FIFA Head of Development Programmes – Africa, Solomon Mudege, has commended FUFA for its steady progress across infrastructure, governance and women’s football development during the launch of the FUFA Women Super League Commercial Strategy held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
Delivering greetings from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA General Secretary and senior FIFA leadership, Mudege expressed shared excitement for what he described as a key milestone within Uganda’s football ecosystem.
‘We have been inspired and impressed by FUFA’s activities. There has been significant progress,’ Mudege said.
Infrastructure growth and institutional transformation
Mudege highlighted FIFA’s recent engagements with FUFA facilities, including a visit to the Kadiba Technical Centre, where the Uganda U-20 women’s national team was preparing for upcoming competition, as well as the FUFA Complex, which he described as a modern, multi-purpose football hub.
‘We had the opportunity to see the works at Kadiba Technical Centre and also visit the FUFA Complex, which has been converted into one of the most technologically advanced and well-equipped facilities, including football television studios and radio stations. FUFA has a voice,’ he noted.
He added that FUFA’s communication reach has expanded beyond Kampala and expressed optimism about its future regional footprint.
‘I look forward to the day when I turn on a radio station in Harare and listen to FUFA radio,’ he said.
FIFA partnership and development support
Mudege said FIFA’s continued collaboration with FUFA reflects recognition of the Federation’s efforts, noting the role of FIFA Forward and the Women’s Football Development Programme in advancing football across Uganda and the wider African continent.
‘It is acknowledgement of these efforts that FIFA continues to work with FUFA to make more advancements in Ugandan football. From the development side, we are pleased to engage through FIFA Forward and our Women’s Football Development Programme,’ he said.
He further acknowledged the contribution of FIFA development staff supporting FUFA and other African Member Associations.
Unlocking women’s football potential through commercialisation
Turning attention to the FUFA Women Super League Commercial Strategy, Mudege encouraged stakeholders to embrace the opportunity to elevate women’s football in Uganda through sustainable commercial growth.
‘FUFA and its stakeholders should be proud of what has been achieved. We now look forward to this next challenge of implementing the Super League commercial strategy and ensuring it benefits all women football players in Uganda,’ he stated.
He expressed hope that the strategy would create clear talent development pathways from grassroots to elite level and translate into improved performances by the Crested Cranes on the continental and global stage.
‘May this strategy unlock the potential of women’s football in Uganda and lead to talent pathways from the grassroots right up to the Super League. May this also be reflected in the performances of the Crested Cranes, not only in Africa but beyond,’ Mudege added.
Continued FIFA support and stakeholder engagement
Mudege reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development in Uganda and called upon stakeholders to actively contribute to the success of the strategy.
‘We are proud of what FUFA has achieved and we take it as a challenge to support it further. As has been said, we can all be involved by attending matches and supporting in our different domains to ensure success,’ he concluded.
