Onduparaka head coach Geoffrey Akena has resigned from his position just three months after taking charge of the West Nile club, citing personal reasons and the demands of pursuing an advanced coaching qualification.

In an exclusive interview with NBS West Nile and Nile Post, Akena, who previously guided Acholi Province to victory in the FUFA Drum tournament, said balancing his studies with the demands of managing the club had become difficult.

“My major reason for resigning is very personal, and right now I am also a CAF A student. All this comes with demands, and the club is also there and it needs to perform, yet sometimes you have to leave the club for a week or so under your assistant,” Akena said.

He also used the opportunity to bid farewell to Onduparaka supporters.

At the time of his resignation, Akena had guided the Caterpillars to two draws in four matches and the struggling club are rooted in the second tier relegation zone.

Akena was appointed in August 2026 on a one-year renewable contract, with the task of helping Onduparaka rebuild and pursue a return to Uganda’s top-flight football.

Onduparaka were relegated from the Uganda Premier League on May 16, 2023, following a 1-0 defeat to Maroons at Luzira Grounds.

The loss left them with 16 points from 26 matches, confirming their relegation after seven seasons in the top flight. They eventually finished the 2022/23 campaign with 22 points after 28 matches.

The club’s fall from the top flight followed a difficult season marked by points deductions, transfer challenges and concerns about player welfare.

Since relegation, Onduparaka have been working to regain their place among Uganda’s top clubs through the FUFA Big League.

Akena’s departure therefore presents another challenge for the club as it seeks stability on the touchline and consistent results in its promotion campaign.