The African edition of the FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Programme concluded successfully in Uganda, marking a significant step forward for the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Held over two days at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala, the workshop provided a valuable platform for club chairpersons, presidents, and CEOs from all 16 participating clubs to gain insights into modern football management and club development.
During the closing ceremony, FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, representing FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, praised FIFA’s commitment to supporting Ugandan football.
“This Programme has been an eye-opener for our clubs, covering essential areas like strategic planning, governance, and branding. I trust our club leaders will implement what they’ve learned to help our league grow,” she stated.
FIFA’s Director of Member Associations for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, addressed attendees via Zoom, encouraging the clubs to apply the knowledge they had gained.
“FIFA is proud of the progress in Ugandan football. Embracing the strategies shared will elevate the value of the league and its clubs,” Fernandes noted.
KCCA FC CEO Anisha Muhoozi, on behalf of the participants, expressed gratitude to both FIFA and FUFA for the well-organized program. “We sincerely thank FUFA and FIFA for this opportunity. We are committed to implementing these new insights in our respective clubs,” she said.
Each club received certificates of participation and ten official FUFA match balls.
Over the two days, the workshop addressed governance and strategic planning on the first day, with a focus on marketing and commercial strategies on the final day.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League CEO Bernard Bainamani highlighted the expertise of the FIFA facilitators, whose experience he believes will inspire local clubs.
Lugazi FC Chairman Abdu Kawuulu Mwanje, BUL FC Chairman Ronald Barente, and Wakiso Giants FC CEO Sula Kamoga all spoke positively of the workshop’s impact, emphasizing the importance of improved governance, marketing, and financial management in achieving sustainable club growth.
The FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Programme marks a new chapter for Ugandan football, setting the stage for more professionalized and competitive clubs in the Uganda Premier League.
