2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Group E)
Uganda’s remaining matches
- Saturday, 7th October 2017: Uganda Cranes Vs Ghana Black Stars – Namboole stadium, Kampala
- Monday, 6th November 2017: Congo Vs Uganda Cranes – Brazzaville
The Government of the Republic of Uganda has offered a billion shillings to FUFA meant to facilitate the Uganda Cranes in the remaining 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The money is a timely boost for the federation in preparation for these must win encounters.
The development followed a closed door meeting held at State House on Wednesday chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, also attended by Minister of State for Sports Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza, other Ministry and National Council of Sports (NCS) as well FUFA Officials.
The Federation team was led by president Moses Magogo, first vice president Justus Mugisha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edgar Watson and Finance Director Decolas Kiiza.
FUFA had presented a budget of Shs1.3B before the Ghana match and Shs900M for the post match expenses.
The money offered is also meant to facilitate players’ and coaches’ allowances, bonuses, air tickets, accommodation, practice match (Madagascar) and other related costs.
During her address, the First Lady who also doubles as the Education and Sports Minister stressed the importance of Sport, and willingness of Government to finance excelling National teams and Athletes.
She further appreciated the success registered by FUFA and also called for long term planning from Sports Federations, NCS, the Department of Physical Education and the Ministry of Education and Sports so as to avoid adhoc interventions.
She also pledged to avail time to meet with sports federations and share experiences for the development of sports in the country.
Magogo lauded Government for the timely offer as well as the Ministry of Education and Sports for the support and procedural guidance.
As quoted by the FUFA web portal, Magogo noted;
I am very excited that the Government has answered our call for the support to the Uganda Cranes and this cash will clear amongst others the bonuses and allowances for the players and coaches. This is the kind of motivation that will influence the sporting results.
I take the opportunity to thank HE the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the magnanimity towards the Uganda Cranes.
I further thank the Hon Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni for the support and procedural guidance, the Hon Minister of State for Sports Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, the Ministry of Education and Sports staff, the NCS and all other persons their efforts.
I have been assured by the players and coaches that as always they will give their best for their country.
The Government has also previously funded the federation with $200,000 during the away clash against Ghana Black Stars where Uganda earned a draw in Tamale.
Government also provided a chartered flight when the team traveled to Togo during the initial stage of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Uganda Cranes won 1-0 and 3-0 away and home respectively to make it to the group stage.
Uganda’s last Group E match will be played against Congo on 6th November 2017 in Brazzaville.