John Ongodia has resigned from his role as Onduparaka head coach.
Ongodia, who has spent just five months at the club officially announced his departure on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
In his resignation letter, Ongodia described Onduparaka as an amazing club, recounting his short stay at the Arua-based club as unforgettable.
“This club has been more than just a team to me — it’s been home, from the moment I transitioned from Buhimba United. I was met with trust, belief, and unwavering support. It’s been an incredible journey of growth, both personally and professionally.”
To the players, the coach said: “Thank you for giving your all — not just for the badge, but for each other. Watching you evolve, fight, and rise to every challenge amidst hard and bad times has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
To the fans, he said: “Your passion and loyalty fuelled us in the toughest moments and made the best ones even sweeter. I’ll forever carry the sound of your cheers and the weight of your expectations with pride.”
To the club staff and management, he said: “Thank you for the opportunity and the faith you placed in me. Together, we built something special.”
According to Ongodia, the decision to step away was a difficult one — not intended, but rather fueled by the many unbearable challenges that he faced during his short stint with the Caterpillars.
The coach avoided mentioning which particular challenges, but deeper reports indicate lack of finances as the major problem affecting the team’s overall management at the moment.
“Coaches and players and haven’t received their salaries for months now,” the source revealed, adding that neither did they get their sign-on fees as agreed.
“The struggles faced by the club made the technical team and players working conditions unbearable — beyond the professional sporting and coaching ethics hence reaching the limits,” Ongodia further narrates.
Finally, he stated: “I resign from my position as Head Coach of the club, I leave with nothing but gratitude and love.”
Despite all the shortcomings, the coach insists the memories created in Arua will last a lifetime — and no matter where the road leads, a part of his heart will always beat for the Arua-based community club.
As Ongodia departs, he leaves the team stuck in the relegation zone, — 14th on the 16-team table, with 14 points (same as 13th-placed Paidha Black Angels).
In 12 matches, Onduparaka has managed to pick just four wins and two draws, while they’ve so far lost up to six times already!
