Express FC boss Jimmy Kintu cries out over months of unpaid wages

Express FC head coach Jimmy Kintu has broken his silence on the dire financial situation at the club, revealing that both players and technical staff have gone several months without receiving their salaries.

In a candid address regarding the state of the seven-time Uganda Premier League champions, Kintu described the current environment as not right and called for urgent intervention to save one of the country’s most storied football institutions.

This came after Express thumped Police 3-1 in a Uganda Premier League game played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Wednesday evening.

‘This is not charity’

Speaking to Sharon Nakayiwa, Kintu did not hold back, emphasising that while Express FC is a traditional and historical giant of Ugandan football, the prestige of the badge does not pay the bills.

He reminded the club’s leadership and stakeholders that professional football relies on the fulfilment of legal obligations.

“People have contracts and have to be paid. This is not a charity organisation,” Kintu stated. “It is not right… especially for a team like Express FC to be struggling in such a way that players and staff take this long without getting paid.”

A Plea to FUFA

The Red Eagles’ boss took the unusual step of calling upon the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to step in. Under current club licensing regulations, teams are required to prove financial stability and the ability to meet salary obligations to compete in the top flight.

Kintu believes the governing body must take a closer look at the welfare of those on the ground. He argues that FUFA should take immediate action to overhaul management and restore accountability within the club.

Furthermore, the Federation must address the recurring issue of wage arrears across the league, ensuring that a club’s historical status is always backed by modern professional standards.

Beyond the balance sheets, Kintu highlighted the human cost of the financial crisis. He warned that the mental and physical toll on the squad is becoming unsustainable, as players struggle to provide for their households.

“Unpaid wages are affecting players’ welfare. Many have families and personal responsibilities,” Kintu noted.

He admitted that while the coaching staff is working overtime to keep the team motivated, the off-field distractions are inevitably bleeding onto the pitch.

“Our role as coaches is to get them together so that they can play, even amidst such struggles, so that football can win at the end of the day. But something has to be done seriously.”

Express FC has faced a turbulent few seasons characterised by administrative shifts and fluctuating form. However, Kintu’s public admission marks a significant escalation in the club’s internal struggles.

As the fans look for answers, the pressure now shifts to the Express FC board and FUFA to ensure that the Red Eagles don’t see their wings clipped by financial mismanagement.

The post Express FC boss Jimmy Kintu cries out over months of unpaid wages appeared first on Kawowo Sports.