Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda’s Opposition politicians, who have been variously roughed up, detained, tortured, or had their comrades shot dead, despise those who trivialise their pain by suggesting that they (the politicians) deliberately provoke the security forces to treat them shabbily so that the National Resistance Movement (NRM)-controlled State may appear undemocratic and barbaric.

It would be a reckless strategy, considering the weapons the State appears constantly ready to turn against the Opposition. Anyhow, both the lowest grade of fanatical regime supporters and some elitist opportunists have been parroting the propaganda that Robert Kyagulanyi and his National Unity Platform (NUP) must have rejoiced when they were recently beaten up by NRM goons in western Uganda.

But let us suppose that the propagandists are correct.

Would the Opposition seek political capital out of NRM barbarism if the regime had not already established a pattern of intolerance dating back to the physical attacks on the late Paul Ssemogerere in 1995/6 (again in western Uganda), through numerous experiences involving Dr Kizza Besigye, to the current victims on the block, Kyagulanyi and his NUP?

The way it looks, NUP perhaps could only avoid these attacks by not heading west on its campaign.

In our folly, we thought that the debate on the issues of chaotic governance, poor service delivery, horrendous corruption, mindless inequality and repeated constitutional mockery was the basis on which voters would form their electoral preferences. But now we understand that the debate is secondary. Instead, the capacity to physically injure or block the free movement of opponents is more important.

If the victims earn some sympathy votes, we assume that these votes are a dividend the NRM has calculated it can forego. In their different party and security formations, the political establishments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda seem to be converging into a closer fraternity guided by a soft fascism. A tired authoritarianism masquerading as democracy. Now, the diminished freedom created by these establishments is the backdrop from which Zohran Mamdani emerged, maintaining a low political profile in Uganda where he was born and is a citizen, before hitting the American scene and blossoming into the mayor-elect for New York City.

By coincidence, former US President Barack Obama is also associated with East Africa because his father was a Kenyan who got married to an American woman in Hawaii. Kenyans rejoiced, just as Ugandans have rejoiced, when their ‘son’ became president. The intuitive feeling is that the two men have made East Africans feel proud. Well, a feeling is a feeling. And it can change. After some reflection, we may feel ashamed.

Why are we as countries so wretched that our sons and daughters can only act freely and decently when they are thousands of miles away? Repeat, freely. Repeat, decently. Obama was only 55 when he left the White House in 2017. If he had attempted to stay even one day longer than his eight years of service, the country – the system – would have fought him. He did not bring out guns or metamorphose into a giant tick to cling to America’s back.

The budget of New York City (not state) is bigger than the budgets of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda combined. There are more chances that Mamdani will not embezzle New York’s money than that he will. If he is re-elected, he will vacate office at 42, leaving all that behind, and turn to other things. The East Africa Obama and Mamdani are associated with is not shining because of them and their smiles. It looks even darker and uglier because of the contrast.

A suspected food poisoning incident has left a 10-year-old pupil dead and eight others hospitalised in Luuka District, police said, as investigations into the tragedy continue.

The deceased, identified as Shariah Namugogo, a resident of Kibuutu Village, Bulongo Sub-county, has been taken to Luuka Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Her father, Hamidu Mugogo, expressed shock and grief, urging authorities to hold those responsible to account.

“That’s how we’ve reached losing lives under unclear circumstances, to people who are really heartless,” he said.

Preliminary police investigations indicate the incident occurred on November 14, 2025, when a Primary Two pupil at Telik Junior School shared food from home with classmates, triggering severe illness.

“Shortly after eating the food, several kids got severely ill with vomiting and diarrhoea, and were rushed to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for help,” said Samson Lubega, police spokesperson for Busoga North.

Eight other pupils remain under treatment, police added. The condition of the hospitalized children has not been disclosed.

Authorities have taken into custody two unnamed school management officials to assist with ongoing inquiries aimed at determining their level of responsibility.

“Let’s stay calm as police specialists, including Scene of Crime Officers and medical personnel, investigate to determine the substance and circumstances behind the poisoning,” Lubega said.

The incident has prompted calls from the community for stricter food safety measures in schools to prevent similar tragedies.

By press time Sunday evening, Telik Junior School officials had not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.

Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify the cause of the suspected poisoning and ensure accountability.

