Football Career

John Kennedy Lubogo Mutatwala comes from a family with a football background. His grandfather, Joshua Lugolobi Sekatawa, played for Nsambya FC, while his father, John Baptist Lubogo, played for Coffee FC. Kennedy was born in Mulago, an area with a strong football culture.

His own football journey began at Namiryango Junior Primary School, where he played as a goalkeeper and captained the school team. His performances in goal earned him the nickname “Kamasu.” He was also known as “Malunga,” a nickname associated with Malawian midfield maestro Kennedy Malunga.

He later joined Kitante Stars, a local team, and then Wandegeya FC.

While at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, Kennedy changed positions and began playing as a left winger. He subsequently left Wandegeya FC and joined Kakomo FC in Gomba, where he sought more playing opportunities.

In 1986, he took part in the Super Mini League held at Masaka Recreation Ground.

The following year, in 1987, Kennedy joined Express FC, under the tutorship of the late Robert Kiberu. His main position at Express was left back, although he also played in the No. 6 position.

During his time at Express FC, Kennedy was part of teams that won the Uganda Super League and Uganda Cup. He also served as the club's Discipline Captain.

His career at Express also included difficult moments. One that remained particularly significant for him was a 1–0 defeat to SC Villa, in which he lost possession before the decisive goal was scored. He also experienced a recurring right knee injury, which affected his playing career.

In 1997, Kennedy joined Entebbe Works FC. He spent two seasons with the club before retiring from active football.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Kennedy continued in football through coaching.

He coached Kajjansi FC, KLA Utoda, Kansanga Half London, Nsambya FC and Express FC.

His coaching work also included Bishop Nankyama College and Kati Kamu Light College. He volunteered with a Kampala Kids League team, working with young players.

Kennedy was also involved with the Mamba Clan team, where he served as both captain and coach. During his involvement with the team, Mamba Clan won the Buganda Clans' Engabo. He was also a long-serving captain of the Mamba Clan.

Coaching Qualifications

Kennedy has undertaken formal coaching training and holds the following qualifications:

• Beginners Coaching Licence

• CAF C Licence

• FAMACO 1

His coaching experience has included club football, school football and youth development.

Leadership at Express FC and Mamba Clan

Kennedy's football career included leadership responsibilities from his early years.

He captained his team at Namiryango Junior Primary School and later served as Discipline Captain at Express FC.

At Mamba Clan, he served as a long-standing team captain and later also took on coaching responsibilities. His involvement with the team included their victory in the Buganda Clans' Engabo competition.

Life Beyond Playing Football

Retirement from active football did not end Kennedy's involvement in the sport. His work after playing has included coaching, youth development and football administration.

He continued working with clubs, schools and young players, including a voluntary coaching role with a Kampala Kids League team.

His coaching career included returning to Express FC and working with the Mamba Clan, alongside his work with other clubs and institutions.

Kennedy has also reflected on what football taught him about relationships within the game:

“From the game, I've learned that football is a unifying sport that brings many people together, but unfortunately, there are some who will do whatever it takes to put others down, even within the same dressing room. It has taught me to trust, but to also be cautious.”

Former Footballers Initiative

Kennedy currently serves as the General Secretary of the Former Footballers Initiative (FFI).

In this role, he is involved in the administration and activities of the organisation, which brings together former footballers and works to document their experiences, support their welfare and maintain their connection with football.

Kennedy has also spoken about the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing former footballers:

“Addressing the plight of former footballers can only be achieved when we put our heads, hands, efforts and good will together.”

He is also involved in FFI's work to mentor and educate current players about life after football.

A Career Across Different Roles

Kennedy's football career has included several different roles.

He started as a goalkeeper and school captain, later moved to left wing, and established himself primarily as a left back at Express FC, while also playing as a No. 6.

He played local football before joining Express FC in 1987, won the Uganda Super League and Uganda Cup, and served as the club's Discipline Captain.

He later played for Entebbe Works FC from 1997 and retired after two seasons.

Following his playing career, he coached clubs, schools and youth teams, and was involved as both captain and coach of Mamba Clan, including their Buganda Clans' Engabo success.

Today, Kennedy remains active in football as the General Secretary of the Former Footballers Initiative.

His story is also connected to a wider football family: his grandfather played for Nsambya FC, his father played for Coffee FC, and Kennedy himself went on to play, coach and serve football in different capacities over several decades.