By Andrew Gum
In a significant development for East African football, Rwandan football giants APR have secured the services of two standout players from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Uganda Cranes forward Denis Omedi, formerly of Kitara FC, and SC Villa star Hakim Kiwanuka have each signed two-year contracts with APR, binding them to the club until 2027.
Speculation about Omedi’s future had been common, particularly following rumors in December that he was poised to join a Singaporean club. However, the move fell through due to contractual disagreements. Confirmation of his transfer to APR came on January 8, 2025, just a day after Kitara FC’s victory against SC Villa. Omedi’s limited playtime earlier in the season was attributed to his undergoing a medical test, which he successfully passed.
During the 2023-2024 season, Omedi netted 14 goals for Kitara FC, playing a pivotal role in their triumph in the Stanbic Uganda Cup. His departure, while significant, has been met with optimism by Kitara FC President Deo Kasozi, who reassured fans, stating, “We’ve been winning even without him in the squad, so our team remains competitive.”
Despite Omedi’s impressive performances, a move to Europe remains unlikely. At 30, he falls outside the preferred age range of 18 to early 20s that European clubs typically prioritise. Nonetheless, his transfer to APR is seen as a positive step, with the Rwandan league offering a competitive platform for his talent.
Ugandan players abroad
Uganda has a history of players moving abroad to advance their careers. Farouk Miya joined Belgium’s Standard Liège at 19, Moses Oloya transferred to Spartak Trnava in the Czech Republic at 21, and Ibrahim Sekagya joined Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg at 27. These moves have provided exposure to top-tier football, higher wages, and global competition. However, Europe’s demanding standards often pose challenges, particularly for players over 25.
Despite debate over whether a move to a second-tier European club might have been preferable, Omedi’s transfer to APR holds promise. African leagues, such as those in South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Rwanda, are steadily professionalising, offering robust opportunities for growth. The success of players like Denis Onyango, Emmanuel Okwi, and Khalid Aucho underscores the potential for achieving greatness within the continent.
For Omedi, who has recently been shortlisted for Uganda’s CHAN team, this transition may bolster his international career prospects.
The transfer of both Omedi and Kiwanuka to APR marks a significant milestone for East African football, heralding new opportunities and challenges as they join one of Rwanda’s top clubs.
