Magogo re-elected unopposed again as FUFA president, amid transparency concerns

Budiope East MP and long-serving football administrator, Moses Magogo, has been re-elected unopposed as president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) for a third consecutive term.

The declaration was made during FUFA’s 99th Ordinary General Assembly held on Saturday at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, Kampala.

Magogo, who first took office in 2013, has now extended his reign until 2029, continuing a tenure marked by both significant achievements and lingering controversy. His re-election, the fourth time he has run unopposed (2013, 2017, 2021, and now 2025), has reignited scrutiny over electoral transparency and governance within Uganda’s football body.

Opaque electoral system raises eyebrows

FUFA’s elections operate on an indirect voting model, with 88 delegates representing regional football associations, clubs, coaches, referees, and other interest groups casting ballots.

Critics argue that the nomination requirements and internal vetting processes, controlled by a committee appointed by FUFA leadership discourage challengers and favour incumbents.

“The system is structurally designed to entrench leadership,” noted one football analyst, citing the lack of external oversight, restricted media access, and delegates dependency on FUFA for financial support.

There have been longstanding allegations that some delegates are handpicked or influenced, effectively turning elections into ceremonial endorsements. Several observers, including the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), have previously questioned the democratic integrity of FUFA’s internal processes.

Magogo defends his mandate

In his acceptance speech, Magogo thanked delegates for the continued trust and laid out an ambitious plan focused on commercial growth and preparations for CHAN and AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

“Our next priority is to focus on generating our own revenues. This is how we can build a strong football industry that supports clubs, players, and infrastructure. We must professionalize our structures and tap into football’s commercial potential,” he said.

“CHAN and AFCON 2027 are not just events. They are a call to action. We must show the world that Uganda can organise, compete and shine on the continental stage. We must prepare our facilities, our teams, and our people.”

Magogo also pledged to address persistent challenges, including funding gaps, player welfare, and governance concerns, vowing to “develop, promote, and protect football at all levels.”

Achievements under Magogo’s leadership

Magogo’s supporters credit him with stabilizing a federation once riddled with financial mismanagement and administrative chaos.

Under his tenure:

Uganda Cranes qualified for AFCON in 2017 (after a 38-year absence) and again in 2019.
The Uganda Premier League (UPL) was revived and restructured.
New competitions such as the FUFA Drum were introduced to foster regional identity and grassroots talent.
Infrastructure projects like the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru were completed and regional training centres proposed.
Women’s football gained visibility through the FUFA Women Super League and increased activity for U-20 and senior national teams.
Corporate sponsorships grew, with support from Airtel, Stanbic Bank, and Nile Special, alongside increased FIFA and government funding.

Controversies and criticisms

Despite notable progress, Magogo’s presidency has not been without controversy.

In 2019, he was suspended by FIFA for two months and fined $10,000 (about Shs 35 million) over the misappropriation of 2014 World Cup tickets intended for Ugandan fans.
His leadership style has been described as top-down, with accusations of poor communication and conflicts of interest, especially in national team affairs.
Player welfare has been a recurrent issue, particularly regarding unpaid allowances and bonuses during international competitions.
Some local clubs and stakeholders allege neglect, citing insufficient support and resources compared to national team projects.
FUFA elections have continued to lack real competition, raising concerns about entrenched power, opaque processes, and limited accountability.

What lies ahead Magogo’s next term will be closely watched as Uganda prepares for continental visibility through CHAN and AFCON 2027. The assembly also passed resolutions to boost women’s football, refereeing programs, and digital modernization of FUFA’s operations.