Media plays a crucial role in setting the agenda of society and acting as a vehicle of informing, educating, sensitizing and entertaining the public.
Well aware of the aforementioned principles, FUFA takes initiatives to bridge the gap between sports media and the Federation.
It is upon this background that FUFA in conjunction with the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) organised a media engagement day on Thursday at Imperial Royale Hotel.
This was the second engagement FUFA was having with sports scribes under their umbrella, the first coming in 2018.
This year’s theme hinged on the role media plays in the recovery of the football industry.
USPA President Patrick Kanyomozi appreciated the interaction and believes this helps in developing the game.
“We are delighted to have this engagement with FUFA. It is important to both institutions because we need to move on the same page. Media is a key component of the sports industry and with such interactions, I believe the game grows bigger and better,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that we have not had this kind of engagement since the inaugural one in 2018 due to COVID-19. I believe now that the World is back to normal, these interactions will continue. It doesn’t necessarily mean we are being compromised by FUFA but rather looking for ways on how to improve the sports industry.” Kanyomozi added.
FUFA President who graced the event lauded sports journalists for a commendable job.
“As FUFA we know the critical role that media plays in promoting football and sports in general. Therefore, such interactions are important to us. We usually meet at stadia and press conferences but we do not get enough time to discuss the pressing issues. With such an engagement, everyone is free to speak and criticize because feedback is important,” he said before adding.
“Media plays key roles including educating, sensitizing, informing and entertaining. And there is no institution that can survive without media. We believe this engagement helps to push our agenda of becoming the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the pitch.”
Several journalists were given chance to ask questions and make contributions to the theme.
Web Dan Ssebakijje of Next Media Services called upon scribes to make positive contribution to the game.
“We must look at ourselves as journalists. Yes, there are lots of negative aspects but we can look at the positive side and help in creating a brand that will attract more revenues which all of us will benefit from.” He stated.
Elly Kyeyune who works with Radio One and Akaboozi FM called upon the Federation to create a conducive environment for journalists to work especially on matchdays.
Daily Monitor’s George Katongole called upon FUFA to streamline the Accreditation process for both league and national team matches.
The day’s events ended with a football match between USPA and FUFA played at Uganda Martyrs High School, Lubaga.
