Bashir Mutanda’s Journey and New Chapter at Wakiso Giants
Bashir Mutanda, once considered one of Uganda’s most promising football talents, is now on a mission to reclaim his place in the spotlight. This weekend, under the guidance of coaches Deo Serwadda and Hamza Lutalo, Mutanda will lead Wakiso Giants as they host Paidha Blacks Angels at Nakivubo. The match is crucial for the team, which currently sits in second place with 11 points after seven games.
Mutanda’s career has been anything but straightforward. From his early days as a standout player in school tournaments to his current resurgence, he has experienced both highs and lows. His journey reflects a regional odyssey, marked by transfers, challenges, and moments of brilliance that have kept fans and scouts watching closely.
A Regional Odyssey
Born in January 1998 in Buikwe District, Uganda, Mutanda’s footballing journey began at Buikwe Junior School. He later joined Buikwe SS before attending Real College Busunju, where he completed Senior Five. His talent did not go unnoticed, and in 2010, he was scouted by coach Simon Mugerwa, who lured him to Buikwe Red STars.
It was during a friendly match against Vipers in 2014 that Mutanda first caught the attention of Kitende scouts. Alongside his teammate Geoffrey Wasswa, he moved to St. Mary’s Kitende, where he completed his A-Level in 2015. That same year, the duo played a key role in winning the Copa Coca Cola in Hoima alongside other promising talents like Muhammad Shaban, Nordin Bunjo, and Ashraf Mandela.
In 2016, Mutanda and Wasswa earned a spot in the Vipers team, but their time there was limited due to lack of playing opportunities. They were loaned to Busoga United, where Mutanda spent a year before joining SC Villa in 2018. There, he rediscovered his form, scoring 15 goals in a season.
After stints at Mbarara City and Mbabane Swallows in Eswatini, Mutanda returned to Maroons, making 13 appearances without scoring. However, this season has seen a significant turnaround as he joins Wakiso Giants in the Fufa Big League, where he has already made an impact.
Hard Lessons and a Fresh Start
Reflecting on his earlier struggles, Mutanda admits that some of his transfer decisions were mistakes. “Poor transfer decisions and injury setbacks caused everything,” he says. Despite these challenges, he has learned from each experience, gaining valuable insights from playing across different leagues in Africa and Uganda.
His decision to join Wakiso Giants was deliberate. “I came here because I wanted to play. I want to lift myself, train well, and perform. The environment here values me, and that motivates me,” he explains. So far, his efforts have paid off—Mutanda leads the league’s top scorers’ chart with five goals and some assists in just seven games.
Bigger Dreams Ahead
Mutanda believes the Fufa Big League is a platform to prove that a career can still flourish even after temporary setbacks. “The Big League has revived the careers of players like Denis Omedi. I see it as a big thing. It can push me, give me exposure, and I am looking forward to bigger things ahead,” he says.
Beyond the goals, what stands out now is his mindset. He trains with renewed intensity, mentors younger players around him, and has a clear vision for his future. “The environment and people here value me. They like me. They show me love. So what I can pay them is by performing on the pitch. I’m doing my best at the club and helping the young players as well. Everything is moving well so far,” he adds.
Upcoming Fixtures and More
This weekend, Wakiso Giants will face Paidha Blacks Angels at Nakivubo, while other teams in the league are set for their own matches. Blacks Power head to Mbale to battle Kataka, while third-placed Iganga United (10 points) travel to Bugolobi to face newcomers Catda. Bright Stars host Kigezi in Luzira, and Onduparaka hit the road to Bunyagururu.
Profile
- Full Name:Bashir Mutanda
- Date of Birth:January 1998
- Place of Birth:Buikwe District, Uganda
- Clubs Played For:Vipers (2016), Busoga United (loan, 2017–2019), SC Villa (2019–2020), Mbarara City (2020–2021), Mbabane Swallows, Eswatini (2021–2024), Maroons (2024–2025), and Wakiso Giants (2025 to date).
2025/26 FUFA BIG LEAGUE – Weekend Fixtures
- Soltilo Bright Stars vs. Kigezi Homeboyz – Luzira
- Catda vs. Iganga United – Bugolobi
- Bunyaruguru United vs. Onduparaka – Nyamambuka
- Kataka vs. Blacks Power – Mbale City
- Kaaro Karungi vs. Nebbi Central – Ntungamo
- Ntugasaze vs. Mbale Heroes – Mityana
- Wakiso Giants vs. Paidha Black Angels – Nakivubo
- Kiyinda Boys vs. Young Elephant – Betherm City