Ugandan international Usama Arafat Kiza is edging closer to an exit from KCCA FC, the 13-time StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions, after contract renewal negotiations hit a deadlock, The Nerve Africa has exclusively learned.
Arafat’s Demands vs. KCCA’s Financial Constraints
The attacking midfielder reportedly demanded a €20,000 (UGX 80 million) sign-on fee, a figure KCCA is unwilling to meet. This impasse has halted contract talks, increasing the likelihood of Arafat leaving the club this summer.
Sources close to the player revealed that he could move to KCCA’s fierce rivals, Vipers SC, or Croatian club Slaven Belupo, both of whom have shown long-term interest and are willing to meet his financial demands.
“KCCA are not prepared to meet his demands, so he (Arafat) will almost certainly leave this summer. He has no intention of lowering his asking price because he has suitors in Vipers and Slaven Belupo. Unless something drastic happens before the end of the season, he won’t renew,” a source exclusively told The Nerve Africa.
Failed Transfers and Injury Setbacks
Arafat was close to securing a move abroad last summer, with deals at Egypt’s ZED FC and Morocco’s Wydad ACfalling through. While the ZED FC move collapsed over financial disagreements, the Wydad AC deal was derailed by injuries.
Injuries have also hampered his form this season at KCCA, restricting him to just 10 appearances across all competitions, where he has still managed four goals and three assists.
Arafat’s Rising Profile and International Success
Despite setbacks, Arafat remains one of Uganda’s top prospects. Last season, he made 26 appearances in the Uganda Premier League and CAF Confederation Cup, registering 10 goals and six assists. His performances earned him call-ups to both the Uganda U20 team (Hippos) and the senior national team (Cranes).
As assistant captain of the Uganda U20s, he played a crucial role in their silver medal-winning campaign at the 2024 All-Africa Games in Accra, Ghana, scoring three goals and providing two assists in five games. He has also earned two caps for the Uganda Cranes.
With KCCA struggling to secure his renewal, the midfielder’s future now looks set to be away from Lugogo, with potential moves to Vipers SC or a European club looming in the summer transfer window.
