Uganda’s football community is set to put rivalry aside next week as players, coaches, media personalities and fans come together to support former KCCA FC and Uganda Cranes coach Mike Hillary Mutebi through a special charity match at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The event, organised by the Mustafa Kizza Foundation, will take place on Thursday, July 9, with all proceeds going towards supporting Mutebi’s family as the veteran tactician continues his recovery from a prolonged illness.
The headline fixture will pit Friends of Mustafa Kizza against a Kenyan select side captained by celebrated brothers Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga. The match serves as the return leg after Kizza’s side claimed a 2-1 victory in the first encounter held in Nairobi.
Addressing the media on Friday, Mustafa Kizza urged football lovers to turn up in large numbers, saying the event is about showing gratitude to a man who shaped the careers of many Ugandan footballers.
“This charity match is our way of celebrating and standing with Coach Mike Mutebi. He was more than a coach to many of us—he guided us, believed in us and helped us grow into the players we became. We are thankful to everyone, especially KCCA FC, our friends in the media and all those who have supported this initiative. We appeal to football fans and the wider sports fraternity to fill Lugogo and stand with one of our own,” Kizza said.
Uganda Cranes midfielder Allan Okello, one of Mutebi’s former protégés, described the veteran coach as one of the most influential figures in his football journey.
“Coach Mutebi has always been like a mentor and father figure to me. He played a huge role in my development and offered guidance whenever I needed it. Learning about his illness made me feel that I had to contribute in some meaningful way, and this charity match is one of the ways we can give back to someone who has given so much to us,” said the Young Africans star.
The day’s programme will begin with a curtain-raiser between Salim Katumba & Friends and the TikTok Select team before attention shifts to the main charity clash.
Fans will pay UGX 5,000 for ordinary tickets and UGX 10,000 for VIP access, with organisers hoping for a packed stadium as Ugandan football unites to honour one of its most respected coaches.