As opposition leader Kizza Besigye marks a year in detention over treason charges, focus has shifted sharply to High Court judge Emmanuel Baguma, whose repeated refusals to recuse himself have become a central feature of the long-running legal standoff. Over the past months, the courtroom has seen a series of confrontations, applications and letters, all centred on whether Justice Baguma can continue presiding over a case in which the accused have filed a pending complaint against him before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

On October 15, the judge declined, for the second time, to step down from the treason trial, insisting there was no valid reason to justify his withdrawal. ‘I have scrutinised the entire lower court record. In my view, the Criminal Division is a division of the High Court and, therefore, has jurisdiction to handle this case,’ he ruled, rejecting the defence argument that the file belonged to the International Crimes Division.

He dismissed the allegations of bias as unfounded.

‘The denial of bail at one stage does not mean that the judge is biased or will never grant bail in the future,’ he said. He added: ‘It is not proper for parties to use decisions that are not in their favour to allege bias against a judge.’ Defence lawyers-led at various stages by Ernest Kalibbala, Fredrick Mpanga, Martha Karua and Erias Lukwago-argued that Justice Baguma should not preside over the case while a complaint seeking his removal from office is pending. But the judge was unmoved, ruling thus at one point: ‘The filing of a complaint seeking the removal of a judge from office is not a bar to him continuing to hear a case.’

Shortly after that decision, the defence asked the court to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court, arguing that the question of judicial impartiality raised fundamental issues under Article 28. Mr Kalibbala submitted thus: ‘The specific problem is whether a judge who is a respondent in a complaint before the JSC can try to sit in a matter to determine the innocence of the persons complaining against him.’ Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka opposed the request, saying no constitutional issue requiring interpretation had been established. ‘The premise of the application is the alleged complaint to the JSC. There is no copy of that complaint. and even then, it is the duty of the JSC to serve it to the judicial officer,’ he argued.

On November 6, Justice Baguma ruled on this application, again declining to halt the proceedings. ‘In the final result, it is this court’s finding that counsel for the accused persons have not made out a prima facie question of law to warrant reference to the Constitutional Court,’ he said. ‘I accordingly decline to refer the proposed question of law to the Constitutional Court and direct that the matter be fixed for scheduling and plea taking.’ He added that allegations of bias were speculative, noting thus: ‘The allegations that the accused persons will not get a fair trial are an imagination because Article 28. lays down the principles of the right to a fair hearing, which this court is mandated to observe.’

The defence asked for time to consult with their clients, and the matter was adjourned to December 4.

Away from the formal applications, tension between the judge and the accused escalated on October 4, when Dr Besigye wrote a three-page letter demanding to know the law preventing him from speaking directly in court while represented by counsel. ‘Being a person accused of a serious offence, I find it strange and oppressive if I cannot raise a concern directly in open court,’ he wrote, adding: ‘If each time a written submission. has to be made and time fixed for your response, the case may never be concluded.’

Dr Besigye asked the judge ‘to point me to the provisions of the law that bar an accused person from orally raising concerns in court.’ This followed a heated exchange on October 1 in which the judge insisted that only lawyers could address the court unless they formally withdrew. He later allowed Dr Besigye to speak, but only through written submissions. Tension over recusal had been evident earlier on September 9 when Dr Besigye and Mr Lutale refused to appear for their second bail application.

Their lawyer, Mr Lukwago, told court that his clients would not appear before a biased judge, citing earlier remarks by Justice Baguma and arguing the case file was wrongly before him. The judge, however, ruled that the recusal matter had already been determined on August 19 and scheduled further proceedings. Throughout, the judge has maintained that he remains the proper judicial officer to preside over the case, while the accused insists he should withdraw until the JSC complaint is resolved.

Reply

Throughout, the judge has maintained that he remains the proper judicial officer to preside over the case, while the accused insists he should withdraw until the JSC complaint is resolved.

Educationists have urged Ugandans studying abroad to return home after completing their education, warning that the country continues to lose valuable talent when young people settle overseas instead of reinvesting their skills in national development.

Speaking at Kabojja International School’s 18th graduation ceremony for Year 11 and Year 13 students in Kampala on November 15, the school’s director, Mr Ahmed Lwasa, said international education offers world-class exposure and strong professional values, but these gains become meaningful only when applied to Uganda’s needs.

‘Studying abroad is one of the best things, learners pick real life values, integrity, discipline and work ethic, but these values should be brought back to build our country. When the children stay outside, Uganda loses energy and innovation it requires,’ Mr Lwasa said.

