Uganda Premier League side URA FC is buoyant after officially unveiling their new Chief Executive Officer Henry Mayeku.
Mayeku, who is replacing Ivan Kakembo, was unveiled to the media on Wednesday evening during a short briefing at the head offices in Nakawa.
“We are delighted to have finally secured the services of a new CEO, Henry Mayeku, who surpassed all other colleagues in a vigorous interview that was conducted by the club,” URA FC Chairman James Kizza said in his opening remarks.
“We strongly believe that Mayeku will steer URA FC to another level of not only competing locally but also in the continent. With his professionalism and passion for the football game, we can only hope for nothing but to become the model club in Uganda and on the continent.
“We are committed to take the club forward as the Board with all your support, we look forward to the assembling a club that can sustain itself in the long run.”
The Revenue Authority sponsored club, has won the Uganda Premier League four times – 2006, 2007/7, 2008/9, 2010/11.
Work Cut Out For New CEO
URA FC Chairman Kizza commended his former CEO Kakembo for leaving behind a “very strong” foundation.
The new CEO has been tasked to build from where Kakembo stopped.
However, the previous reign was infamously overshadowed by the clashes between Kakembo and coach Sam Ssimbwa.
“I want to take the club to the next level, its a unique previlledge for me to be this club which I have supported and worked for a long time,” started Mayeku who previously served the club as a General Secretary in 2011 to 2016.
This time round, he has been handed a one year renewable contract.
“My objective is to turn this club into a well governed entity. I hope this is going to be a journey that we are going to take together,” he added
“In 1997 when this club was started (as Lyantonde FC) as an amateur entity, our focus was on winning. As a result, it made us to have short term plans, yes we won some honours but that success was not sustainable.
“I want to bring sustainabilty in terms of ability and financial power. My main three areas of focus will be Brand activation, Building our human resources and also work on the Structures.”
Mayeku revealed that, by the end of next season, the club will start to train at their new home which is in Bugema, adding that the shift will be made slowly and in phases.
He emphasised that the club is going to build new strategic relationship with their partners as they embark on forging a better public image.
He promised to set up an independent position that will deal with fans recruitment, and added that the club will get more community fans when they shift to their new home.
Midway last season, URA FC moved away from Namboole to host games at Arena of Visions in Ndejje, Luwero.
After finishing fifth last season with 40 points, URA FC has signed goalkeeper Hanington Ssebwalunyo and attacking midfielder Jackson Nunda.
Mayeku has noted that the club will unveil more players as they seek to mount a stronger challenge next season.
He added that he will put more focus on grassroot development and the club has already moved to set up an Academy, run continuous scouting program and also secure partnerships with schools.
