Uganda Premier League side Express FC is set for a leadership change, with former chairman Kiryowa Kiwanuka confirming his return to the club.
Kiryowa, the grandson of Jolly Joy Kiwanuka, the sole founder of Express FC in the late 1950s, previously served as chairman between 2018 and 2022 after taking over from Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi.
During his tenure, he inherited a club that had narrowly survived relegation on the final day of the season. He embarked on a rebuilding process, securing partnerships with companies such as Equity Bank and BetWay.
Financial support from his personal resources, contributions from club fans, and funds raised through partnerships helped provide much needed relief for the club.
The improved financial situation enabled deliberate recruitment, bringing in players such as Godfrey Lwesibawa, Mahad Kakooza Yaya, alongside notable coaching appointments included Wasswa Bbosa.
The rebuilding efforts paid off in the 2020/21 season when Bbosa guided Express FC to its first Uganda Premier League title since the 2011/12 campaign. Interestingly, during the club’s previous title-winning season, Bbosa had served as assistant coach to Sam Ssimbwa before returning nearly a decade later to lift the trophy as head coach.
In 2022, Kiryowa disappeared from the role and and his brother, Suubi Kiwanuka, for the mean time acted as the club chairman. Since then, the club has struggled to achieve significant success, falling short of expectations for a club of Express FC’s stature.
Since Kiryowa’s departure, Express FC’s best league finish has remained sixth place, achieved in the 2021/22 season. The club has since settled into mid-table positions, finishing 10th in 2022/23, 12th in 2023/24, ninth in 2024/25, and 10th again last season.
Beyond the disappointing results on the pitch, the club has continued to face administrative challenges. Critics argue that Express FC still operates with an amateur structure, while the club has also dealt with the CEO serving a suspension and frequent departures of players and coaches with little benefit to the club.
Sources reveal that Kiryowa Kiwanuka is expected to meet the club’s board as plans begin to reshape the leadership structure. The immediate priorities include appointing a new Chief Executive Officer, recruiting a new head coach, and strengthening the squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
