Uganda Revenue Authority Football Club has promoted seven players from its Junior Team to the senior squad, taking another significant step towards implementing the long-term talent development strategy that earned the Tax Collectors global recognition from FIFA in 2025.
The promoted players are goalkeeper Makubuya Lawrence, right back Kayiwa Martin Pascelo, defender Ali, midfielder Emanuel, Odongo Elvis Kato, central Muhanguzi Fred Jr and left back Tulyasasira Santo, who have earned their elevation following their development with the Junior Tax Collectors.
The move reinforces URA FC’s commitment to building a sustainable football institution through structured talent development, providing young players with a pathway from grassroots football into the professional game.
It also represents a practical demonstration of the club’s determination to translate its success in FIFA’s Club Management and Professionalisation Programme into tangible progress on the pitch.
In June 2025, FIFA named URA FC among the two global winners of its strategic planning competition under the 2024 Club Management and Professionalisation Programme, alongside Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas.
The club’s successful strategic plan placed emphasis on sustainable talent development, effective governance, institutional growth and preparing players for opportunities both during and after their playing careers.
The promotion of seven players from the Junior Team provides a clear example of how that vision is being translated into action.
From Junior Tax Collectors to the Senior Stage
The seven players earned their promotion after being part of a Junior Tax Collectors side that finished runners-up in the 2026 FUFA Juniors League.
Their performances and development have earned them opportunities to join the senior team, where they will compete for places under head coach Jimmy Mwera Kintu.
Some have already begun taking steps towards establishing themselves in the first team, with Emanuel Oula having made two Uganda Premier League appearances.
Kayiwa Martin Pascelo, meanwhile, arrives with additional experience on the international stage after recently helping Uganda’s U17 national team, the Cubs, qualify for the 2027 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
Goalkeeper Makubuya Lawrence, Jok Ali and Elvis Odongo have also featured in several senior-team matchday squads, underlining the club’s growing confidence in its emerging talent.
With Muhanguzi Fred Jr and Tulyasasira Santo completing the group of seven, the promotions provide a significant opportunity for the youngsters to continue their development within the club’s senior structure.
Further opportunities are expected as the players adapt to the demands of senior football and work towards earning more playing time under Kintu.
Munaaba: Youth Development Is a Deliberate Strategy
URA FC Chief Executive Officer Allan Munaaba has reaffirmed the club’s commitment to promoting young players, emphasising that the initiative is part of a deliberate, long-term strategy rather than an isolated decision.
Munaaba believes the FIFA recognition strengthened the club’s resolve to implement its strategic plan and ensure that the development of young footballers remains central to its institutional ambitions.
“Our FIFA recognition was not just an award to celebrate; it was a responsibility to turn our strategic plan into action. One of our key commitments is to develop young talent and create a clear pathway for our players from the junior team to the senior level. Promoting these seven players is part of that deliberate effort, and we intend to continue giving our young talents opportunities to grow, compete and contribute to the future of URA FC,” Munaaba said.
The CEO’s remarks reflect the club’s wider ambition to establish a reliable development structure that identifies promising players, nurtures their abilities and prepares them for the demands of professional football.
Rather than relying exclusively on recruitment from outside the club, URA FC is seeking to strengthen the connection between its junior and senior teams, allowing emerging talents to progress within an established football environment.
Turning FIFA Recognition into Tangible Progress
URA FC’s success in the FIFA Club Management and Professionalisation Programme was built around a strategic approach that extended beyond immediate results and focused on long-term institutional sustainability.
The club adopted the Balanced Scorecard model, addressing financial sustainability, internal processes, stakeholder engagement, and learning and growth.
Within that framework, player development forms an important component of the club’s future, linking grassroots football to the senior game while recognising the importance of education, personal development and preparation for life beyond football.
The promotion of seven Junior Tax Collectors therefore represents more than an addition to the first-team squad. It is an investment in the club’s future and an opportunity to give young footballers a practical route towards professional careers.
The initiative also provides the club with an opportunity to assess and develop homegrown talent within its own technical structures, while creating greater motivation for players coming through the junior ranks.
For the promoted youngsters, the next challenge will be to translate their achievements at junior level into consistent performances and earn the trust of the senior team’s technical bench.
Building the Future of the Tax Collectors
Founded in 1997, URA FC has established itself as one of Uganda’s recognised football institutions, winning four Uganda Premier League titles and three Uganda Cup trophies while representing the country in continental competitions.
The club’s ambitions, however, extend beyond its historical achievements. Its FIFA-recognised strategic plan seeks to strengthen the institution through professional management, sustainable development and investment in future generations of players.
The promotion of Makubuya Lawrence, Kayiwa Martin Pascelo, Jok Ali, Oula Emanuel, Odongo Elvis Kato, Muhanguzi Fred Jr and Tulyasasira Santo is an important step in that direction.
With Oula already gaining league experience, Pascelo returning from a successful international assignment with the Cubs, and other members of the group entering the senior team’s matchday environment, the foundation has been laid for further progression.
As the Tax Collectors continue implementing their strategic vision, the seven youngsters represent the next generation of players expected to contribute to the club’s sporting ambitions.
For URA FC, the message is clear: FIFA’s global recognition must translate into lasting progress, and developing young players is one of the key ways to make that ambition a reality.