The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has introduced a new Coaching Framework aimed at improving standards and professionalism in football across the country.
The framework, approved by the 36th FUFA Executive Committee meeting, is part of the FUFA Technical Master Plan 2023–2030 and will affect all football coaches in Uganda.
A key highlight is the introduction of the Professional Coaching License (PCL). FUFA says any coach holding this license will only be allowed to coach one team or entity at a time. This means coaches can no longer handle multiple teams simultaneously.
The PCL will be issued for two years and can only be renewed after completing a refresher course. To qualify, a coach must have at least a FUFA Coaching Badge level four (FCB-4) and be a member of the Uganda Football Coaches Association.
Alongside this, FUFA has introduced the FUFA Coaching Badge (FCB), which will have seven levels.
Coaches will progress from one level to another after meeting set requirements such as coaching qualifications, experience, academic background, and passing an oral test. Some exemptions will be considered for experienced former players and coaches.
At the lowest level (FCB-7), training will be conducted in local languages including Luganda, Lugbara, Luo, Runyakitara and Swahili to make it more accessible.
Coaches will also be required to complete extra training hours in addition to the CAF Coaching License. Specialized courses will be offered in areas like performance analysis, physical conditioning, youth coaching, and football psychology.
FUFA has also introduced a General Coaching License, which will be issued for three years to coaches with at least FCB-6. Like the PCL, it will require renewal through refresher courses.
A Technical Council of Experts will be set up to assess and grade coaches, and also recommend the issuance or cancellation of badges and licenses. Licenses can be suspended or withdrawn based on recommendations from the Uganda Football Coaches Association or FUFA’s judicial bodies.
FUFA has directed all current coaches to submit their qualifications for assessment so they can be placed at the appropriate FCB level. Licenses will be issued during FUFA registration periods.