The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has taken commendable steps to strengthen the beautiful game. With the Technical Master Plan (TMP) rolled out till 2030, FUFA aims to identify talent, carry out widespread participation and later build a structured system for national team development. This will reflect professionalism and long-term sustainability.
The early signs of the implementation of the TMP already indicate positive progress with all the flour pillars: mass football (Talent Identification), elite football (Development Pathway), professional football (Club Development) and life after playing football (education & Career) have already been touched. The approved plan by FUFA Executive to have twelve schools to serve as regional Centres of FUFA schools of football excellence, the formal registration of players to improve data base and traceability coded with talent ID, and the new baby competition on the block the FUFA Academies League is an indicator of the progress so far. The various youth competitions such as FUFA Odilo and FUFA Juniors League are creating structured routes for every talented child to grow, compete and realise a sustainable development pathway.
Uganda’s population for the youth make up more than half of 45 million people in the country, as highlighted in the State of Population Report 2025.
This young population presents a unique opportunity but almost half of this is not engaged in productive economic activity or skills development. This calls for deliberate action to invest in this demographic group for human capital through sport-especially football. It is the nation’s beloved and unifying sport regardless of social, political or cultural differences. Beyond entertainment, football can open doors to life-changing opportunities and contribute to economic growth notable in the service industry.
However, while institutions can build systems, the journey of every footballer begins much closer to home. The identification and nurturing of talent begins right at our door step by every household, parent, guardian and community as one.
With FIFA’s continuous efforts to make football global, parents and guardians are in the spotlight. Through the FIFA Parents’ Education on Football Agents Handbook parents are the first line of guidance and protection for children getting involved in football. It equips parents with the knowledge and practical tools needed to make informed decisions that prioritise the welfare, integrity and long-term development of the child.
In Uganda, where dreams of football excellence are growing stronger every day, vivid examples are Uganda’s youth football teams, particularly the U-17 “Cubs,” experiencing a historic period of success, dominating regional CECAFA competitions and making breakthroughs on the continental and global stages.
This handbook comes as a resource. It complements existing frameworks under FIFA and FUFA that aim to streamline and uphold fairness, especially protecting these young talented individuals as they grow within the game.
Being key stakeholders in the football ecosystem parents, guardians, academies, coaches, administrators and the wider football community we are privileged to take keen interest in this handbook and actively utilize it as a guide. Uganda’s future football stars are already among us in our homes, schools and communities.
By embracing the knowledge and principles it provides, we can collectively safeguard the future of our young players and ensure that talent development in Uganda is guided by integrity, transparency and the best interests of the child.
Aterar Jabez
Research Assistant
Office of the President
Federation Of Uganda Football Association
