The FUFA President has engaged members of the sports media in a special session designed to strengthen relations and explain ongoing reforms within Ugandan football. He clarified from the outset that the gathering was not a conventional press conference but an opportunity for dialogue.
‘This is not a press conference. A press conference is a one-way communication. This is an engagement where we talk to each other and get to know one another better,’ he remarked while also appreciating the Uganda Sports Press Association and its members for their cooperation.
Strengthening Relations with the Media
The President emphasised the role of the media in shaping football. ‘Our mandate as FUFA is to think for the game through our 34 members, and your mandate is to communicate those ideas to the public. You are free to form independent opinions, which we respect, but differences in opinion should not stop us from working together.’
Institutional Growth and Vision
Reflecting on the Federation’s journey since 2013, the President pointed to significant progress. ‘We have moved from a turnover of four billion to forty billion shillings. We have recruited professionals to strengthen our human resource and built strong partnerships with government, sponsors, FIFA and the media.’
He reaffirmed FUFA’s long-term vision, saying: ‘Our vision is to be the number one football nation in Africa on and off the pitch.’ He noted that while a UEFA assessment had praised FUFA’s governance, it also identified gaps in player development and competitions.
Technical Master Plan and Talent Pathways
To address those gaps, the Federation is implementing a Technical Master Plan. ‘The plan is anchored on four pillars,’ he explained. ‘We must identify talent through mass football. We must create proper pathways, including the National Football Academy. We must reorganise club football to retain players who risk being lost at 18 or 19. And finally, we must reabsorb our retired players and referees into the game.’
League and Competition Reforms
Among the headline reforms is a restructuring of the Uganda Premier League into a three-round format. ‘In round one, all sixteen clubs will play each other once. In round two, the top eight will play in one group and the bottom eight in another. In round three, the top six will fight for the championship, the bottom six will battle relegation, and the middle four will face each other,’ he said.
‘This system will make every game count. It will also ensure that big fixtures such as KCCA against Vipers happen more often, which is what fans and sponsors want. Events create value, and without value football cannot generate money.’
Refereeing, Players and Clubs
The President also announced major investment in refereeing and players’ welfare. ‘We have reduced referees from 100 to 50, and 13 of them are already FIFA-certified. Their welfare is now a priority with improved allowances, medical insurance and modern equipment,’ he revealed.
On players, he said: ‘Every match will now have a Man of the Match reward. Winning teams will receive locker room bonuses which increase each round. A player can earn up to 650,000 shillings in round three.’
He confirmed that each club will receive 80 million shillings in direct financial support alongside prize money worth 532 million shillings. ‘We have also set aside a budget to promote the League through media and marketing,’ he added.
Confidence in Delivery
While recognising that change is often met with doubt, the President assured stakeholders of FUFA’s track record. ‘Many people doubted us when we started FUFA Radio and FUFA TV or when we went for AFCON hosting rights. Yet we delivered. We shall also deliver on these reforms,’ he said.
Call to the Media
In his closing remarks, the President appealed to the media to remain professional and supportive. ‘Report accurately and separate fact from opinion. Football should never be personalised. Let us unite as Ugandans to grow this game. You create the stars and without stars there is no football product.’
