discovery.
He added that the appointment of Mr Kingston follows a deliberate effort to bring on board a full-time coach who will dedicate himself to building Uganda’s under-15, under-17, and under-20 national teams throughout the year. “We have been categoric in selecting a coach who is neutral, experienced in both African and international football, and capable of identifying and nurturing young talent,” he noted.
Mr Watson described Mr Kingston as an ideal fit for the role, highlighting his extensive experience both as a player and as a coach. A former Ghana international, Kingston represented his country at the under-15, under-17, under-20, and senior levels, and also featured for clubs in Europe, including in Scotland. He holds a UEFA A and CAF B coaching licence and has previously worked with Ghana’s under-17 national team and the Right to Play Academy.
“The coach will work closely with the FUFA Development Director, Mr Bashir Mutyaba, and the Technical Department to ensure that our youth teams are continuously scouted, trained, and ready for national duty,” added Mr Watson. “He will be a resident coach working full-time over a two-year contract, with the main goal of producing competitive and well-prepared youth teams.”
Mr Watson also confirmed that the Uganda under-17 national team, which qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, will continue to be managed by Coach Brian Senyondo during this assignment. He praised Mr Senyondo’s contribution and noted that this would be his final engagement with the under-17 side, after which he would be available for other coaching roles within FUFA’s structures.
Taking the podium, Mr Kingston expressed his gratitude to FUFA for the trust placed in him and reflected on his past encounters with Ugandan football. “I still remember vividly playing against Uganda during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in Accra,’ he said. “It was one of the toughest matches for us, and since then, I have always had great respect for Ugandan football.”
He also shared fond memories of his playing days alongside former Uganda Cranes star David Obua in Scotland, describing him as a close friend and a player who helped him appreciate Uganda’s football culture.
Mr Kingston spoke passionately about his motivation to become a coach, emphasising his desire to give back to the game that transformed his life. “Football took me off the streets and gave me a future. That is why I decided to dedicate my life to helping young players achieve their dreams. My mission in Uganda is to educate, mentor, and empower these young athletes to become better players and responsible citizens,” he stated.
He pledged to prioritise grassroots engagement and collaboration with local clubs, academies, and community structures to identify and nurture young talent. “We will focus on developing not only technical skills but also discipline, teamwork, and mental strength,” he explained. “Together, with the support of the federation, coaches, and the community, we can create a strong foundation for the future of Ugandan football.”
Mr Kingston concluded his remarks by expressing optimism and commitment to the task ahead. “It is a great honour to be part of Uganda’s football journey. I invite everyone to join hands as we work towards building youth teams that will represent the country with pride on the international stage.”
FUFA has urged the media, football fans, and the public to rally behind the new coach and support the broader youth football development programme. Mr Watson reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to implementing the Technical Master Plan to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness in all junior national teams.
Courtesy of FUFA MEDIA TEAM
