The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has appointed Matia Lule as the new head coach for Uganda’s U-20 football team, as preparations intensify for the upcoming CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers set to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from October 6 to 20.

Lule, a former assistant coach of Uganda’s senior national team, steps into the role with a wealth of experience, having also served as the head coach for various clubs, including a recent stint with Singida FC in Tanzania’s Premier League.

Lule takes over from Morley Byekwaso, who departed the position to focus on his new role as head coach of reigning Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa. Lule will be supported by assistant coach Simeon Massa and goalkeeping coach Billy Steven Kiggundu.

In a statement, Lule expressed gratitude to FUFA for the opportunity and outlined his readiness to guide the team to success. “I’m thrilled to be back working with young talents and am committed to ensuring we secure qualification for the continental tournament,” he said.

FUFA’s Head of Communications, Ahmed Hussein, confirmed that Lule will announce the final squad on September 16 to begin intensive training ahead of the qualifiers.

Defending champions Uganda have been placed in Group B, where they will face South Sudan, Burundi, and Ethiopia. Group A, featuring host nation Tanzania, includes Sudan, Rwanda, Djibouti, and Kenya.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the finalists earning the right to represent the CECAFA region at the continental U-20 AFCON tournament, scheduled for 2025 in a venue yet to be announced.

Uganda’s football fans will be keen to see if Lule can replicate the team’s previous success and guide them to another strong performance on the international stage.