IUEA begins 2025 league with narrow loss, coach Waswa targets transformation
Waswa brings a wealth of experience and football knowledge to IUEA, which joined the University Football League in 2020 and has had average results since.
IUEA coach Hassan Waswa after their game with Uganda Martyrs University in Kasanga
By Johnson Were
Journalists @New Vision
The International University of East Africa (IUEA) began their 2025 University Football League campaign with a 1-0 loss to Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Nkozi on Tuesday.
Despite the defeat, IUEA’s coach, Hassan Waswa, described it as a "bad day at the office" for the Kasanga-based university. Waswa, a former Uganda Cranes captain, praised his team’s performance and expressed confidence in his mission to transform IUEA into one of the top footballing universities in the country within the next five years.
UMU's Ukasha Kamoga (R) challenges IUEA's Paul Kihumuro during their UFL game in Kasanga on Tuesday. PHOTO: Johnson Were
“It was unfortunate to concede an early goal against UMU, but we’re going back to the drawing board to prepare for Muni University and the University of Kisubi. I’m confident we can secure maximum points in those matches,” Waswa said.
He added, “IUEA hasn’t been known as a footballing institution, but we’re building that culture now. My vision is to see the football scholarships we offer yield results and help us achieve our goal of becoming a top footballing university.”
Waswa brings a wealth of experience and football knowledge to IUEA, which joined the University Football League in 2020 and has had average results since. This year, IUEA is in Pool E alongside the University of Kisubi, whom they face on Thursday, February 27, in Kisubi, and Muni University from West Nile, whom they will play next month in March.
IUEA coach Hassan Waswa talking to his player Ronnie Wamayi during their game with Uganda Martyrs University in Kasanga. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Waswa draws confidence from the strong support of the university’s management. Hassan Alwi, the university director, highlighted the need to upgrade the football ground to a stadium as a top priority.
“We’re committed to supporting sports, but we must upgrade the pitch to ensure the safety of our players. We appeal to corporate brands to support us in this project,” Alwi said.
This year’s University Football League features 23 universities, including defending champions Nkumba University, 2013 and 2016 champions Kampala University, 2014 and 2015 champions MUBS, and 2017 and 2022 champions Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi.