Stakeholder engagement is one of the key strategic pillars of FUFA for the period 2025–2029, presented to the Assembly in Hoima last year by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
The pillar seeks to strengthen partnerships with cultural institutions, communities, government and other key stakeholders to ensure football continues to grow across every part of Uganda.
In line with this vision, FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Mulindwa on Monday donated 50 Zakayo footballs to Bugwe Kingdom in Busia, reaffirming FUFA’s commitment to supporting grassroots football through strategic relations with cultural institutions.
The footballs were handed over to the Kingdom leadership to support young players across the region, with distribution set to be coordinated by the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Owekitibwa Arafat Egesa Barasa.
Speaking during the handover at the Bugwe Kingdom offices in Busia Municipality, Mulindwa noted that Busia has consistently contributed talented footballers who have represented Uganda with distinction.
‘I am here today to extend support to Bugwe Kingdom. I spoke with the Prime Minister and realised that Busia has always supported football. We have had a number of players from this area represent Uganda at the national level,’ Mulindwa said.
He paid tribute to the late Polly Ouma, who hailed from Masaba Sub-county in Bugwe Kingdom and captained the Uganda Cranes between 1972 and 1974 before later coaching the national team. Mulindwa also highlighted the achievements of former Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango from nearby Masafu and professional footballer Innocent Wafula as evidence of the area’s rich football heritage.
‘The talent is here. These young people can be guided by their cultural leaders. That is why I have brought Zakayo balls to support them through the Kingdom. The Prime Minister will determine how the balls will be distributed and who will benefit,’ he added.
Mulindwa further welcomed the Kingdom’s plans to organise a Bikaa football tournament, pledging continued collaboration in future football development initiatives.
‘FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has always encouraged us to support communities and institutions to ensure football is played across the country. This donation is part of that commitment. God willing, we shall return and extend more support,’ he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the leadership of Bugwe Kingdom for the warm reception accorded to him during the visit.
The donation reflects FUFA’s continued efforts to work closely with cultural institutions as key partners in identifying talent, promoting participation and expanding football development across Uganda.
