Coronavirus | FUFA donates relief food to players

CORONAVIRUS & SPORTS

KAMPALA - The Minister of State for Sports, Denis Hamson Obua, has hailed football governing body FUFA for the support in the form of food to the coronavirus relief efforts.

Obua was speaking after FUFA donated 12.5 tonnes (12,500kg) of rice to the COVID-19 national taskforce, meant for both players and fans.

"I want to thank FUFA for this humble  donation during this period," said Obua.

"It has come at the right time in response to the call by the President of Uganda. If there is any member in the sports sector that can also make a contribution, it is really welcome."

Ten tonnes of the package will go to players and officials while 2.5 tonnes will go to vulnerable fans.

⚽️ Uganda's football governing body @OfficialFUFA has donated 12.5 tonnes (12,500kg) of rice to the #coronavirus relief efforts. | #VisionUpdates #StaySafeUG

[THREAD] pic.twitter.com/vTnCYpZ2aR

— The New Vision (@newvisionwire) April 16, 2020

FUFA valued the donation at sh50m, and requested the taskforce team to grant it permission to deliver part of the food to over 2000 football players and officials countrywide who are no longer earning following the suspension of football and other sports to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda is leading the national taskforce while general duties minister Mary Karooro Okurut is overseeing the donation fund.

FUFA president Moses Magogo said they have given back since government has also been supportive of football.

''FUFA has responded to the call by the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is a great supporter of football at all levels," he said.

Okurut hailed the federation's gesture.

"This support will help us to add on what we have so far received. It is a good gesture from FUFA that they care about Ugandans,'' she said.

Prime Minister Rugunda, seen right, thanked FUFA for the contribution. Second-right is minister Obua and second-left is FUFA boss Magogo