The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has appointed former Ghanaian international Laryea Kingston as the new head coach of Uganda’s men’s youth national teams.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at FUFA House on Tuesday.
FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson described the appointment as a significant step towards strengthening the country’s junior football structures.
He explained that the move aligns with FUFA’s new Technical Master Plan, which focuses on year-round talent development and consistent preparation of youth teams.
“We have had situations where the identification of players at underage levels happens only when a tournament is around the corner,” said Mr Watson.
“This has not only limited exposure for young players but has also created gaps in consistency and development,” he added.
Mr Watson revealed that FUFA has already established a national scouting network to identify young players from all regions, including rural areas often overlooked in the past.
The initiative will ensure continuous player development and regular training for the U-15, U-17, and U-20 national sides.
He noted that Kingston’s appointment followed a deliberate search for an experienced and neutral coach capable of nurturing young talent.
“We have been categoric in selecting a coach who is neutral, experienced in both African and international football, and capable of identifying and nurturing young talent,” he said.
A former Ghana international, Kingston represented his country at every youth level and the senior team.
He also played club football in Europe, including in Scotland, and holds UEFA A and CAF B coaching licences. He previously coached Ghana’s U-17 team and worked with the Right to Play Academy.
Kingston will serve on a two-year full-time contract and work closely with FUFA Development Director Bashir Mutyaba and the Technical Department.
Mr Watson confirmed that Brian Ssenyondo will continue managing Uganda’s U-17 team through the FIFA World Cup finals before taking on another role within FUFA.
Taking the podium, Kingston expressed his gratitude to FUFA and recalled his earlier encounters with Ugandan football.
“I still remember vividly playing against Uganda during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers in Accra,” he said. “It was one of the toughest matches for us, and since then, I have always had great respect for Ugandan football.”
He also paid tribute to his former teammate and friend David Obua, saying their time together in Scotland helped him understand Uganda’s football culture.
“Football took me off the streets and gave me a future,” he said. “My mission in Uganda is to educate, mentor, and empower these young athletes to become better players and responsible citizens.”
FUFA urged the public and the football fraternity to support Kingston as he begins his work and reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to building competitive youth teams and sustaining growth through structured development programmes.