FUFA to spend sh310m on grassroots

By Swalley Kenyi

FUFA has allocated sh310m to finance all its regional activities during the 2014 season as a way of developing grassroot football countrywide.

FUFA president Moses Magogo revealed that all the regional offices in Gulu (Northern), Mbarara (Western), Mengo (Central and Buganda), Arua (West Nile), Mbale (Eastern) and newly established Kitara and North Eastern regions will share sh160m to make the offices operational.

The money is expected to take care of a permanent employee at each of the regional offices and supply instruments of the game like balls and other equipment.

“We expect to share sh160m among all the regional offices immediately. This money will be given out conditionally to run the secretariat, employ one permanent staff, provide balls and other equipment to clubs,” Magogo (top) disclosed while addressing the media after Cranes’ return from South Africa where they had participated in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Cranes were eliminated from CHAN after losing 3-1 to Morocco in their final Group B match.

Offices funded by FIFA

In 2009, Magogo’s predecessor Lawrence Mulindwa spent sh100m to establish five regional offices with the help of CAF and world soccer governing body FIFA but the offices have largely been in active.

Magogo said that the facilitation is part of the five-year technical plan that FIFA will continue to support financially as well as monitor for a period of 2-4 years.

He argues that the problem in football today is some Ugandans spending more time politicking other than developing the game.

“We spend more time playing politics of the game other than development of the game. But the way forward is developing the game. When I took over (leadership at FUFA) I was aware I will step on people’s toes but I will not be intimidated,” Magogo said.