FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has hailed the Uganda U-17 Men’s National Team for their historic achievement after the Cubs secured qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
Uganda earned qualification after edging Ghana 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw, becoming one of only six African nations to qualify for the tournament back-to-back.
Speaking during the official welcome dinner held in honour of the team, Hon. Magogo described the achievement as proof that Uganda’s vision of becoming one of Africa’s leading football nations is achievable.
Uganda among Africa’s elite
Hon. Magogo noted that Uganda’s back-to-back qualification places the country among Africa’s strongest youth football nations.
‘Uganda is among the six countries that have qualified to the Under-17 World Cup back-to-back. It is only Egypt, Mali, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal and Uganda that have made it back-to-back. So we can believe,’ he said.
He added that the success was not accidental but the result of deliberate long-term planning by FUFA.
Youth football structures bearing fruit
The FUFA President highlighted the federation’s youth football programmes as the foundation behind the Cubs’ success.
He traced the journey back to the introduction of the FUFA Juniors League in 2015 before the launch of the Odilo primary schools football programme in 2018 and later the FUFA TV Cup.
According to Hon. Magogo, the competitions were designed to widen the talent identification network across the country and create opportunities for young players.
He revealed that players such as Owino John Brian and Inshirah Mahyoub are products of the FUFA TV Cup initiative.
‘The things we do are intentional, planned and have an objective of where we are going,’ he stated.
Technical master plan driving development
Hon. Magogo described the FUFA Technical Master Plan as the federation’s guiding framework for football development in Uganda.
He explained that the programme is built on four key pillars including talent identification, structured player development, elite training pathways and player welfare.
FUFA currently has scouts operating in 46 districts across Uganda with a responsibility to identify talented players aged 11 years and below.
The federation has also licensed 67 academies and established Schools of Excellence partnerships across the country to support the development of identified talent.
The schools include St Charles Lwanga Koboko, St Joseph’s College Layibi, St Kagwa Bushenyi, Kabalega Secondary School, Kibuli Secondary School, Standard High School Zzana, Jinja Secondary School and Bukedea Comprehensive School.
Hon. Magogo also announced plans to officially open the National Football Academy in August to bring together the country’s best young players.
Praise for coaches and former players
The FUFA President commended Uganda U-17 Head Coach Laryea Kingston for the quality of football displayed by the team throughout the campaign.
‘It is the first time in my history to see a team of this age playing that quality of football,’ he said.
He praised the players for their confidence and tactical discipline against strong opponents including DR Congo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Hon. Magogo also explained that FUFA intentionally integrated former national team players into technical and administrative roles within the federation.
Among those recognised were Joram Katende, Brian Umony, Paul Mkatabala, Patrick Ntege, Titi Camara, Edgar Watson, Yasin Mugabi, Sadam Ibrahim Juma and Stephen Bengo.
Uganda competing intentionally on the continent
The FUFA President stated that Uganda’s recent performances at youth level demonstrate clear progress in international football.
He noted that the Uganda U-17 team has now qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations four times since 2019 and twice for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Hon. Magogo further pointed to graduates from FUFA youth development programmes who have progressed to the senior national team including Bobosi Byaruhanga, Kenneth Semakula, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Aziz Kayondo, Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala and James Bogere.
Recognition for stakeholders and government support
The FUFA President thanked various stakeholders who have contributed to youth football development in Uganda including schools, academies, clubs, parents, USSSA, the Uganda Youth Football Association and sponsors.
He also praised the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council of Sports for supporting football development and funding national team activities.
‘We can only be able to compete in these competitions if we are funded,’ he noted.
Special recognition for Trevor Mubiru
Hon. Magogo gave special recognition to Trevor Mubiru, who converted the decisive penalty against Ghana to send Uganda to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The FUFA President praised the youngster’s character and leadership qualities, recalling how Mubiru confidently addressed teammates despite being one of the youngest members of the previous squad.
‘Sometimes it is not just about talent. Sometimes it is about character,’ Hon. Magogo said.
He also recognised Trevor Mubiru’s parents for supporting the player’s football journey.
Hon. Magogo reassures stakeholders ahead of World Cup preparations
The FUFA President also commended the media for supporting Ugandan football and called for calm as preparations begin for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
‘Nobody has called me for any meeting to resign, so be calm. We have work to do and we are going to make sure that we prepare this team for the World Cup in the best possible way,’ he said.
He added that FUFA is committed to giving the team the best preparation and conditions ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
