Ex-Crested Cranes Defender Jean Sseninde Earns Promotion as She Lands Lucrative CECAFA Role

In a landmark move for women’s football in East Africa, Jean Sseninde, former Uganda national team defender and a longtime advocate for women’s football development, has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association.

Sseninde, born December 4, 1992, made her mark as a defender for clubs such as Queens Park Rangers Ladies and Charlton Athletic, while also representing the Uganda women’s national team (the Crested Cranes).

After stepping away from top-flight play, she turned her focus to football development, particularly in women’s game growth across the region.

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She has served as CECAFA Women Football Development Manager prior to this promotion, a role in which she worked to improve structures, competitions, and opportunities for female players across CECAFA member countries.

Outside of CECAFA, Sseninde has been a consultant for the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), advising on women’s football strategy and helping structure grassroots programs. 

She is also the founder of Jean Sseninde United, a youth development platform aimed at nurturing female football talent in Uganda. 

In a press release dated October 8, 2025, CECAFA announced that Confederation of African Football (CAF) had appointed Sseninde to take over immediately as Interim Executive Director of the regional body. 

 She replaces the previous administrative leadership and inherits a broad mandate — overseeing both men’s and women’s football across the 12-nation CECAFA region.

CECAFA Acting President Alexandre Muyenge welcomed the appointment, promising to support Sseninde’s leadership as she steers development initiatives for the zone. 

In the role, she will be at the helm of key decisions affecting tournaments, regional strategy, capacity building, and coordination with CAF and national associations.