Richard Ssemwogerere’s role of honours and achievements within Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) continued with his election as chairperson of the club on Saturday in Lugogo.
Ssemwogerere was elected unopposed for the period 2025-2027 to take over from Albert Kimumwe, who led the club from 2021, and will lead an executive council where Brian Ssekitoleko returns as general secretary, Sarah Ahabwe Arinaitwe returns as treasurer, and Henry Kafuuma as technical director.
While the chairman of the club runs its day-to-day activities and provides the vision, he has a president hovering over in a ceremonial role that Dr. Emmanuel Ewochu is still seen fit to serve. Ewochu joked, “I am not a life president but that is the goal – for continuity.”
Under Kimumwe’s tenure, KHC became more competitive especially in the ladies’ category; winning the women’s National Hockey League (NHL), back-to-back Uganda Cups with a third final set to be played at the end of this week.
The ladies, with whom Arinaitwe is a vital striker, won other domestic competitions too and took part in the 26th edition of the women’s Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) earlier this year in Egypt.
The men did not have much success in terms of trophies but won the Memorial Shield and Independence Cup this year. They also won bronze at the 34th edition of the men’s ACCC in Malawi in 2023.
Ssemwogerere, who plays defence alongside Ssekitoleko for the men’s side Stallions, takes over at a time when plans are in earnest to take the men to the 36th edition in Zimbabwe next January.
KHC could not have chosen a better and present leader this time. Ssemwogerere has captained the Stallions in the past, led them to several regional missions, been their top scorer and played in several positions, serves as organizing secretary for Uganda Hockey Association (UHA), has served the club in organisation of various events, and has everyone’s ear.
“It is going to be a very long two years,” Ssemwogerere said in his acceptance remarks.
“There is a lot to do. It has been easy to judge others from the outside but we all need to think of where we want to see our club in the next five to 10 years.
“I will give my all to see a better KHC and I want to remind all those that have been elected that no one was forced to come into these positions. We came willingly so we must do our work well.”
Ssemwogerere hinged his intentions around growing club finances – first through memberships and having members honour club events. Ewochu also urged the council to align KHC with the laws of the land and fix finances.
The election was overseen by sports journalist and administrator Leon Ssenyange – as returning officer.
“My impression is that KHC is intertwined together and I urge you to continue this spirit of sports governance. My advice to Brian and others is to groom people who will take over from them,” Ssenyange said.
All five council positions, bar the general secretary one where Ssekitoleko beat Stallions teammate Ernest Musumba, had unopposed contestants.