JUST IN: ARUA HILL SPORTS CLUB DEMOTED TO FUFA BIG LEAGUE

In a significant development within Ugandan football, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has taken the decision to demote Arua Hill Sports Club to the second division, BetPawa FUFA Big League, for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. 

The decision comes as a consequence of Arua Hill SC's failure to fulfill the club licensing requirements mandated by FUFA.

The announcement, made official on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, marks a critical juncture for the club, which had previously participated in the first round of the 2023-2024 season of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. 

However, a tumultuous period ensued for Arua Hill SC following the sudden resignation of their head coach and owner, Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, leaving the team without leadership and prompting several players to depart, citing unfavorable working conditions, including non-payment of salaries.

The club's woes deepened when it failed to meet the conditions set forth by FUFA for club licensing, which included requirements such as possessing a suitable playing ground, maintaining assets and liabilities, appointing a Chief Executive Officer, securing technical staff with employment contracts, and ensuring player contracts, among others.

Despite efforts to comply with these demands and appeal the decision, Arua Hill SC's appeals were ultimately rejected by FUFA's Club Licensing Appeals Committee (FCLAC), culminating in their demotion to the second division for the upcoming season.

The news has left the newly appointed chairman of Arua Hill SC, Hassan Takoowa Mugerwa, visibly disheartened. "This is disappointing. I cannot talk now. I need to recompose myself," expressed Mugerwa when reached for comment.

The troubles for Arua Hill Sports Club were apparent from the onset of the 2023–2024 season, with the withdrawal of former chairman Eng Joel Aita signaling internal upheaval within the club.

The demotion of Arua Hill SC underscores the importance of adherence to club licensing regulations set by FUFA, emphasizing the need for clubs to maintain transparency, financial stability, and organizational structure to ensure the integrity and sustainability of Ugandan football.

As Arua Hill SC prepares to navigate the challenges of competing in the second division, the club and its stakeholders must reflect on the lessons learned from this ordeal and work towards implementing necessary reforms to secure a brighter future for the team and its supporters.

Editors Pick, Dailywestnile.info CC: Kawowo