Africa-Press – Uganda. The President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa), Moses Magogo, has defended football’s dominant share of government sports funding, countering criticism from the National Council of Sports (NCS) and calls for him to champion other sporting disciplines.
Magogo’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the distribution of the national sports budget, estimated at about Shs48 billion, across more than 50 sports federations, with football historically receiving the largest allocation.
Questioning NCS’s focus on international medals as the primary measure of success, Magogo argued that football offers broader economic value.
“The language NCS uses about winning medals won’t convince anyone who’s focused on things like GDP,” he said during an appearance on NBS Sport TV on Wednesday morning.
He highlighted football’s commercial ecosystem—including broadcasting, tourism, employment, and sponsorship—as delivering greater economic returns compared to isolated podium finishes in individual sports.
Addressing criticism over Fufa’s control of Uganda Premier League broadcasts, Magogo said the arrangement with StarTimes was contractually agreed upon, with Fufa TV mandated to produce league matches.
Some media stakeholders have voiced concerns over the setup.
On sports infrastructure, Magogo cited Hoima Stadium, initially intended for football but later designated as a multipurpose facility for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Uganda will co-host. He argued this demonstrates how football-driven investment benefits other sports.
“Other disciplines are benefiting from football’s focus,” he said.
Magogo also addressed concerns about his dual role as Fufa president and Member of Parliament for Budiope East, rejecting suggestions that he should lobby for funding for all sports federations.
“As Ffua president, I’m tasked with supporting football, and as an MP, my role is different,” he said. He added that sourcing funding for other federations was not his responsibility.
The comments follow Fufa’s recent appearances before Parliament’s Budget Committee, where the federation has been defending an annual allocation exceeding Shs17 billion.
With preparations for Afcon 2027 intensifying, scrutiny over transparency and value for money has increased.
While Magogo acknowledged that engagement with NCS could be improved, he maintained that Fufa has remained open and accountable.
“The way we presented ourselves in Parliament reflects our openness,” he said, adding that critics often remain silent when progress is made.
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