Onduparaka Football Club, the heartbeat of West Nile football, continues to endure turbulent times as the Caterpillars once again find themselves entangled in the relegation battle. A club that once commanded respect and dominance has, over the years, oscillated between mid-table mediocrity and desperate survival fights. As the season unfolds, the looming threat of relegation remains real, raising fears of a repeat of last season’s struggles.
The biggest obstacle facing Onduparaka over the past decades has consistently been governance and financial instability. While there have been recent attempts to steady the ship, including the handover of club leadership to Club President Ceaser Buti Galdino, the changes have not yet translated into improved performances on the pitch. Although the new leadership offers a glimmer of hope, it is far from a guarantee that the Arua-based giants can rediscover their winning momentum.
On the sporting front, Onduparaka’s campaign has been underwhelming. Despite several new signings, the Caterpillars have failed to significantly climb the league table. The recruitment drive has not yielded the desired impact, leaving the team in a familiar and uncomfortable position as the first round of fixtures nears its conclusion.
Head coach Waku, a seasoned figure in West Nile football, is no stranger to adversity. Having worked with multiple clubs under challenging circumstances, he is known more for his ability to grind out results through discipline and motivation rather than modern tactical innovation. However, this approach has yet to bear fruit at Onduparaka. Together with assistant coach Onama Bosco—widely regarded as one of the region’s most promising tacticians—the technical bench has struggled to instill a winning mentality and consistency within the squad.
Squad instability has further compounded the club’s woes. The departure of key players has left gaps that new arrivals have been unable to fill convincingly. Uncertainty also surrounds player welfare, with reports emerging that some players may not return for the second round of fixtures unless their contractual and welfare concerns are addressed. One player, who requested anonymity, cited unfair treatment by both club management and the technical team as a major factor affecting morale and performance, with some players considering walking away altogether.
Off the pitch, Onduparaka has also suffered significant losses in leadership. The club parted ways with iconic CEO Papito Devegan earlier this season, while respected assistant coach John Ogondia has departed to join promotion contenders Blacks Power FC in Lira. These exits have further destabilized a club already searching for direction.
Attention now shifts to a critical run of fixtures. Onduparaka host Catda FC this Thursday at the Ababet Greenlight Stadium in a must-win encounter before embarking on a daunting away trip to Kasese District to face Bunyaruguru United. These two matches will conclude the first round of Big League fixtures and could define the Caterpillars’ fate heading into the second leg of the season.
For Onduparaka FC, the message is clear: urgent action is needed both on and off the pitch. Without decisive improvements in leadership, squad harmony, and performance, the relegation monster may once again have the Caterpillars firmly in its grip.
