By Damba Rogers
FUFA has this evening received financial support of UGX 1Bn (One Billion Uganda Shillings) from the Government of the Republic of Uganda towards the Uganda Cranes’ 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification campaign.
This follows a meeting chaired by the Minister of Education and Sports Mrs. Janet Museveni also attended by Minister of State for Sports Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza, other Ministry officials and NCS where FUFA presented a budget of UGX1.3Bn before the Ghana match and UGX 900M for the post match expenses; for the matches against Egypt and Ghana to cover players’ and coaches’ allowances, bonuses, air tickets, accommodation, practice match (Madagascar) and other related costs.
The FUFA delegation to the meeting led by President Eng. Moses Magogo, had 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, CEO Edgar Watson and Finance Director Decolas Kiiza.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of Sport, and willingness of Government to finance excelling National teams and Athletes. She further appreciated the success registered by FUFA.
Mrs. Museveni however 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 pledged to avail time to meet with sports federations and share experiences for the development of sports in the country.
FUFA BOSS Eng. Moses Magogo was visibly 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’ said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
‘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 success of the Uganda Cranes in this campaign is a result of the support from Government. With a Chartered plane to Togo in 2016, the team registered double wins 0-1 and 3-0 to progress to the group stages for the first time. Financial assistance of $200,000 enabled the team to pick a point (goalless draw) from Ghana away in Tamale.
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