He added: ‘Let them get master’s degrees and PhDs but encourage them to come back. When these values are integrated in our communities, we all benefit.’

Guest of honour Justice Tom Chemutai, the Resident Judge of the Moroto circuit, told graduates that the future is defined by the choices they make and the values they uphold.

‘The future is not something that simply happens. It is built by decisions one step at a time. You plant commitment and you harvest excellence, you plant integrity and you harvest trust,’ Justice Chemutai said.

He urged young people to embrace responsibility and accountability, saying they hold the potential to uplift their communities and shape a country anchored on fairness and integrity.

‘Your talent becomes meaningful only when you share it with the world,’ Justice Chemutai said.

The school’s principal and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sam Turya, said academic excellence must go hand-in-hand with communication, creativity, collaboration and critical-thinking skills. He warned graduates against isolating themselves from others as they navigate their careers.

‘You must learn how to collaborate with others for you to be successful, as you move out, know that the basic principles of life are what life gives. That you must be able to collaborate with others, independent of their backgrounds or their faith,’ Mr Turya said.

He added: ‘When you face a situation, you must think out of the box. We have given you values to get out of here, to be an ambassador of Kabojja, raise our flag high but please, and reflect the values you have learnt from here.’

Mr Turya highlighted recent milestones at the school, including participation in the World Scholars Cup finals in the United States and the establishment of a wellness centre to improve learner wellbeing.

‘We know the world is changing now but we are keen at promoting the mental health in this institution. We have a department of counseling and we are keen on the wellness of learners and our staff as well,’ he said.

A report by the World Bank has revealed that the current trend of granting tax exemptions, particularly to large firms and now to new small businesses by the government, poses a significant threat to Uganda’s tax revenues.

The report shows that exempting large firms, which typically contribute a substantial portion of total tax revenues, leads to budget deficits and reduced funding for public services.

‘This creates an uneven playing field, disadvantageously compliant, tax-paying firms and fostering resentment. The proposed Income Tax Amendment Bill, 2025, which intends to exempt new small businesses for three years, further exacerbates this issue,’ it indicates.

It further states that when both the largest and smallest firms are exempt, the tax burden disproportionately shifts to middle-compliant firms. The report adds that exemptions form a significant portion of the corporate income tax base.

This means the government must rely more heavily on the remaining tax-paying firms to meet revenue targets. It adds that this leads to more frequent audits, and higher penalties for these firms, contributing to the perception of URA’s ‘high-handedness’.

Mr Qimiao Fan, the division director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda Africa Region, says the tax holiday was intended to stimulate new investments or reinvestments by large firms, but has not succeeded in fostering growth in firms’ fixed assets.

‘Beneficiaries’ depreciation allowances are 2.6 to 3.3 times higher than those of comparison group firms, indicating that benefiting firms are more likely replacing worn-out assembly lines or adding minimal infrastructure rather than significantly expanding assets,’ he said, adding that the Ugandan government should rethink its tax exemption policy.

Continuing the current path risks undermining the integrity and sustainability of the entire tax system. Specifically, eliminating the 10-year tax holiday could improve tax revenues by a minimum of Shs101.57b or 0.1 percent of GDP.

As the uncertainties in the global economy continue to spread worries in the national economies, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has directed that central banks, including the Bank of Uganda (BoU), to preserve price stability.

Ms Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF managing director, said the global economy is undergoing a profound transformation, and uncertainty runs high.

Major policy shifts across several countries-spanning trade, digital money, immigration, and spending priorities, including national security and foreign aid-are reconfiguring global markets and redefining policy frameworks.

‘These changes bring prolonged uncertainty and associated risks but also present opportunities, including to build more resilient supply chains and diversify trade relationships. Navigating this transition will hinge on the strength and integrity of core national economic institutions, which are critical for effective and credible policymaking,’ she added.

In Uganda, BoU said in its State of the Economy report that it is imperative to maintain a flexible policy framework underpinned by key measures such as sustaining adequate foreign exchange reserves and ensuring sufficient liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

‘These actions are essential to sustaining investor confidence and enhancing the economy’s resilience to external and domestic shocks,’ the BoU report read in part.

Work cut out

Uganda’s central bank explained that in the face of elevated global risks, such as geopolitical instability, volatile commodity prices, climate shocks, and still tight global financial conditions, monetary policy must strike a balance between price stability, financial sector resilience, and supporting growth.

Amid a shifting global environment that presents both opportunities and risks, Uganda’s lender of last resort remains vigilant to challenges such as falling commodity prices, declining aid inflows, and rising geopolitical tensions.

