In a move that caught many by surprise, Deo Kasozi has stepped down as president of Kitara Football Club after three years at the helm. The announcement came Monday via the club’s official X account.
“Mr. Gilbert Nyaika has been appointed the interim President of Kitara Football Club effective immediately following the end of Mr. Deo Kasozi’s term,” read a brief statement from the club.
Kasozi, who took over the presidency in July 2022, confirmed his departure during a press conference in Hoima.
“In respect of the Kitara Football Club constitution, I have decided to retire from presidency of Kitara Football Club,” he said, addressing reporters in a measured, matter-of-fact tone.
Though soft-spoken, Kasozi’s words carried weight. For three seasons, he had been more than just a figurehead. His leadership helped elevate Kitara FC from a provincial favorite to a nationally competitive side. His decision, however, was personal.
“I am heading for private business but still related with football,” he added after emerging from a closed-door executive committee meeting.
His tenure is marked by both stability and achievement. Under his stewardship, the club drew sizable crowds both home and away, won the 2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup, and represented Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup. That run came under the guidance of then-coach Brian Ssenyondo—now the head coach of Uganda’s U-17 team, the Cubs.
He also spearheaded the development of Royal Park stadium and played a role in nurturing talents such as striker Denis Omedi, who has since attracted international attention.
Kitara also closed the 2023/2024 StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign in a respectable fourth place, finishing with 54 points from 29 matches.
Behind the scenes, Kasozi earned a reputation for transparency and motivation. He rewarded players and staff with bonuses and allowances, creating a culture of accountability and morale. Those close to the team say his financial discipline and open-door policy set him apart in a sport often riddled with opacity.
“His leadership has been transformational,” said Edson Kyaligonza, the club’s fans’ chairperson. “We will forever miss him. He has been superb and has served above self. We are humbled and grateful for the time we have had him.”
Still, not everyone is at ease. His sudden exit has unsettled a fan base and left a leadership vacuum as the club approaches a crucial transfer window ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
The responsibility now shifts to first vice president Gilbert Nyaika, who steps in as interim president. He’ll guide the club until formal elections are held.
Whether Kitara can maintain its upward momentum or drift in the absence of its central figure is an open question. The stakes are high. The task is clear. And for now, the club moves forward—without the man who helped shape its recent rise.
