When Gianni Infantino assumed office as president of FIFA in 2016, global football was at a crossroads. Ten years later, the game has undergone structural and financial transformation — and Uganda is among the nations that have directly benefited from this era of reform and expansion.
As Infantino marks a decade at the helm of world football, it is only fitting to reflect on what these ten years have meant for Ugandan football.
The Money That Moved the Needle
Through the FIFA Forward Programme, launched in 2016, every member association — including the Federation of Uganda Football Associations — became entitled to significantly increased development funding.
Over the past cycles, Uganda has benefited from:
- Up to USD 6 million per four-year cycle in Forward funding entitlement
- Approximately USD 6.3 million allocated specifically toward infrastructure projects
- Additional allocations for:
- Capacity building and administration
- National team support (approx. USD 200,000)
- Competition organisation (approx. USD 110,000)
- Other development projects (approx. USD 350,000+)
- USD 1 million COVID-19 relief grant to stabilise football operations during the pandemic
In total, Uganda has accessed well over USD 7 million in confirmed development allocations, with entitlement structures potentially pushing that figure much higher across the decade.
For a football ecosystem long constrained by limited resources, this funding has been transformational.
Infrastructure and Institutional Growth
FIFA support has strengthened:
- FUFA’s administrative structures
- Development of technical centres
- Upgrading of football facilities
- Increased professionalism in competitions
The ability to plan long-term projects — rather than survive season to season — has been one of the most significant gains of the Infantino era.
Youth Development and Global Breakthroughs
The past decade has also seen major growth in youth football systems. Structured competitions, technical training, and grassroots investment have created clearer pathways for young Ugandan players.
That progress bore fruit when Uganda’s U-17 national team qualified for a FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in history and advanced to the Round of 16. It was not just a qualification; it was proof that systems are beginning to work.
Women’s Football on the Rise
Women’s football has experienced steady growth under increased FIFA-backed support. Investment in leagues, administration, and technical development has created more opportunities for girls and women across the country to participate and compete at higher levels.
A Broader African Boost
Infantino’s presidency has seen over USD 1 billion invested in African football development, positioning the continent — including Uganda — for stronger global competitiveness in the years ahead.
A Moment to Celebrate
Ten years in leadership at the world’s most powerful football body is no small milestone. For Uganda, the Infantino era has coincided with:
- Increased funding
- Improved governance structures
- Historic youth achievements
- Expanded women’s football
- Greater global integration
Challenges remain — infrastructure gaps, league sustainability, and continental competitiveness among them — but the foundation is firmer today than it was in 2016.
As Kawowo Sports joins the football fraternity in recognising this milestone, we congratulate President Gianni Infantino on a decade of leadership and thank FIFA for the continued investment in developing nations like Uganda.
The journey continues, but the progress is undeniable.