The Chairman of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Football Club (UPDF FC), Major General Richard Karemire, rallied the club and its supporters to forge stronger partnerships in a bid to build a sustainable and competitive football institution.
Maj Gen Richard Karemire was speaking during the UPDF FC Fans Gala held at Bombo Military Ground, where he said the event marked the beginning of a renewed relationship between the club and its supporters. The gala brought together fans and football stakeholders from across the Bulemeezi region, including Nakaseke, Nakasongola, and Luweero districts.
“Today is not a simple gala. It marks the beginning of a renewed relationship between UPDF Football Club and its fans across the Buganda region,” he said.
Maj Gen Karemire said the club was committed to building sustainable partnerships with supporters through commercial collaborations, fan engagement, and active community participation.
“Our ambition is not only to win football matches,” he said. “It is to build a lasting legacy and restore the glory, pride, and spirit of unity that once made Bombo and the entire Bulemeezi region a strong football community.”
He urged supporters to contribute to the club’s growth by purchasing match tickets, buying official club jerseys, and participating in club activities throughout the season.
He called on fans to rally behind UPDF FC, its Chief Executive Officer, Lt Sheldon Turyamureeba, and the entire management team as they work to transform the club.
Maj Gen Karemire also outlined the club’s strategic priorities, including strengthening its technical structures, developing the women’s football team, and investing in grassroots football through the U-15 and U-17 teams to nurture talent for the senior team and the Uganda national team.
He thanked the club’s partners, Zabra Metal Works, Linqsoft Aluminum, and Wazalendo, for their continued support.
Meanwhile, UPDF FC Chief Executive Officer Lt Sheldon Turyamureeba assured supporters that transparent and accountable systems would be put in place to ensure that all contributions to the club are properly received, managed, and utilized.
He reaffirmed the club’s commitment to developing young talent through its U-15 and U-17 programmes and encouraged supporters to purchase season tickets and attend matches throughout the campaign.
Lt Turyamureeba also appealed to fans to recruit more football enthusiasts to the UPDF FC supporters’ family.
“No contribution is too small,” he said.
“When a thousand people contribute together, they can make a significant difference. Our ambition is to build a strong, organized, responsible, and self-sustaining supporters’ family by establishing structured fan groups across the Buganda region.”
The gala concluded with club leaders and supporters reaffirming their commitment to working together to build a stronger, more united, and sustainable future for UPDF Football Club.
