Football is often measured by what happens during the ninety minutes on the pitch. Victories, trophies and memorable performances define success in the eyes of supporters. Yet behind every player, referee, coach, administrator and football stakeholder is a personal financial journey that determines long-term well-being beyond the game.
Across the world, sports organisations are placing increasing emphasis on financial literacy, savings and economic empowerment as essential pillars of athlete and member welfare. Financial security enables individuals to invest in education, build businesses, respond to emergencies and prepare for life after active participation in sport.
In Uganda, the FUFA Members SACCO is steadily becoming an important part of that journey.
Established to provide affordable financial services to members of Uganda’s football family, the SACCO has continued to promote a culture of saving while creating opportunities for members to access credit for productive investment and personal development. The cooperative reflects the principle that collective savings can create individual and community prosperity.
This approach is already producing tangible results. As of 31 May 2026, members had accumulated more than UGX 2.06 billion in savings, demonstrating growing confidence in the cooperative and an increasing appreciation of the value of disciplined saving.
Those savings have, in turn, enabled the SACCO to build a loan portfolio exceeding UGX 1.17 billion. Through business, education and personal development loans, members have been able to invest in opportunities that improve their livelihoods while strengthening their financial resilience.
The benefits extend beyond access to credit. During the Annual General Meeting held in March 2026, members shared UGX 200 million in dividends, reinforcing the cooperative principle that those who save and invest together should also share in the rewards of responsible financial management.
FUFA SACCO Vice Chairperson Ronnie Kalema believes the institution’s continued growth is rooted in the commitment of its members.
‘The strength of any cooperative lies in the collective commitment of its members. The continued growth of FUFA SACCO is a testament to the trust, discipline, and shared vision of our football family. We are proud that, beyond achieving strong financial performance, we were able to distribute UGX 200 million in dividends to our members at the last Annual General Meeting.
This milestone reflects our commitment to creating lasting economic value and improving the financial well-being of everyone who is part of the FUFA community. Together, we are building a stronger future for football through financial empowerment.’
The SACCO’s performance also demonstrates prudent financial stewardship. By the end of May 2026, it had generated more than UGX 88 million in income while retained earnings had grown to approximately UGX 265 million. These figures provide a strong foundation for continued growth and the expansion of member services.
As Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, the importance of financial preparedness within the football community becomes even more significant. Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations is expected to create economic opportunities across the country. Members of the football fraternity may wish to expand existing businesses or start new ventures that serve visitors and the wider football ecosystem. A strong savings culture and access to affordable financing can help members prepare for such opportunities, allowing them to invest with greater confidence rather than relying entirely on expensive borrowing.