To cushion Uganda against these shocks, economists in BoU stressed that the Bank will ensure foreign exchange reserves remain adequate and liquidity in the financial system is sufficient to support macroeconomic stability. As of August 2025, Uganda’s gross foreign reserve stood at $4.711b (Shs17.04 trillion) up from $4.3b (Shs15.55 trillion ) in June,an increase by 9.55 percent.

‘This requires a moderately tight, flexible, and forward-looking monetary policy that protects against inflation, stabilises the exchange rate, supports financial system health, and remains agile in responding to external shocks. By preserving price stability, boosting investor confidence, and shielding the economy from external risks, the Bank is laying the foundation for Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy,’ BoU explained.

The strategy prioritises agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals (including oil and gas), and science, technology and innovation (ATMS) to drive industrialisation, foster inclusive growth, and enhance value addition.

However, the report stated that while the Central Bank’s commitment to macroeconomic stability remains critical in unlocking the full potential of these sectors for long-term transformation, continued progress in economic diversification, structural reforms, and building resilience will be critical to maintaining growth momentum in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Independence

Ms Georgieva of the IMF said history has shown that central bank independence and clear communication are essential for keeping inflation in check and preserving financial stability. Monetary policy credibility can also support fiscal stability by helping reduce risk and foster more stable interest rates.

Building public trust also requires further enhancing the quality of inflation forecast, which has been more challenging in a shock-prone world. In countries imposing tariffs, central banks will likely face a sharper trade-off between price stability and output.

‘Conversely, in countries facing tariffs, gradual easing may only be feasible once disinflation is firmly established. Exchange rates should continue to act as a shock absorber, where applicable. Where exchange rate movements become disorderly, the Integrated Policy Framework (IPF) provides country-specific guidance on exchange rate interventions and capital flow measures,’ she said.

Ms Georgieva added:’Our monetary policy advice to countries remains grounded in rigorous analysis.

The World Economic Outlook (WEO) examines the price effects of higher tariffs, drawing lessons from past episodes. It also highlights the cost of political interference in central banks, finding that this tends to loosen policies, weaken currencies, and raise inflation and inflation expectations-often accompanied by higher risk…and impaired market functioning.”

Related research shows that rising fiscal risks-high debt and deficit-compromise the credibility of monetary policy. Financial sector policies must guard against rapidly evolving risks.

Recent market developments have exposed risks from abrupt asset price corrections, disruptions in sovereign debt and FX markets, and the growing link between banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), which play an increasingly important role in sovereign and private debt markets. Ms Georgieva said this calls for enhanced oversight, including systematic liquidity stress testing, and for bolstering capitalisation of weak banks, with full implementation of internationally agreed standards.

Strengthening the resilience of bond markets requires reducing fiscal risks, along with enhancements to market structures. Furthermore, better data collection, coordination, and analysis- including cross-border cooperation-will be pivotal for effective oversight of NBFIs and digital assets.

The IMF is closely monitoring risks across financial markets and emerging macrofinancial vulnerabilities, including from climate risks where macrocritical.

‘The latest Global Financial Sector Report (GFSR) examines risk and resilience in global FX markets and the evolving landscape of emerging market (EM) sovereign debt. Meanwhile, our Article IVs and Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) provide in-depth country-specific advice to strengthen financial sector resilience,’ she said.

After exploring the genesis and the results of the just-ended elections that left Tanzania with egg on its face, this last instalment proposes what should be done. The Tanzania we used to know is long gone. Its hyped-up cohesion, peace, and unity are also long gone. Therefore, it needs practical and true reconciliation. Will Tanzania save itself from itself? It’s hard to tell without the likes of African icons Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere.

Where to start

I) Tanzania must locate, isolate, and admit all flaws which triggered the violence.

II) It must admit its root causes.

III) Tanzania should avoid looking for somebody else to blame. Some leaders have claimed that demonstrators were foreigners!

IV) Authorities need to be true to themselves and all Tanzanians. The ‘island of peace’ will be revived if rulers do and preach justice for everybody and stop calling for peace without justice.

The authorities must reach out to all parties in the conflict, release all detained opposition leaders and demonstrators, and then pardon each other to build trust for reconciliation to start.

