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Uganda's High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru, has met with the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino and Dr Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

Amoru and the football leaders met at a dinner Pigalle Restaurant in Santon, South Africa, on Saturday, November 11. 

Amoru expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage in discussions on numerous important topics with Infantino, Motsepe and several FIFA officials and diplomats including renowned referee Pierluigi Collina. 

Key issues including sports infrastructure development, coach training, and support for underprivileged children in need of better sports facilities to nurture their talents were at the forefront of the conversation. 

Amoru emphasised the importance of training opportunities for Ugandan coaches and sought assistance in developing at least ten identified grounds, as acknowledged by the Ministry of Education and Sports. 

Amoru expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage in discussions on numerous important topics with Infantino, Motsepe and several FIFA officials and diplomats including renowned referee Pierluigi Collina.

These grounds require essential amenities such as artificial turf, effective lighting, and fencing to maximise their potential for multipurpose use. 

With a focus on benefiting underprivileged children, both boys and girls, the improved facilities would offer them enhanced opportunities to develop their sporting abilities. 

The ambassador appealed for the scouting of talented individuals and building stronger connections between Uganda and football clubs with the aim of establishing academies within the country. 

Such endeavours would provide a nurturing environment for young talent to flourish and reach their full potential on an international stage. 

The private dinner provided an exceptional opportunity to strengthen ties between Uganda and the global football community while addressing issues in the realm of sports. 

The private dinner provided an exceptional opportunity to strengthen ties between Uganda and the global football community while addressing issues in the realm of sports. 

Sports minister Peter Ogwang in a telephone call with Amoru expressed his gratitude to Motsepe for his support of the East Africa Pamoja Bid, which will see Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania jointly hosting the 2027 CAF tournament for the first time in history. 

Ogwang confirmed the government's readiness to provide suitable land for prominent football clubs interested in establishing sports academies in Uganda. 

Uganda remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with the South African government through an exchange program geared towards enhancing sports facilities. The Joint Commission for Cooperation, a framework previously signed between the two friendly countries, serves as the foundation for this endeavour. 

Uganda's dedication to developing its sports sector and supporting underprivileged children's talents was emphasised. As Uganda strives towards becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports, collaborations like these lay the foundation for a brighter future in Uganda’s sports industry.