KCCA FC has officially terminated its contract with long-serving midfielder Julius Poloto, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable player-club relationships in Ugandan football.
The decision, reached by mutual consent, closes a chapter that began in 2015 when a teenage Poloto joined the KCCA FC Soccer Academy with dreams of one day starring for the senior side. A decade later, he leaves as a decorated captain, a multiple league and cup winner, and a symbol of the club’s ability to nurture talent from within.
From academy hopeful to club captain
Poloto’s rise was swift but steady. Under coach Mike Hillary Mutebi, he broke into the first team and quickly established himself as a tireless creative force. By 2019, his leadership and influence were undeniable, and he was entrusted with the captain’s armband — a rare honour for an academy graduate.
Defining moments and silverware
During his time at Lugogo, Poloto played a key role in KCCA’s golden era, helping the club secure Uganda Premier League titles in 2017 and 2019, as well as back-to-back Uganda Cups in 2017 and 2018.
Among his most cherished moments came in 2018, when he scored the decisive goal against Vipers in the Uganda Cup final, sealing KCCA’s record 10th triumph in the competition. That strike remains etched in the memory of fans as the defining symbol of his contribution to the club.
National recognition
His consistency at club level earned him national team call-ups across various age groups — U17, U20, and U23 — before making his way into the Uganda Cranes. At each stage, Poloto carried himself with the same energy and professionalism that defined his time at KCCA.
More than a player
Beyond statistics and trophies, Poloto was seen as the bridge between KCCA’s academy and the senior team. For nearly ten years, he embodied the club’s philosophy of producing and trusting homegrown talent, inspiring a new generation of youngsters who now walk the same path he once did.
End of an era
His departure leaves a bittersweet taste among the KCCA faithful. While it marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter, it also secures Poloto’s place in history as one of the club’s most loyal servants. In an era dominated by quick transfers and short-lived allegiances, he stood out as a constant presence, deeply tied to Lugogo.
As Julius Poloto and KCCA part ways, one truth remains: he may no longer wear the yellow jersey, but his legacy at the MTN Omondi Stadium is permanent.
