Uganda's esports industry is entering a new phase with the appointment of Kyarisiima Israel as Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Esports Federation, placing a young leader with experience in youth mobilisation and organisational work at the helm of the country's growing digital sports sector.
Kyarisiima officially assumed office on September 14, 2026, taking on the responsibility of steering the Federation at a time when esports is evolving beyond recreational gaming into a professional industry combining sport, technology, entertainment, broadcasting, content creation and business.
For Kyarisiima, the appointment is both an honour and a significant responsibility.
"I feel honoured and excited about this new responsibility. Being appointed CEO of the Uganda Esports Federation is not something I take lightly," he says.
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He sees the new role as an opportunity to engage a generation increasingly connected to technology while helping transform esports into a viable sporting and economic space for young Ugandans.
"For me, it is an opportunity to work with a generation that is increasingly digital and to help position esports as a serious sporting and economic opportunity for young Ugandans," Kyarisiima says.
His appointment comes as Uganda's sports industry continues to expand into new disciplines, with esports offering opportunities beyond competition, from professional players and teams to coaches, content creators, broadcasters, event organisers and technology professionals.
For the Federation, this creates a need for stronger structures capable of identifying talent, developing players and connecting Uganda's gaming community to opportunities beyond the country. Kyarisiima says building those structures will be central to his tenure.
"My focus will be on building strong structures, developing talent, creating opportunities and connecting Uganda's esports ecosystem to the wider African and global industry," he says.
But the new CEO also acknowledges that he is entering a sector that presents a learning curve for him personally.
"I also see this as a new learning journey for me. I am coming into a sector with enormous potential," he says.
As esports grows across Africa, Uganda's ability to organise its ecosystem and create clear pathways for young talent could determine how effectively the country participates in the global industry. Kyarisiima says the appointment gives him another platform to serve young people, but recognises that the responsibility will ultimately be judged by what the Federation is able to build.
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"The appointment gives me a new platform to serve young people, but it also comes with a big responsibility. I know I will be judged by what we are able to build, and that is the challenge I am excited to take on."
Kyarisiima now begins his tenure with the task of helping shape Uganda's esports structures and positioning the discipline as part of the country's wider sports and digital economy.
