Last week, the President of the American Football Federation of Uganda (AFFU), Steven George Okeng arrived in Washington, DC, the U.S. capital for high level engagements geared towards the development, promotion and prioritization of American Football as a Potential Sport in Uganda.
He was in the company of Minister of State for Sports Hon. Denis Hamson Obua.
In the earlier days of his visit, among others, Okeng met and held talks with H.E Santa Laker Kinyera the Ambassador of Uganda to the United States of America and held discussions on matters pertaining to mutual interest and cooperation between the Embassy and the Federation.
In his remarks, he discussed with H.E. the Ambassador on the various opportunities in the USA that we could exhaust to achieve Uganda’s foreign Policy in that regard. He also expressed appreciations on the progress made towards the ongoing implementation of the Revitalised Sports tourism Sub – Sector in Uganda.
“My travel to the United States of America (USA) has further helped to establish a relationship with the Embassy of Uganda in the US. We need the Embassy at all times in the development of American Football in Uganda. I also met with several sports infrastructural development officials and we look at the development of the land donated to us by Kyambogo University for administrative offices and playing facility,” Okeng said..
Also, Okeng visited Villanova University Football, held a meeting with Philadelphia Eagles team during Practice Session, met with NFL Coach Jeremiah Washburn, met with Philadelphia Youth Football Program, met with Eagles Head Coach as well as officials from All 22 Global Scouting Network.
Okeng also signed an MOU with the All 22 Global scouting Network where they agreed to create opportunities for Uganda athletes through exchange programs, donation of equipment to Ugandan athletes and the like.
He also met with the officials of the Philadelphia Community sports programme to foster more capacity building development through building coaches; referees and the game administrators to further establish a working relationship with Philadelphia Eagles team.
Okeng also visited numerous States for various engagements including California’s
Athletes for Life Organization.
Okeng who is set to return home earlier next week says that back here in Uganda, the US Embassy will be his point of contact as they agreed to follow up on all AFFU’s engagements in the USA.
He also adds that they have identified a private structure developer who is willing to support the development of the game in Uganda. Government of Uganda shall provide resources such as land to support the development of the game
