Magogo Seeks Fourth Term as FUFA President: Promises focus on growth, integrity, and commercial viability

Moses Magogo Hassim, the long-serving President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), has officially been nominated to run for a fourth term. The nomination, which took place at FUFA House in Mengo on Monday, sets the stage for the FUFA Elective Assembly scheduled for July 5th in Hoima, where Magogo will seek to extend his leadership of Ugandan football until 2029.

Magogo, who first took office on August 31, 2013, replacing Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, expressed his gratitude and commitment after receiving the nomination. “It is a privilege to run this game,” he stated. “I thank the executive members and all associations for the nomination and confidence in me. We have a lot to do, and I’m committed to taking football to even greater heights.”

His nomination was backed by prominent football stakeholders, including Lugazi Football Club, the Buganda Regional Football Association, and the Uganda Youth Football Association, demonstrating support across various levels of the Ugandan footballing landscape.

Outlining his vision for the next five years, Magogo highlighted five key areas of focus:

• Inclusive Participation and Player Welfare: Emphasis on widespread participation in the sport, structured support for professional clubs, and a focus on ensuring the well-being of players both during and after their playing careers.
• Technical Development & Competitions: Plans to implement a revamped technical master plan designed to strengthen Uganda’s national teams. He indicated that significant changes would be made to the structure and formatting of competitions.
• Financial Sustainability & Commercial Growth: Acknowledging the critical role of finance, Magogo intends to make football more profitable, ensure clubs pay taxes, create more employment opportunities within the sector, and bolster Uganda’s sports brand through improved facilities and the introduction of night games.
• Infrastructure Development & AFCON 2027: Magogo hailed the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania, as crucial opportunities to showcase the country’s potential and drive significant infrastructure investment – the largest government investment in sport since independence.
• Integrity & Stakeholder Engagement: Acknowledging existing challenges such as match-fixing, Magogo stressed the importance of cleaning up the game to ensure fair competition. He also called for increased engagement with stakeholders at FIFA, CAF, and CECAFA levels to secure international support and ensure a lasting legacy for the sport.

Magogo’s tenure has been marked by significant milestones, including Uganda’s qualification for major continental tournaments, increased funding for football activities, and improvements in facilities. He emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in mindset, viewing football not just as a sport, but as a viable and profitable business.

“Government must also understand the commercial side of football,” he said. “This game must pay, employ, and build legacies.”

Magogo, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Budiope East under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and previously served as an Executive Member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), believes that his experience and vision are essential for guiding Ugandan football to even greater heights.

As he prepares for a potential fourth term, Magogo’s focus remains on delivering results, building infrastructure, strengthening the grassroots of the game, and protecting its integrity. He emphasized his ambition to leave behind a significantly transformed football landscape by the end of his term in 2029. The upcoming FUFA Elective Assembly will be a crucial moment in determining the future direction of Ugandan football.