The root causes

The demonstrators clearly said they opposed (and still do) chronic abductions, corruption, despotism, forced disappearances, injustices, joblessness, murders, nepotism, the absence of a new constitution, and a truly independent electoral commission, which all stakeholders should equally and fully participate in making. Such bottlenecks must be genuinely and practically addressed, and justice should be done and seen to be done.

Symptomatically, another problem revolves around the abuse of police power and gross human rights violations, as recently evidenced in the post-election bloodbaths. Thus, Tanzania must prosecute all the culprits regardless of their affiliations or positions. Then, parties must be ready for a give-and-take agreement (if the victims agree to it) wherein mutual understanding must lead the process.

Further, dented rulers must agree to relinquish their positions to allow the creation of a transitional government that’ll conduct new credible, fair, and transparent elections wherein all stakeholders must equally and fairly participate, agree, and decide on their informed modality.

Why fresh elections?

As per regional and international observers, who form the backbone of credible, fair, and transparent elections, there were no elections. Thus, president Samia Suluhu is illegitimate as per former Botswana president Ian Khama (Daily Nation, November 9). The Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers concluded that the Tanzanian elections didn’t meet standards. For example, there are reports that there were many more police officers at certain voting stations than voters.

The African Union Election Observation Mission report, signed by former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi concluded that ‘the 2025 Tanzania general elections did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections’. Of all observers, it was only the East African Community which ‘congratulated’ Tanzania on its elections.

Many Tanzanians wondered how a president who garnered close to 100 percent of the vote would be sworn in hurriedly without any public participation.

Tanzania is in a catch-22 situation that it must work hard to pull itself out of.

It is nearly three years since a windfall of Shs7 billion from the Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra) landed in SC Villa coffers. But what do we have to show for it? A deafening silence under the gaze of its very owners, the fans. The money was meant to be a lifeline, but it is probably still stuck in the club’s bank account.

Let us be clear: this is not an attack on club president Omar Ahmed Mandela’s dedication. His love for Villa is not in doubt. But love is not a strategy. The root of this stagnation is visible for all to see: a tired, aged board, which cannot possibly resonate with the dynamic, commercial, and digital demands of modern football. This is not an indictment of its service, but a stark reality check. Football has evolved.

Gone are the days when the Villa boardroom was fortified by giants like Balamaze Lwanga, Faison Ddamulira, Andrew Kasagga and Kevin Aliro, among others. They were a team, a collection of minds that complemented each other and challenged one another for the club’s betterment. There is no doubt that as much as Vipers may be dominating domestic football, a strong SC Villa is the face of Ugandan football. Its current weakened state has a negative trickle-down effect on the entire league and, most crucially, on the millions of fans who have always put Villa’s interests first. This cannot continue.

So, it is not enough to criticise; we must prescribe the cure. The Shs7b must not be allowed to gather dust. Hajj must demonstrate his true leadership by initiating an immediate and voluntary overhaul of the board. We need an injection of young, dynamic, and professionally diverse blood-marketers, financiers, digital experts and legal minds who live and breathe the modern game. The board’s role is to create policy and provide oversight, not to rubber-stamp decisions. Meanwhile, the culture of secrecy must end. The club owes its fans a detailed, public-facing investment plan for the Shs7b. This is the club’s money, paid for its historical home at Villa Park.

What’s more, why not embrace the community with a Villa Sacco?

It may seem outlandish, but this would be a masterstroke waiting to happen. For instance, membership could be tied to purchasing a seasonal ticket and an official jersey. This does two things: it provides the club with a direct, recurring revenue stream and, more importantly, it gives fans a tangible stake in the club’s success. It transforms them from spectators into shareholders of the dream. Unlike Vipers or KCCA, whose ownership has inherent limits, Villa is a community institution. This is its greatest strength.

The club must leverage this by aggressively pursuing corporate partnerships, stadium naming rights [for our future home], and merchandising that connects with the ordinary fan. So, the time for silence is over. And the administration must have the humility to listen. That Shs7b is not just money; it is the last, best hope for a sleeping giant. It is a test of whether SC Villa will stride into the future as a modern, community-owned powerhouse or fade into oblivion. The choice is theirs, but the club belongs to us all.

Tanzania and Uganda have made their intentions known after kick starting their AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal qualifying campaign with huge Group B wins in the city of Dire Dawa.

In the opening match, Tanzanian humbled Sudan 6-0, while Uganda collected a 4-0 win against Burundi in matches played at the Dire Dawa International stadium.

In the first match Tanzania started pressing early for goals and were already three goals up by the 21st minute.

