The former prime minister has pledged to support the newly promoted club as it seeks to unite the Kigezi region, develop young talent and establish itself in Uganda’s top flight.
KAMPALA, UGANDA Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. John Patrick Amama Mbabazi has been unveiled as the new patron of Kigezi HomeBoyz Football Club as the club prepares for its historic debut in the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Mbabazi was unveiled on Thursday evening at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kololo, Kampala. The ceremony was attended by Rukiga County MP Patrick Kiconco Katabazi, acting club director Dick Muhweezi, representing club president Davis Muhangi, alongside club officials and supporters.
Kigezi HomeBoyz earned promotion after finishing fourth in the 2025/26 FUFA Big League with 51 points. The achievement has returned top-flight football to the Kigezi sub-region for the first time in 25 years, following the relegation of Horizons FC.
Accepting the appointment, Mbabazi said he was inspired by the club’s potential to unite the people of Kigezi and create opportunities beyond football.
“It is with great pride, humility and gratitude that I accept this responsibility, not simply because I love football, but because I believe in what this club can mean to our region,” he said.
He congratulated the players, administrators, sponsors and supporters for securing promotion but cautioned that reaching the Premier League should be regarded as the beginning of a greater journey.
“Coming to the top flight is not the end, but the beginning of a bigger ambition,” Mbabazi said.
A long journey to the top flight
Kigezi HomeBoyz was founded in 2012 as Kabale Sharp FC. The club earned promotion to the FUFA Big League in 2017 after defeating Rusherere United in the Western Regional League playoffs.
It finished third during its first Big League season but lost to Paidha Black Angels in the Premier League promotion playoffs. Financial difficulties, inconsistent performances and the departure of important players later slowed its progress.
In 2019, Denis Muhangi took over the club and renamed it Kigezi HomeBoyz FC to give it a broader regional identity and attract support from across Kigezi.
The club was relegated from the Big League during the disrupted 2019/20 season and later suffered another setback when it lost to Kalokarungi on penalties in a Western Region playoff.
Kigezi HomeBoyz returned to the Big League in 2023 after defeating Buhimba over two legs. After two seasons of rebuilding, the Gorillas finally secured their long-awaited Premier League promotion in 2026.
Building a sustainable regional club
Mbabazi welcomed the club’s regional identity, saying its name represents the roots and aspirations of the people of Kigezi.
“I am happy with the choice of the name. It tells us where our roots are, and the club is to carry our aspirations as a region,” he said.
The former premier, who participated in football, rugby and athletics during his youth, encouraged the club to pursue success with discipline and integrity.
“Sport is much more than winning matches and trophies. It builds character, teaches discipline and unites people,” he said.
Mbabazi acknowledged that the club might not win every match in its first Premier League season but promised to stand with it throughout the journey.
He also called upon people from Kigezi, both in Uganda and the diaspora, to support the club’s development.
“No patron can build a great football club alone. A great football club is built by a united and determined community,” he said.
Club officials expect Mbabazi’s leadership experience and national profile to strengthen stakeholder engagement, attract potential partners and support the development of stronger institutional structures.
Infrastructure and sponsorship challenges
Acting director Dick Muhweezi described Mbabazi’s appointment as a landmark moment but acknowledged that the club still faces serious challenges.
These include inadequate training facilities, limited sponsorship and unreliable transport. The club currently depends heavily on financial support from its president, Denis Muhangi, and hopes to attract additional sponsors as it enters the Premier League.
“Transport is another burden. We plan to acquire a bus to replace our very old coaster,” Muhweezi said.
The club has also established a community academy with approximately 50 young players. The programme is intended to identify and develop local talent while creating a pathway from community football to the professional game.
Kigezi HomeBoyz hopes the academy will eventually supply players to its senior team and create opportunities for talented young footballers from Kigezi and other parts of Uganda.
Preparations for the 2026/27 season
Ahead of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season, Kigezi HomeBoyz has begun strengthening its technical team and playing squad. Joseph Mutyaba has been appointed head coach, replacing Sadiq Sempigi, who guided the club to promotion before joining SC Volcanoes.
Mutyaba will be assisted by experienced coach Kefa Kisala, a former Uganda Cranes winger who has previously managed Masaka Local Council, BUL FC, KCCA FC, UPDF FC, Express FC and Wakiso Giants. Kisala has also served within the national-team technical setup.
The club is also completing several important player signings to improve the quality, experience and depth of its squad.
Together with efforts to improve training facilities, transport, sponsorship and youth development, these appointments form part of a broader plan to ensure Kigezi HomeBoyz does not merely participate in the Premier League but establishes itself as a competitive and sustainable top-flight institution.
For the Gorillas, the coming season represents more than a sporting milestone. It is an opportunity to carry the identity of Kigezi onto the national stage, inspire young people and build a football institution capable of serving the region for generations.
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