In the recently concluded 2023/24 FUFA Women Elite League (FWEL) season, Dorcus Lwalisa was voted MVP as she helped Olila HS WFC bounce back to the top division – the FUFA Women Super League (FWSL).
A number of FWSL teams came seeking for the versatile winger’s signature, but she just paid a deaf ear, and instead chose an offer, that, according to her was the most appropriate.
“I settled for a plan that guaranteed facilitation for my tertiary education,” the player revealed in an exclusive interview with this website.
“I’ve been through high school while here, and the club is still willing to cater for my tuition fees,” Lwalisa further explained, backing her decision to stay in Soroti, where she has been for the past four years.
Lwalisa just enrolled for a Bachelor of Bussiness Administration programme at Kyambogo University, Soroti branch, facilitated by her former secondary school bosses.
The player’s decision demonstrates that as much important as it is to chase opportunities, or cease them whenever they come around, it’s even more important to consider the conditions involved.
The Uganda National Women Football Team player has a rare football talent, and her passion for the game can’t be doubted, that’s just one of the many reasons why she was crowned as the best performer in the FWEL last season.
“I love this game with all my heart, it has taken me to places I never thought I’d reach,” the Crested Cranes utility player expressed.
“I was exposed to the game at a very young age, by my elder brother, Kenneth Wangalwa, who didn’t get the chance to play competitively for any club.”
Lwalisa’s Plan: Football + Education = More Opportunities
Lwalisa has got her priorities straight – the girl from Nyondo village in Mbale district looks at life in a wider frame, and has some big plans for the near future; She strives to excel on and off pitch!
“I just want to make my mom proud. I’ve been raised by a strong mother, who has always urged me to keep striving until I’m relevant – she always reminds me to prepare for whatever might come the next day.”
“My mom should be happy with my little progress so far, but only if I can also attain a certain level of academic success, I know she would be even much more happier.”
“I think, education, at the moment is very important. Maybe I’m not earning a salary now, but with time I’ll be earning, if I can complete my course and become a career professional, even outside football.
Secure The Future…
Lwalisa just wants to create as many opportunities as she possibly can for herself in the near future. The footballer is now already a certified coach, after successfully completing a FUFA-organised CAF D Coaching Course back in July.
Upon completion of the course, Lwalisa is now equipped with more football knowledge that can help her easily understand and improve other aspects of the game to ease her stay and transition in the National Team set up.
That’s just how flexible Lwalisa is, in life, as she also is on the football field – her versatility is unmatched! The left-footed winger can play effectively on either flank of the field, or as a centre forward, while she can also smoothly operate as a leftback.
‘Olila Made Me‘
Lwalisa’s lovestory with Olila dates back to 2019, when she moved to Soroti as a senior three student then.
There, she met coach Saddam ‘Cifu’ Pande, who she stills commends for polishing her raw talent, for her to become the better player she is today.
“I have come from far with Olila,” the player said as she recounted the five years she has spent at the club.
“I started secondary education in Mukono, and later left to Nyondo SS, before I was connected to Olila, and everything, like they say is history, so here I am today.”
Balancing Between Classroom And The Pitch
On how she has so far managed to strike a balance between life in class and on the football pitch, Lwalisa insists it’s all easy with a proper plan;
“It’s not hard really, having to train and also attend class, because in most cases, it’s not at exactly the same time.”
“Like, in (high) school, We used to first attend classes, and then train in the evening (after classes).”
“You can leave class at 4:00PM, train for two hours, then run back to the dormitories to freshen up, and yet just in time for evening preps.”
It all looks hectic, but Lwalisa, like other school-attending female footballers somehow made it, and she even looks forward to continue doing the same at University.
News
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
News
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