Dismus Athanasi scored a quick brace in the 10th and 16th minutes, while Nhingo Luzelenga added the third to take a 3-0 lead.

After recess Tanzania showed their intent and thirst for more goals as skipper Kassim Juma also netted two more goals.

Sudan were outpaced by the fluid flowing Tanzania forwards who created good spaces and chances. Soann Shabani and Hamisi Barbara would then score in the 74th and 80th minute.

Tanzania coach Elieneza Nicolaus termed the victory as a result of a well prepared team that has taken time to build across a year and he expressed positivity of great performances in next lined up match against Djibouti.

In the second match, braces from Thomas Ogemba and team Captain Owen Mukisa were enough to see Uganda defeat Burundi 4-0.

Kingston Laryea, the Uganda Cubs coach said he was happy to start with a good win.

Group B action continues in Dire Dawa on Tuesday as Uganda face Sudan, and Tanzania take on Djibouti.

Group B table standing

P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Tanzania 1 1 0 0 6 0 6 3

Uganda 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3

Burundi 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0

Sudan 1 0 0 1 0 6 -6 0

The recurring struggle of Ugandan Premier League (UPL) clubs in continental competitions, highlighted by the recent early exits of teams like Vipers and Nec, underscores a critical cultural and strategic flaw in Ugandan football: the propensity for rapid coaching turnover.

While clubs often seek a quick fix by changing managers after a poor run, this revolving door policy is the single biggest obstacle preventing UPL sides from achieving sustained success on the African stage.

Success in the demanding Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup is not an accident; it’s the culmination of a multi-year project built on stability, continuity, and an ingrained playing philosophy.

In the UPL, the mean lifespan of a coach is often less than a single season. This chronic instability has several detrimental effects that become fatally exposed when playing against established continental powerhouses.

Every new coach brings a new system; demanding players unlearn the old one and start from scratch. This leads to inconsistent performance and a team lacking a recognizable, well-practiced style when facing coordinated opponents.

A coach who lasts only six months cannot implement a proper development plan. Young talents are deprived of the steady mentorship needed to mature, and the squad lacks the deep, mutual understanding required for high-pressure continental ties.

Without a long-term manager, club recruitment often becomes a series of short-term fixes, signing players to suit the current, temporary coach. This results in misaligned squads and wasted resources when the next manager arrives with different demands.

The most successful clubs on the continent those that consistently reach the group stages and win titles demonstrate an unwavering commitment to coaching stability, proving that patience is a powerful strategic asset.

Al Ahly, the record 12-time Caf Champions League winners, exemplify how periods of coaching stability coincide directly with their most dominant eras.

Manuel José (Portugal) had two major spells, most notably from 2004 to 2009, during which he won three consecutive Caf Champions League titles (2005, 2006, 2008).

His longevity allowed him to nurture a legendary generation of Egyptian players, establishing a club DNA of relentless winning.

Pitso Mosimane (South Africa) delivered back-to-back Caf Champions League titles (2020 and 2021). His tenure, though shorter than José’s peak, provided the stability needed to immediately consolidate the club’s continental dominance.

The five-time CAF Champions League winners, TP Mazembe, also enjoyed incredible success under long-serving coach Lamine N’Diaye from Senegal.

His first tenure (2010-2013) saw the club win the 2010 Caf Champions League and reach the Fifa Club World Cup final. His return in 2023 indicates the club’s reliance on familiar, proven stability.

Patrice Carteron (France) successful period from 2013-2016 culminated in the 2015 Caf Champions League title. These long-term coaches were given the time to build strong foundations, both tactically and administratively

For UPL clubs to consistently emulate the success of their African counterparts, they must make coach retention a central pillar of their strategic planning. This requires a significant shift in culture from club boards and ownership:

Clubs need to hire a coach for a minimum of two to three seasons and resist the urge to panic after a string of bad results. The focus must be on measurable tactical progress over immediate league position.

A stable coach must be granted significant influence over the transfer and youth academy policy. This alignment ensures that every part of the club is working towards the same, long-term footballing identity.

UPL clubs must recognize that the “new coach bounce” is a temporary illusion. True, sustained competitive advantage on the continent is a result of tactical maturity and team cohesion that takes years, not months, to develop.

The early exits of Nec and Vipers are symptoms of a systemic instability. Until UPL clubs provide their technical leaders with the time and trust enjoyed by African champions, the road to continental glory will remain perpetually closed.