Mbalangu pledges to revive UPDF FC after taking charge

New UPDF FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has pledged to improve the club's performance after officially taking charge ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.

The experienced tactician joins the Army side after leaving URA FC at the end of last season. He takes over a team that narrowly escaped relegation, finishing just one point above the drop zone.

Mbalangu thanked the Army leadership for the confidence shown in him and promised to transform the club into a competitive side.

"I thank the Army leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am happy to join UPDF FC. This is a club with great potential and good people. My job is to improve the team's performance and build a competitive side," Mbalangu said.

He added that success would come through teamwork and proper planning.

"We have to work together as players, technical staff, and management. We want to improve in every department and become a team that can compete consistently."

The former URA FC coach also appealed for patience as he begins rebuilding the squad.

AGM ushers in new leadership

Mbalangu's appointment comes after UPDF FC's Annual General Meeting (AGM), where improving the team's performance was identified as a key priority ahead of the new season.

The AGM, held at Ndere Cultural Centre in Ntinda, Kampala, was attended by officials from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the Uganda Premier League (UPL), including FUFA delegate Aisha Nalule and UPL Chief Executive Officer Bernard Bainamani.

The meeting also ushered in new club leadership. Brig. Gen. Richard Karemire was elected chairman, replacing Lt. Col. Andrew Kulu, who now serves as vice chairman. Lt. Sheldon Turyamureeba was elected Chief Executive Officer, replacing Lance Corporal Walter Mambo.

The club's Board of Directors comprises Lt. Muhereza (representing the Special Forces Command on behalf of Col. Gilbert Owamagyezi), Col. Robert Ngabirano (representing the Air Force), Maj. Kategaya, Capt. Phionah Kanohire, Capt. Lutwama, and Capt. Katongole (representing the fans).

New strategy and youth development

UPDF currently manages three teams competing in FUFA competitions: UPDF FC, UPDF Women FC, and the UPDF Under-17 team.

As part of the club's new strategy, members resolved to strengthen player recruitment, retain key players, and improve the competitiveness of all teams.

UPDF also committed to investing more in youth development by strengthening its junior structures to create a clear pathway for young players into the senior team and reduce reliance on external signings.

The club further resolved to expand partnerships, attract new sponsors, improve branding, and strengthen fan engagement to boost financial sustainability.

Transfer window and season kickoff

Mbalangu is expected to take full charge of player recruitment during the ongoing transfer window as preparations for the new season gather pace.

The Uganda transfer window opened on Wednesday and will close on September 19, while the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season is scheduled to kick off on August 28.