Few stories capture the spirit of Ugandan futsal like that of Enock Ssebagala. A familiar name to anyone who’s followed the Futsal Super League over the past few years, Ssebagala’s journey from tight futsal courts to the national team setup is as real as it gets.
Speaking about his early days in the game, Ssebagala credits futsal for sharpening his instincts.
“Futsal helped me develop real skills. When you’re playing in a small space, you have to think fast. That gave me an edge when I stepped onto a bigger pitch—I already knew how to use my skills,” Ssebagala says.
His breakthrough came in the 2018/19 season with Yeak Kabowa, a campaign that still stands out in his career. Coached by Muhammad Ssembatya, Ssebagala played a huge role in helping the team win the Futsal Super League, scoring 37 goals and earning the MVP award. He also topped the scoring charts in the Uganda Cup with 7 goals, as Yeak reached the semifinals.
“That season with Yeak was special. Winning the league and being voted MVP is something I’ll never forget,” he recalls.
His standout performances with Yeak Kabowa opened the door to top-flight football. After a strong stint with Yeak, Ssebagala made the jump to the Uganda Premier League, signing for Express FC in 2021/22. He helped them win the Startimes Uganda Premier League and CECAFA Kagame Cup before switching to NEC FC.
Last season, he was one of NEC’s key players, helping guide the club to an impressive second-place finish in the UPL—a major statement from both the club and the player.
Now, another chapter begins. Ssebagala recently joined UPL heavyweights Vipers SC as a free agent, following the expiry of his contract at NEC FC. The move marks another significant step in a career that began on futsal courts and has steadily climbed through the ranks.
And it doesn’t end there—Ssebagala is also part of the Uganda Cranes squad preparing for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), to be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. For someone who came through the futsal ranks, it’s a proud milestone to don on the national colors.
To young players currently making their way through futsal, Ssebagala offers some words of advice:
“Take the opportunity seriously. These days, players even earn a bit of money from games—it helps you keep going while chasing your bigger dreams. And thanks to FAU for setting up this platform for us to grow.”
From Yeak Kabowa to Park FC, from Express to NEC to Vipers, and now to the national team—Enock Ssebagala’s story is a clear example of how futsal can be a springboard to something much bigger.