Ntugasaze Squad Changes: 13 Players Expelled in Major Mid-Season Overhaul

The Ugandan football community is in shock over the Ntugasaze squad changes as the 2024–25 FUFA Big League comes to an end. Thirteen players were expelled for “negligence of duty.” The team made this decision at an important time in the season because they’d be in danger of being relegated.

Why Did Ntugasaze Release 13 Players?

The club made its decision based on professional standards and disciplinary actions rather than poor performance. According to CEO Bob Ogwang, the players frequently missed practices and games without a valid reason, demonstrating their lack of commitment.

“We spent millions on these players, but they abandoned us. Some even disappeared after receiving signing bonuses,” Ogwang emphasized.

This marks one of the most drastic mid-season squad purges in recent FUFA Big League history.

Who Was Dropped? Full List of Released Players

The list includes notable names, including:

• Amuli Mukasa – Former club captain, central to the team’s midfield.
• Faisal Sekyanzi – A stylish winger often regarded as one of the league’s top forwards.

They are joined by:

• Tonny Atugonza
• Michael Ssimwa
• George William Ssenoga
• Brian Aniku
• Patrick Nsamba
• Muhindo Aslamu Mahango
• Patrick Matovu
• Lawrence Kigonya
• Kasirye Wasswa
• Isaac Kizza
• Enock Saku

The announcement came via a public notice, complete with names and player photos, marking a rare moment of transparency in Ugandan football.

Public Backlash and Fan Reaction

Some supporters praised the club for making the difficult decision public, while others criticized them for doing so. Given that the team is still battling to stay in the league, some people questioned the timing.

Reactions on social media were conflicting:

• “Bold move. Discipline matters,” wrote one fan on Facebook.
• “This could cost them survival,” another replied on Twitter.

The Club’s Justification: A Matter of Identity

Ogwang insisted the move was meant to protect the club’s integrity and signal a new era of accountability. “We had to cut off the infested branch,” he said, likening the team to a tree weighed down by rot.

Ntugasaze FC now has 19 registered players, all of whom, according to the CEO, are “fully committed to the badge.”

Are the Ntugasaze Squad Changes 2025 a Turning Point?

The club took this drastic measure as part of a broader initiative to transform their organizational standards and team culture. The current season of Ntugasaze has shown inconsistent results through their 21 matches which include seven wins and six draws and eight defeats.

The team occupies ninth position among fifteen teams with only four points above relegation. Their next seven games will determine whether this bold gamble pays off—or backfires.

Remaining Fixtures: High Stakes Ahead

Here’s who Ntugasaze will face next in the league:

• Busoga United
• Arua Hill
• Booma FC
• Blacks Power
• Kataka FC
• Kaaro Karungi

These matches aren’t easy. Blacks Power and Kataka are also fighting for the survival of themselves, while Booma, and Arua Hill are top-half contenders.

Player Discipline in Uganda’s Second Division: A Widespread Problem

Ogwang’s disclosures shed light on issues that go beyond Mityana. The second-tier football league in Uganda is plagued by inconsistent contracts, poor enforcement, and a lack of professional standards.

Many clubs operate on handshake deals and verbal agreements. Without accountability or structured systems, incidents like these are more common than publicly acknowledged.

“Some of these players had a history of going AWOL. We should’ve done better background checks,” Ogwang admitted.

The consequences for the FUFA Big League

The Ntugasaze squad changes serve as a disciplinary example for other teams facing similar issues with their players. The message delivered by this approach remains unambiguous: commitment remains essential.

The team’s successful reorganization and avoidance of relegation could establish Ntugasaze as a standard-bearer for maintaining football standards in Uganda’s league system.

Internal Reform: Recruitment Lessons Learned

Ogwang has pledged changes to the club’s recruitment process:

• More background checks
• Clearer contracts
• Stricter onboarding

He believes this will help avoid signing players who lack professionalism. “We’ve learned the hard way, but we’re moving forward.”

Profiles of Key Players Dropped

Amuli Mukasa

A reliable midfielder, Mukasa captained the club through its early season struggles. His leadership on the pitch was valued, but his sudden absences made his position untenable.

Faisal Sekyanzi

Highly rated for his pace and skill, Sekyanzi had attracted interest from other clubs before the season began. His fall from grace is one of the biggest shocks from this shake-up.

Michael Ssimwa & Brian Aniku

Both defenders were expected to stabilize the backline. Their release leaves a hole in Ntugasaze’s defensive structure heading into tough fixtures.

How the Club Can Survive the Relegation Threat

To survive, Ntugasaze must:

• Win at least 3 of the final 7 matches.
• Maintain team spirit in spite of the squad reorganization.

The team could address the vacancies through free agent signings or by promoting their young players.

Will This Risk Pay Off?

One of the most significant midseason changes in recent Ugandan football history is the Ntugasaze lineup shifts. By the end of the season, we will know if this courageous strategy results in survival or disaster.

However, Ntugasaze has decided to face its crisis instead of ignoring it.