By Steven Enatu
SOROTI CITY
Captain Mike Mukula, the former NRM Eastern Region Chairman and celebrated Commander of the Arrow Boys, on Friday, 12th December, 2025 officially launched the Arrow Boys Football Club and the Arrow Boys Academy in a landmark event held at Timisha Hotel in Soroti.
The initiative marks the beginning of what he describes as a football revolution designed to elevate Teso into a dominant sporting region both nationally and internationally.
During the launch, Mukula announced that the Arrow Boys FC, christened “The Black Bombers,” and the Arrow Boys Academy, known as “The Ninjas,” aim to discover, nurture, and develop raw local football talent.
He revealed that this project is intended to transform Teso into a football powerhouse capable of competing with Uganda’s top-tier clubs and producing players who can secure professional contracts abroad.
Mukula highlighted football as one of Uganda’s strongest unifying factors, drawing parallels to the historic unity of the Arrow Boys militia that pushed LRA rebels out of Teso in 2003. He emphasized that just like the past united the region for security, sports will now unite it for growth, pride, and economic empowerment.
As part of the development agenda, Mukula announced ambitious infrastructure plans beginning with the Oligoi Playground, which will serve as the official home ground for the Arrow Boys FC. He committed to installing turf, fencing the field, and adding floodlights to enable night matches, making Oligoi a modern and competitive sports venue.
Mukula also disclosed long-term plans to lobby for the long-awaited Teso Stadium and to promote other sports such as rugby, motorbike racing, motorsport, and athletics. He stated that diversifying sports opportunities will provide young people with more avenues for personal development and professional success.
According to Mukula, the academy is designed to empower youth by providing coaching, exposure, and access to national and international football opportunities. He believes that with proper guidance, players from Teso can rise to elite national clubs such as SC Villa and Express FC.
Germany-trained coach, Frank Video Anyau, who heads the technical team, underscored that football has become one of the world’s most lucrative industries. He announced plans to train primary school teachers to identify and nurture talent early, stressing that sports play a vital role in promoting fitness, business growth, and reducing crime among young people.
FUFA North Eastern Region Chairman, John Odongo praised Mukula’s investment, noting that football is an expensive venture requiring dedication and resources. He pledged full FUFA support and urged the people of Teso to embrace the initiative.
Soroti Junior Eagles FC owner, Michael Erebu, applauded Mukula for championing sports in the region. He expressed confidence that Teso is now positioned to produce its first-ever team to qualify for the Uganda Premier League, thanks to structured investments like the Arrow Boys FC.
In the political arena, Latif Abdul, the 2026 Soroti City East mayoral candidate, noted that the launch strengthens lobbying efforts for a modern stadium and even an airport in Soroti. He urged unity and respect toward senior leaders like Mukula, whose contributions continue to shape the region’s development.
Soroti District Sports Officer, Richard Etidu, also expressed gratitude to Mukula for investing in a sector many underestimate due to its cost. He said Mukula’s involvement signals a new era of seriousness and opportunity in Teso sports.
Academy and club coach Michael Erebu, who also serves on the Uganda Youth Football Association executive, added that the project will help employ young people and reduce crime and drug abuse by keeping the youth engaged and motivated.
Former Uganda Cranes U21 and U23 coach Frank Anyau Aka Video encouraged Teso residents to embrace sports, stressing that it brings health benefits, income, and community development.
Closing the event, FUFA North East Chair John Odongo predicted that Mukula’s sports investment will help transform Teso’s economy, noting that sports is a multi-billion venture capable of sparking regional growth and creating opportunities for countless families.
