Onduparaka have managed to convince a number of key players to stay at the club as they target Uganda Premier League (UPL) promotion in the 2024/25 season.

The club has confirmed the renewed commitment of atleast four vital members of the team, who signed new contracts with the FUFA Big League side before Thursday evening.

Long-serving rightback Gasper Adriko, midfielders Davis Mayanja and Andama Junior plus defender Simba Sabir have all renewed their contracts with Onduparaka for two more years respectively.

Apparently, there are progressive discussions to finalize the contract renewals of Ezra Bida and Yakin Rashid.

Meanwhile, Onduparaka also managed to convince their last season’s top scorer, coach-player Ceasar Okhuti to come out of retirement (for the second time) to add firepower to the club’s striking line.

That’s how much the West Nile club want to return to the top divison, where they had spent a whole seven seasons – from 2016, until when they were demoted in 2023.

Last season, the Arua-based side targeted immediate promotion back to the UPL, but finished fourth on the 15-team table, having accumulated 44 points – narrowly missing out on the third qualification slot to Mbale Heroes (49).

The 2024/25 Big League season kicks off in October and Onduparaka will start with a home tie against stubborn neighbors Paidha Black Angels at the Greenlight Stadium, Arua, in the highly-rated West Nile derby.