The team is building an identity as a team of the kingdom but Busoga United has found itself in an undesirable sporting position due to poor run of results on the field of play – the team is winless in the eight games so far played in the Big League, managing five draws and three losses as of 6th December 2024. They sit in the fourteenth position on the fifteen-tem log (second from bottom).
To those with little faith, it looks like the team will need divine intervention for it to rise to the top and earn promotion to the topflight league – the Uganda Premier League (also known as the Super League). But the man charged with the running of the day to day administrative tasks of the team, Gulere Daniel, is full of optimism.
In this interview with Busoga Times’ Musa Kikuuno, Gulere expresses faith that things will come good and that Busoga United will play in the Super League next season. Below are excerpts of the interview – read on.
Please tell football fans in Busoga who Daniel Gulere is, what your role on the team is and what you bring on the table of Busoga United.
Gulere Daniel, also known as Sir Isabirye Gulere Daniel, as the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Busoga United, brings a wealth of experience in governance and mobilization.
Previously, I served as CEO of Busoga Province in the FUFA DRUM tournament and managed Bugabula County in the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup.
With a FAMACO II graduate, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and a Bachelor’s in IT, I am here to lead Busoga United to new heights.
Busoga United has transitioned to now a team that is co-owned by the Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga, please take us through this transition journey.
Busoga United has undergone a significant transformation from a high school team to a community club co-owned by the Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga.
Initially registered as Busoga United FC LTD under the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) on 9th August 2024 set the stage for this transition.
The Kyabazinga was approached and accepted to be the patron on 17th August 2024.
Following a meeting with the Busoga Community on 30th September, an interim board of 8 members was established, including: Hajji Abubaker Walubi, Kawanguzi Geoffrey, Mukoka Yusufu , Atiisa Patrick, Kintonto Ronnie, Nkuutu David Nelson, Mutesi Deborah Christine , Naigaga Sylvia, Daina HT Nyago and Mugabi Samuel.
At the first board meeting on 3rd September, Hajji Walubi was appointed Chairman/President, and Daina Nyago was selected as Vice Chair, with me as the CEO. Despite tight deadlines, we managed to open a club account and honor all fixtures, marking a successful start.
From the look of things, the team seems to have big ambitions – what are some of the future plans that you can share with fans?
We are set to officially launch on 14th December 2024, with ambitious plans for the future. Our goal is to build a professional team with strong governance structures, promoting talent within Busoga, Uganda, and worldwide.
We focus on governance, business, and sport, aiming to transform Busoga through football and establish the most professional club globally.
The team is struggling and the field performance is not good, what are the team’s goals and expectations for the remainder of the FUFA Big League season?
Despite struggles on the field, our aim for the remainder of the FUFA Big League season is to secure our position and prepare for promotion to the Super League next season.
We are building sustainable systems of transparency, accountability, and sponsorship to support the team’s long-term success.
How do you assess the team’s performance so far, and what steps are being taken to address the winless streak?
We acknowledge the current poor performance and have strengthened our technical department by hiring experienced coaches. This will help address the issues and improve the team’s performance.
What was the reasoning behind appointing Charles Ayiekouh Lukula as the new head coach, and how do you think he will impact the team?
Charles Ayiekouh Lukula brings vast experience and player management skills as our new head coach. We believe he will lead us back to our winning ways.
How does the team plan to utilize Eric Ndifuna’s experience and expertise in his new role as assistant coach?
As the new assistant coach, Eric Ndifuna’s tactical expertise will be crucial in boosting the team’s performance.
Are there any plans to strengthen the squad through new signings or transfers, and if so, what positions are being targeted?
We plan to make new signings to strengthen our midfield and striking positions, ensuring a balanced and competitive squad
How will the team balance the need to escape relegation with the desire to develop young players and build for the future?
Our strategy involves mixing young players with senior ones, ensuring immediate results while developing future stars.
Are there any plans to improve the team’s infrastructure, such as the stadium or training facilities?
We aim to enhance Bugembe Stadium and, within our 5-year strategic plan, develop a sports complex for Busoga United.
What message do you have for the fans, who may be feeling frustrated or disappointed with the team’s performance so far?
We assure our fans that we will remain in the Big League. We request patience as we prepare the necessary structures for long-term success.
It is mentioned within football circles that financial insufficiency is one of the many reasons affecting the team, how do plan to address this challenge and have money for the team?
The 14th December launch will tackle financial insufficiency, with several companies promising sponsorships. We have merchandise ready for sale to boost finances and are planning to activate all our social media platforms. We will also establish fan clubs in all 11 districts of Busoga.
