Moses Magogo: FUFA boss relishes return to office

UGANDAN FOOTBALL

KAMPALA - The head of Uganda's football governing body FUFA, Eng. Moses Magogo, has officially returned to office, more than two months after stepping aside to allow for investigations into his alleged sale of World Cup tickets.

Justus Mugisha, the man who occupied the position in the 73 days that Magogo was away, handed over the office to the FUFA president.

Mugisha hailed Magogo's return.

"Mr. President, your comeback is a victory to Ugandan football from negative faces," he said.

His one fear whether he would command the respect and trust that Magogo did, added Mugisha. "But I later said I will never let Ugandan football and Magogo down".

He made the remarks during a luncheon in Kampala to celebrate Magogo's return.

FUFA Delegates and officials celebrating the good times after the return of the FUFA President Eng @MosesMagogo🕺🏿. pic.twitter.com/lvZdy1ZSjV

— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) December 11, 2019

In his delivery, Magogo spoke of his resilience in the face of "negative forces" while at the helm of FUFA.

"I am proud of myself. I have been able to build a strong  institution called FUFA despite the negative forces. It is still standing and no-one in pro-football was negative [about his involvement in the FIFA investigations]," he told delegates and MPs who attended the function.

"We shall not give chance to negative forces to take over. If anybody is standing outside FUFA thinking that he will take the leadership without the thinking and training.

"It is the battle I will fight forever because FUFA determines leadership," added Magogo, who thanked the FUFA executive and stakeholders for keeping the ship afloat in his absence.

Months ago, Makindye West MP and shadow minister for sports, Allan Ssewanyana, petitioned that Magogo involved himself in the trade of 2014 World Cup tickets  that were designated for Ugandans on a cheaper price, which was not in line with FIFA statutes.

Following that petition, Magogo had to step aside to allow for investigations.

During Magogo's absence, Uganda was engaged in a number of tournaments, including the inaugural COSAFA U17 Girls Championship in Mauritius (Uganda won), AFCON qualifiers between Burundi and Malawi and an international friendly against Kenya.

He has found hosts Uganda doing well in the CECAFA tournaments - Senior Challenge Cup and U17 Girls Championship. And it is a campaign so far so good for the Cranes.