Maroons Football Club (Maroons FC), also known historically as Prisons FC, is a Ugandan professional football club based in Kampala. The team is owned by the Uganda Prisons Service and plays in the Uganda Premier League. Established in 1965, Maroons FC is one of Uganda’s oldest clubs and has the distinction of being the first Ugandan team to represent the country in continental competition.
The club plays its home games at Luzira Prisons Stadium, which has a capacity of 5,000 spectators.
History
Maroons FC began as Prisons FC and quickly established dominance, winning the first two Ugandan Super League titles in 1968 and 1969. Their success earned them a place in the 1970 African Cup of Champions Clubs, where they reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Egypt’s Ismaily SC.
The club faced decline in the 1980s, suffering its first relegation in 1987. However, they remained resilient, bouncing back multiple times through the FUFA Big League. They secured promotion in 2010, 2015, and 2017, becoming a recognized yo-yo club between the divisions.
In 2007, under coach Asaph Mwebaze, Maroons returned to the Uganda Premier League after a 23-year absence, defeating Mutundwe Lions in the Kampala Zonal Mini League final.
During the 2020 season, Maroons were relegated after the league was halted due to the pandemic, but they earned promotion again in 2022.
Stadium
Maroons FC hosts its matches at the Luzira Prisons Stadium, located within the Luzira Maximum Security Prison complex. The ground has a capacity of 5,000 and provides a unique identity for the club, linking its football culture to the Uganda Prisons Service community.
Honours
League Titles
- Ugandan Super League: 2
- 1968, 1969
Lower Division Titles
- FUFA Big League: 3
- 2010, 2015, 2017
Continental Record
- African Cup of Champions Clubs: 1 appearance
- 1970 – Quarterfinals (lost to Ismaily of Egypt)
Recent Performance
Maroons FC finished 7th in the 2023–24 Uganda Premier League season, showcasing consistent mid-table stability since their promotion back in 2022.
Current Squad (2023)
Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility under FIFA rules; players may hold multiple nationalities.
- GK: Akol Emmanuel, Dhaira Eric
- DF: Dennis Rukundo, Ramadan Shammary, Eriga Ivan, Bayiga Patrick, Ogwang Joel, Okello Sylvester John, Okello Maxwell
- MF: Orombi Ronald, Amanya Junior, Olinga Emmanuel, Ssali Musa, Tusubira Abraham Kakensa, Zziwa Vincent
- FW: Mandela Nelson, David Ndihabwe, Pius Obuya, Sebbicu Eddy Kapampa, Mudali Derrick, Omara Samuel Makmot, Walusimbi Solomon
Technical Staff
- Head Coach: Charles Ayieko Lukula
- Assistant Coach: Ndifuna Eric
- Goalkeeping Coach: Sadiq Waswa
- Fitness Trainer: Tabula Abubaker
- Academy Coaches: Ssida Alex, Ssenfuma Mohammed, Ikidu Stephen, Kyemali James, Ojuka Simon Peter
Legacy
Maroons FC remains a symbol of discipline, resilience, and transformation in Ugandan football. Owned and run by the Uganda Prisons Service, the club has nurtured talent from within the community while maintaining its reputation as one of the pioneers of Ugandan club football.
