Lira, Uganda – Blacks Power FC is on a determined path to secure promotion to the Uganda Premier League (UPL) as they gear up for the second round of the FUFA Big League 2024/2025 season.
The club, currently in second place, has received a strong boost from its main sponsor, Mount Meru Ltd, as well as unwavering support from fans, management, and the media.
At a recent press briefing held at Blacks Power FC headquarters near Akii-Bua Stadium on Saturday March 1, 2025, key figures within the club expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve top-flight status, emphasizing the need for commitment, teamwork, and resilience in the decisive second half of the season.
Speaking at the event, Kibirige Deogratias, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Mount Meru Ltd, Lira Branch, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Blacks Power FC.
He stated that supporting the club aligns with Mount Meru’s corporate social responsibility, aimed at developing sports and transforming Lango into a stronger community.
“We are proud of Blacks Power FC and the progress they have made so far. Although the team aimed for 30 points in the first round, securing 29 points is still a remarkable achievement,” said Kibirige.
He urged the players and management to maintain their team spirit and remain focused on the ultimate goal.
Kibirige emphasized that setbacks should not discourage the team, as critics often thrive on pointing out weaknesses.
He further highlighted the company’s strides in the production of high-quality cooking oil, urging Ugandans to support locally produced oil and increase soya bean cultivation.
“Just as we are committed to uplifting the agricultural sector, we are equally committed to seeing Blacks Power FC rise to the level of big clubs in Europe. We will continue to stand by the team and ensure it achieves greater heights,” Kibirige added.
Mugisha Tabu, the PRO of Blacks Power FC Fans, hailed Mount Meru for providing half of the transport costs for fans traveling to support the team in Gulu.
He reiterated the fans’ unwavering support and confirmed that several had already departed from Lira, while others would leave on Sunday morning for the crucial match against Arua Hills FC.
Blacks Power FC captain, Okello Isaac, echoed the club’s ambition to gain promotion to the Uganda Premier League. He commended the sponsors, fans, and media for their crucial role in the team’s success and emphasized the importance of hard work in the second round.
Head coach Bob Obira admitted that the team fell short of its first-round target of surpassing 30 points but remained optimistic about the second round.
“We aimed for over 30 points, but we managed 29, which is still a good position. We finished second instead of first, but I promise our sponsors and fans that we will finish the second round in first place. No team will defeat us at home, and the worst result any visiting team will get is a draw,” Obira asserted confidently.
The coach acknowledged the challenge of shifting their training ground from Akii-Bua Stadium, which is under construction, to Lango College. Despite this, he assured fans that the team remains strong and ready to compete at the highest level.
“We have a quality squad with talented young players like Omara Joshua and Rodgers Obira, who are still developing but adapting well,” added Obira.
Edison Sababa, CEO of Blacks Power FC, applauded the media for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of partnerships in football development.
“The media has shown us the right path, and we are working closely with them. Mount Meru has been a great partner, but we are also in talks with another sponsor who will be unveiled soon,” Sababa revealed.
He emphasized that Blacks Power FC is not just a club but a platform for nurturing young football talent.
He urged local businesses to support the team and stated that several sponsorship proposals had already been submitted to potential partners.
“In the next three years, we aim to have at least five sponsors because the longevity of a club should not rely on just one partner. Blacks Power FC and Lango Province FUFA Drum Team are one, and we need to embrace both as we push for excellence,” he added.
CEO Sababa later confirmed that four new signings had been made during the January transfer window to strengthen the squad.
The new recruits include:
• Amos Ssessanga (NEC FC)
• Richard Oscar Otim (Pajule Lions FC)
• Becker Buyala (Cartida FC)
• Joseph Dhata (NEC FC)
In another major development, Blacks Power FC has submitted UTC Playground Lira as its official home ground. The facility has already been inspected by the FUFA Licensing Committee, and the club is awaiting official approval.
“We are giving the pitch time to grow green grass before we start using it. We have done a lot of work with FUFA, and once we receive the official communication, we will unveil our new home,” said Sababa.
With renewed energy and strong backing, Blacks Power FC is ready to take on the second round of the FUFA Big League 2024/2025 season, beginning with a highly anticipated match against Arua Hills FC on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Coach Obira remains confident that his team can beat any opponent in Uganda, whether in the Big League, UPL, or lower divisions. His main goal is to ensure that Blacks Power FC secures promotion to the top tier by the end of the season.
With the players fired up, fans rallying behind the team, and sponsors standing firm in their support, Blacks Power FC is closer than ever to achieving its dream of returning to the Uganda Premier League.
