UPDF FC have ushered in a new leadership team after holding a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Ndere Cultural Centre in Ntinda, Kampala.
The Uganda Premier League side used the meeting to review the 2025/26 season, lay plans for the new campaign and outline a long-term strategy aimed at transforming the club.
A key outcome of the AGM was the appointment of Brigadier General Richard Karemire as the new chairman, replacing Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kulu, who will now serve as vice chairman.
Kulu remains part of the club’s leadership structure, ensuring continuity as UPDF seek to move beyond relegation battles that have characterised recent seasons.
The meeting was attended by several football stakeholders, including Uganda Premier League CEO Bernard Bainamani and FUFA delegate Aisha Nalule.
In another major change, Lieutenant Sheldon Turyamureeba was appointed the club’s new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Lance Corporal Walter Mambo.
The club also approved a Shs3.8 billion budget for the upcoming season to cater for UPDF FC, UPDF Women FC and the U17 side. Funding will mainly come from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and Wazalendo SACCO.
Speaking after his appointment, Karemire challenged the club to abandon its survival mentality.
“I want to appreciate the new responsibility entrusted to me and assure everyone that we shall do our best to uplift the standards of the club. In previous seasons, survival had become our strategy, but we should aim beyond that and make UPDF a formidable team,” Karemire said.
New CEO Turyamureeba stressed the need for a strong secretariat to effectively manage the club’s daily operations.
The AGM also highlighted strategic priorities such as youth development, strengthening the women’s team, improving the competitiveness of the senior side, governance, commercial growth, branding and overall club development.
Last season, UPDF narrowly avoided relegation after finishing on 22 points, just one above the drop zone under coach Alex Gita. With a new leadership team, the army side will hope to compete higher up the table when the new season kicks off in August.
