The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is pleased to announce that Executive Committee Member Mr Ronnie Kalema has been invited by the US Government to participate in a high-level benchmarking programme focused on mega sporting event organisation and FIFA World Cup 2026 venues.
Mr Kalema, who also serves as FUFA Executive Secretary in charge of Football Development and Chairperson of the Event Operations Sub-Committee of the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee (Uganda), will take part in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The programme, themed ‘Mega Sporting Events and Economic Prosperity II’, will run from 28th February to 22nd March 2026 in the United States of America.
The invitation is a strong endorsement of FUFA’s growing role in football development and event management on the international stage. It also reflects confidence in Uganda’s ongoing preparations to successfully co-host AFCON 2027.
During the programme, Mr Kalema will engage with key stakeholders and undertake visits to stadiums and facilities that have hosted and are preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2026. The benchmarking exercise will focus on venue infrastructure, operational systems, governance structures, safety and security coordination, commercial models and legacy planning associated with global sporting events.
The knowledge and experience gained are expected to directly strengthen FUFA’s capacity in event operations and enhance Uganda’s readiness to deliver AFCON 2027 in line with international best practice.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Kalema noted that the opportunity will significantly inform Uganda’s planning models, competition logistics, stadium management structures and long-term legacy strategies.
FUFA remains committed to leveraging strategic international collaborations to elevate standards in football governance, infrastructure development and major event delivery.
