FOOTBALL–The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) on Wednesday evening received financial support worth Shs1 billion, as part of the government support for the Uganda Cranes’ 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
This followed a meeting chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni which was also attended by Minister of State for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi, Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza and other Ministry officials.
FUFA had earlier presented a budget of Shs1.3 billion before the Ghana match and Shs900 million for the post match expenses for the matches against Egypt and Ghana to cover player and coaching allowances, bonuses, air tickets, accommodation, practice match (against Madagascar) plus other related costs and expenses.
The FUFA delegation to the meeting included President Eng. Moses Magogo, 1st vice president Justus Mugisha, CEO Edgar Watson and finance director Decolas Kiiza.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of Sport and willingness of government to finance excelling national teams and Athletes, according to a statement released by Eng. Magogo.
She further appreciated the success registered by FUFA in their recent and past engagements.
The First Lady, however, called for long term planning from Sports associations, National Council of Sports (NCS), the Department of Physical Education and the Ministry of Education and Sports so as to avoid late interventions.
She also pledged to avail time to meet with sports federations and share experiences for the development of sports in the country.
“I am happy government has answered our call for the support to the Uganda Cranes and this cash will help us take care of among others the bonuses and allowances for the players and coaches,” said FUFA president Moses Magogo.
“This is the kind of motivation that will influence the sporting results and hopeful we can achieve the desired results.
Magogo also thanked the President of Uganda for his continued support for the Cranes and sports in general when ever he has been approached.
“I also take this opportunity to thank President Museveni for supporting the Uganda Cranes and other sporting institutions time and time again,” Magogo said.
“I also thank everyone in the Ministry of Education and Sports, NCS and others who have ensured that our plea is tended to,” he added.
The success of the Uganda Cranes in this campaign is a result of government support. With a Chartered plane to Togo in 2016, the team registered double wins 0-1 and 3-0 to progress to the group stages for the first time. Financial assistance of $200,000 enabled the team to pick a point (goalless draw) from Ghana away in Tamale,” Magogo said.
Uganda is hoping to progress to its first ever world cup in Russia 2018 and are second on the log two points behind leaders Egypt with two gamez to play.
The Cranes take on Ghana(who arrive on Thursday) at Namboole and then travel to Congo Brazzaville next month.
