Mustapha Khassim has completed his long-awaited move from Bright Stars to California Baptist University (CBU), taking a significant step in his career and adding momentum to the growing presence of Ugandan players in the United States.
The forward is set to be officially unveiled as a member of CBU’s men’s soccer team in Riverside, California.
Khassim leaves Uganda with a reputation built on hard work and intelligence in attack.
At Bright Stars, he showed consistency and a sharp instinct around goal qualities that have increasingly drawn the attention of American college programs looking beyond traditional markets.
He will be joined at CBU by Haruna Lukwago, who arrives from KCCA FC.
A versatile and technically sound player right footed player, Lukwago was valued in the Uganda Premier League for his ability to slot into multiple roles, most especially on the right side where he always makes great runs despite not the best of deliveries.
That adaptability played a key part in attracting the Lancers’ coaching staff.
Their arrival marks a strong double signing for CBU and a proud moment for Ugandan football. The move also reflects a wider trend, with more Ugandan players finding opportunities in the US.
Allan Oyirwoth (New Revolution, MLS), Pius Ssebulime (Rutgers University), and Steven Sserwadda and Ibrahim Kasule (CT United, MLS Next Pro) are among those already making their mark, alongside many others in college programs across the country.
About California Baptist University
CBU’s men’s team competes in NCAA Division I in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Under head coach Coe Michaelson, in charge since 2016, the Lancers have steadily risen, highlighted by the 2025 WAC regular season title and the selection of striker Blake D’Agostino in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
