On April 12, 2025, Ugandan football hit a new high. The national U17 team—the Cubs—made history by qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup for the very first time. They beat The Gambia 2-1 in a tense playoff match in Marrakech, and right at the heart of it all was their head coach, Brian Ssenyondo.
So, who is Brian Ssenyondo—and how did he help write one of the most exciting chapters in Ugandan football?
From Masaka Streets to the Touchline
Born on August 23, 1993 (age 32 years), in Fort Portal and raised in Masaka, Brian’s story with football started like so many others—on dusty fields, chasing a ball barefoot with friends. But what set him apart was how early he started thinking about the game beyond just playing it.
By his twenties, he was already coaching.
His first big break came with Synergy FC, where he guided the club to the Uganda Cup semifinals. That run raised eyebrows and earned him stints at Mbarara City and UPDF FC before he really made waves at Kitara FC. In 2024, he coached the Hoima-based side to their first-ever Uganda Cup title, a moment that made people start saying, “This guy is going places.”
Leading the Cubs: A New Chapter
In November 2024, FUFA appointed Ssenyondo as head coach of the U17 national team. It didn’t take long for him to leave a mark.
The Cubs won the CECAFA U17 Zonal Qualifiers, beating rivals Tanzania 2-1 in the final. That victory secured them a spot at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Morocco. Things weren’t always smooth there, but Uganda finished third in Group A and earned a second chance—a one-shot playoff against The Gambia for a World Cup slot.
They went down 1-0 in the very first minute. But under Brian’s calm leadership, the boys didn’t crumble. James Bogere, the 17-year-old striker, stepped up and scored twice. Final whistle: Uganda 2, Gambia 1.
And just like that, history was made.
Hard work, belief and determination…
After the game, Ssenyondo summed it up perfectly in a message to fans and players alike:
“Hard work, belief and determination were key in our journey. Huge thanks to the players for not relenting and the fans back home for your invaluable support and encouragement.”
You could feel the pride—and the weight of what this moment meant.
Eyes on the Future
While he’s focused on leading the Cubs to Qatar for the FIFA U17 World Cup, Brian’s also thinking beyond just one tournament. He’s currently pursuing his CAF A Licence, and he’s made it clear that he wants to raise coaching standards across Uganda.
His bigger goal? Nurturing young talent and helping shape a football culture that values development, discipline, and ambition.
Why Brian Ssenyondo Matters
At just 32 years old, Brian Ssenyondo isn’t just another coach ticking boxes. He represents a new wave of Ugandan football—one that’s smart, bold, and unafraid to dream big.
Whether it’s lifting trophies with Kitara, motivating teenagers on the national team, or thinking about long-term change in the sport, he brings energy and vision to everything he touches.
And now, with Uganda heading to the FIFA U17 World Cup under his watch, one thing’s clear:
Brian Ssenyondo’s journey is just getting started.
