FIFA Head of Development Programmes – Africa, Solomon Mudege, has praised the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) for its steady progress in infrastructure development, governance and the advancement of women’s football.
Mudege made the remarks during the launch of the FUFA Women Super League Commercial Strategy held on Monday at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. He delivered greetings from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the FIFA General Secretary and senior FIFA leadership, describing the occasion as a major milestone in 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
Highlighting FIFA’s recent engagements with FUFA, Mudege cited visits to the Kadiba Technical Centre and the FUFA Complex as evidence of the Federation’s transformation. At Kadiba, the Uganda U-20 women’s national team was preparing for upcoming competitions, while the FUFA Complex stood out 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.
Mudege further applauded FUFA’s expanding communication reach 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 added.
FIFA partnership and development support
Mudege reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to continued collaboration with FUFA, noting that the Federation’s progress has been supported through FIFA Forward and the Women’s Football Development Programme.
“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 also recognised the contribution of FIFA development staff who continue to support FUFA and other African Member Associations.
Unlocking Women’s Football potential through commercialisation
Turning attention to the newly launched Women Super League Commercial Strategy, Mudege encouraged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to drive sustainable growth in women’s football.
“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 strengthen 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 said.
Continued FIFA support and stakeholder engagement
In his closing remarks, Mudege reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development in Uganda and called on 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.
