Ugandan forward Derrick Kakooza has officially completed his move to Albanian third division side KF Tërbuni, marking a significant step in his comeback after a challenging 2024 spent without a club due to injury.
Kakooza rose to prominence in 2021 when he finished as the top scorer at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Mauritania with six goals, helping Uganda Hippos reach the final. However, an injury kept him sidelined throughout 2024, raising concerns about his future. Now, with a fresh opportunity in Albania, he is determined to regain his form and make an impact.
“I thank God for this move, considering what I went through in 2024. Many wrote me off and assumed I had quit football but it was due to an injury. I am grateful to my family, friends, and the management of KF Tërbu for believing in me. This opportunity is crucial for me to recover my form and contribute to the club's success,” Kakooza told Pan-Africa Football.
On Saturday, the Ugandan forward made his debut, coming on as a second-half substitute as KF Tërbuni secured a convincing 3-0 home victory against Besëlidhja.
Kakooza arrived in Albania in January 2025 and underwent a month-long assessment before finalizing his signing in February. He previously played for clubs including Ethiopian Coffee, ENPPI, KuPS, and Valmiera II.
KF Tërbuni currently sits fourth in the northern region of the Albanian third division standings with 30 points from 16 matches. The winner of each of the two regions is promoted to the second division while the teams that finish 2nd through 5th qualify for a promotion playoff.
Kakooza previously played for Police FC in the Uganda Premier League before drawing attention abroad following his performances at the U-20 AFCON. The now 22-year-old also represented the senior national team, the Uganda Cranes, five times in 2022.
Video: Derrick Kakooza scores a hat-trick against Tunisia in the semifinals of the 2021 U-20 AFCON
About KF Tërbuni
Klubi i Futbollit Tërbuni Pukë, commonly known as Tërbuni, is based in the city of Pukë, Albania. Founded in March 1936, the club has a rich history spanning 88 years. They play their home matches at the Ismail Xhemali Stadium, which has a capacity of 3,750, and currently compete in the Kategoria e Dytë, Albania's third tier league.
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