Africa-Press – Uganda. Former Soroti Municipality MP and NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, Capt. Mike Mukula, has unveiled one of the most ambitious sports projects in Teso: the Arrow Boys Football Club and Arrow Football Academy (The Ninjas), aimed at developing and exporting local football talent to the international stage.
Mukula launched the academy in Soroti before a charged crowd of youth, local leaders, and football enthusiasts, declaring that “football is the biggest uniting factor in the whole world” and a powerful vehicle for both peace and economic transformation in Teso.
Introducing the new academy, Mukula described the Arrow Football Academy, popularly branded as “The Ninjas”, as the largest football nursery ever established in Teso and a future training ground for Uganda’s next generation of sports stars.
“These Ninjas are going to be dangerous,” he said. “This is the beginning of a fundamental change in football in the Teso sub-region.”
He added that Arrow Boys FC, also known as the Black Bombers, will soon compete against Uganda’s top clubs, including SC Villa, Express, and KCCA.
Mukula said the academy will absorb young talent from schools and communities, nurture them, and prepare them for national and international opportunities.
Mukula emphasized that global football is one of the highest-earning professions, citing Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of how sports can transform lives.
“If we have ten boys from here joining Arsenal, Man U, or Barcelona, the economy of Teso will change,” he said.
He presented one of the academy’s young stars, a promising striker from Soroti, as evidence of the region’s unexplored talent.
Mukula announced that Oligoi Stadium will be converted into the official home ground for Arrow Boys FC and the academy. He pledged to work with government and sports partners to upgrade the facility to national standards.
He also proposed reclaiming the former Lions Children’s Playgrounds in Soroti City for youth sports development, similar to modern sports parks in Kampala.
Beyond football, Mukula outlined a broad sports-driven development agenda, including basketball, motor rallying, and a planned annual rally championship in Teso.
“Sports tourism will bring people here. People will stay in our hotels, eat our food, visit Lake Kyoga, our paintings, our mangoes and oranges. That is how we grow the economy,” he said.
Mukula revealed plans to form a working committee to manage Arrow Boys FC and The Ninjas Academy, and pledged to reach out to global football icons and clubs, including potential partnerships in Europe, America, and the Middle East.
“If Ronaldo gives us even $1 million or $10 million, we shall build a stadium here,” Mukula said. He also announced a regional branding strategy, promising a “Visit Teso” label on the club kits to promote the region globally.
Mukula reminded the audience of his earlier investments in youth empowerment, including the Youth Center in Addis Ababa, the sports academy in Pioneer, and Apuseru Youth Centre.
“The future is with the young people. Let’s give them hope,” he urged.
At the climax of the event, Mukula unveiled the official colors for Arrow Boys FC: green and yellow, symbolizing the natural beauty of Teso and the rising sun of opportunity.
“We are like Brazil. The Black Bombers are going to shine,” he declared. Young players later showcased their new kits to the excitement of the crowd.
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