Masindi-based FUFA Big League side Booma FC have terminated Head Coach Mark Twinamatsiko’s contract, just months into his two-year agreement.
In July (at the start of the 2023/24 season), the club felt Twinamasiko was the perfect man for the job, given the priorities and direction the club had taken.
The ambitious club believed the coach would smoothly steer them to the Uganda Premier League – a feat Twinamasiko has achieved twice before, with the now defunct Saints and most recently Kitara.
However, the club has now confirmed the coach’s sacking in a letter addressed to him on Sunday, April 21, following the three-all draw at home against Blacks Power.
“This letter serves to notify you that you have been relieved of your responsibility as head coach Booma,” the club president, Daniel Muhire on behalf of the management and fans told Twinamasiko in an official letter.
“This follows a very long spell of poor performances that you have exhibited, coupled with your failure to attend the team’s training sessions including last trainings,” the club president added.
Booma have won just two of their last 8 league games, both with 1-0 margins against Calvary and Kaaro Karungi respectively. They have also drawn thrice and lost the same number of times.
Muhire noted the latest related incident when the coach reportedly failed to show up at their last training ahead of their home match with Blacks Power, that they went non to draw 3-3 despite leading with a two-goal margin, twice in the game.
“Your failure to give the club time and fulfil your obligations as outlined in the contract is an indicator that you don’t value your job hence the reason why the club is underperforming,” Booma further pinned Twinamasiko.
“The club has also got numerous complaints and concerns from players, management, fans and sponsors over your working relations, you do not respect and value the existing club structures and its observed that all these behaviors have had a negative impact on the club’s performance.”
“We also feel if we continue to keep you as the head coach, your safety while in Masindi may be compromised since the fans have become hostile towards you, we are concerned about your safety.”
According to the club, Twinamasiko’s departure equally affects his assistant coach Denis Kiyimba, who has also been relieved of his responsibilities as assistant coach of the club.
Booma made it clear that the decision is also based on the fact that the team is currently struggling financially which is highly attributed to poor performance despite the management’s support.
Apparently, Twinamasiko was given the privilege to take the lead in identification and recruitment of players, but he seemingly failed to keep the same players focused towards the seasonal goal.
Booma finished 7th last season, and came back more focused this term, to once again seek for promotion to the top division.
Booma are currently 8th on the 15-team table, with 33 points after 29 games – comprising 9 wins, 6 draws and 6 losses.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum