Hon Moses Magogo Hassim was on Saturday re-elected FUFA President 2025-2029 at the 10th Annual General Meeting of delegates hosted in Hoima City. In a remarkable journey of leadership, the FUFA President-elect, has unveiled his vision and reflected on significant achievements as he takes on a new four-year mandate;
A Legacy of Transformation: (Past Achievements)
Since taking the helm in 2013, Eng. Magogo has spearheaded a profound transformation within Ugandan football, overcoming initial skepticism and challenges. His administration’s success is attributed to a blend of professional know-how, unwavering commitment, discipline, and passion.
Key achievements include:
* Governance and Accountability: FUFA’s image, once marred by financial accountability concerns, has been revitalized through a robust financial system with full-time professionals, state-of-the-art software, and stringent internal and external audits. Furthermore, Eng. Magogo championed the 2023 National Sports Act, which resolved FUFA’s legal identity issues and established principles for good governance. The secretariat has grown from 8 understaffed individuals to over 150 employees with a significant monthly payroll, and a fair judicial system has been implemented.
* Sporting Development: The fragmented club competitions of 2013 have been unified under a proper governance structure for the Uganda Premier League, utilizing initiatives like the Clubs Pro Agenda and Club Licensing to improve club management. FUFA has expanded its competitions department, increased human resource development in coaching, refereeing, and administration. Youth football has seen a significant boost with the establishment of the Uganda Youth Football Association, academies, the FUFA Tv Cup, and the FUFA Juniors League, creating more opportunities for early talent identification. Women’s football has grown from one national team to two national divisions and regional leagues. Additionally, Beach Soccer and FUTSAL have flourished, with the Futsal Association of Uganda becoming a full FUFA member.
* International Success: A major breakthrough has been achieved in international competitions. Before 2013, Uganda had only qualified for 5 continental championships in 35 years and none for the FIFA World Cup. Under Magogo’s leadership, Uganda has qualified for 9 continental finals, including breaking a 39-year AFCON jinx (qualifying for 2017, 2019, 2025, and hosting in 2027), and has now qualified for its first-ever FIFA World Cup finals. The Crested Cranes (women’s national team) also ended a 22-year drought to return to AWFCON.
* Business Growth: FUFA’s revenue has seen remarkable growth from UGX 600 million to UGX 3.45 billion, driven by a robust business model, strengthened financial management, and diversified revenue streams through strategic partnerships and sponsorships. Marketing efforts have transformed, leveraging social media, traditional media, and events to enhance brand visibility. Communications have evolved with the acquisition of FUFA Radio and FUFA TV. Furthermore, FUFA has established business arms like FUFA Hospitality and Travel Agency, FUFA Hotel, and FUFA Media Services Ltd to generate revenue.
* Infrastructure Development: The FUFA Complex has expanded from one building to three, and the vehicle fleet has been upgraded. Significant investments have been made in the FUFA Technical Centre-Njeru, FUFA Hotel-Kisaasi, and the newly constructed FUFA Stadium Kadiba, with ongoing plans for more regional stadia.
* Stakeholder Engagement: FUFA has shifted to a more inclusive approach, fostering better relationships with football associations, clubs, coaches, media, cultural leaders, religious leaders, government leaders, and former players.
A Glimpse into the Future (2025-2029 Plans)
Eng. Magogo’s vision for the next mandate is built on five core pillars, aiming to unlock the full potential of Ugandan football:
* Sport: This includes implementing the FUFA Technical Master Plan and undertaking competitions reforms, with a focus on mass football for all, high-performance culture for elite players, and a universal playing style for national teams and clubs. Plans also include establishing a National Academy for talent identification and developing elite human resources.
* Business: Prioritizing revenue generation, ensuring fair compensation, and enhancing the FUFA brand are key. This involves effective financial management, seeking new markets, and utilizing digital platforms for e-business.
* CHAN and AFCON 2027 Hosting: Hosting these major tournaments is seen as a game-changer for Ugandan football, offering opportunities to showcase the country, improve infrastructure, and generate revenue.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Continuous engagement with all stakeholders is crucial for the support of FUFA’s programs and initiatives.
* Consolidation of Achievements: The focus will be on solidifying the progress made and addressing ongoing challenges such as inadequate funding, mindsets that view football as merely recreational, and vices that threaten the game’s integrity.
With these plans, Eng. Magogo is confident that together with stakeholders, Ugandan football can build a brighter future for the sport and the nation.
“It is my great pleasure to congratulate you on the support you have given to football. Both internal and external stakeholders have played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of our sport in recent years. Success is what we all work for in life.” Hon Magogo stated.
