Kiwanuka dawns new era at Express

I could fill this column with the promises of all the false dawns we have seen at Express Sports Club over the years.
But it serves no purpose whatsoever to discuss that part of history. Instead let me turn to what I am convinced is a new dawn.
Last week the club board appointed a new chairman. He is Kiryowa Kiwanuka, a seasoned professional, who has also served as president of Uganda Golf Union (UGU) and is grandson to club founder, Jolly ‘Joe’ Kiwanuka (RIP). Not only is he heavy on credentials, he is also emotionally invested in the club. I am mindful that neither a solid resume nor emotions underwrite good governance but neither does the lack of these offer us any securities. In fact, it is the dangers of a lack of basic administrative ability in the management affairs of Uganda football clubs that should concern us more.
Right now, the default setting of football club management has been that all matters are handled within an individual’s personal capacity. This normally means the chairman’s goodwill, personal car, telephone and on many occasions his bank accounts become the operational centers of the club.

It also means that nothing goes on without his say so or domineering presence. It turns clubs into extensions of men and women, whose fortunes ebb and flow in tandem. And this shouldn’t be the case. At least not if we wish to build football institutions that will outlast us all.
So, for Express I see that this is massive opportunity to set off in a bold new direction. This is when a deliberate effort to build the governance strictures of the club start from the onset must fly.

Not at some time along the way, when most people will be set in their ways.
Judging from the frantic activity of the last few days, it is my belief is that the new chairman shares a similar opinion.

It is too early to call out the drummers and dancers or even share names but already he has gathered around him a medley of people with demonstrated know-how as his advisory committee. And it is from this that a technical team will be distilled.

This has immediately moved the discussion away from individuals to the value of governance methods and structures which is a good thing. Football Clubs in Uganda had better realize that they can’t continue to be comfortable with chaos even when that clearly stagnates progress. There is absolutely no reason for the technical advisor to also be gate collector.
The clubs that survive will be those that will professionalize, and mine their potential to attract investments. Of course, the real battles, just like the devil, are hidden in the details. But over the last week I have heard and seen enough from the new team to suggest that there shall be deliberate attempts to build the capacity to face an such challenges. Good luck to the new executive and may it never be about the lack of will.