Njeru, Uganda – The FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru played host to an important gathering as Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) officials Christopher Mugisha Banage, CEO, and Patrick Alfred Okanya, President Emeritus, joined a one-day symposium. The symposium, organized by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), aimed to discuss and devise a comprehensive National Football Technical Plan for the period 2023-2030.
Bringing together a diverse range of key stakeholders, experts, and professionals from various domains within the football industry, the symposium aimed to foster collaboration in shaping a strategic and all-encompassing technical plan for the nation’s football.
As leaders in the USSSA, both Christopher Mugisha Banage and Patrick Alfred Okanya demonstrated their commitment to advancing sports and nurturing talent among Uganda’s youth. Their participation in the symposium highlighted the association’s dedication to contributing to the growth and development of football in the country.
The football technical plan, under discussion at the symposium, was driven by a mission focused on achieving three key objectives. Firstly, it aims to establish mass football for all, with the goal of ensuring that football reaches every corner of Uganda. By encouraging widespread participation, this initiative aims to create a solid foundation for the sport’s growth at all levels and provide opportunities for aspiring players across the country.
Secondly, the plan seeks to cultivate a high-performance culture for elite performers. Through the provision of advanced training facilities, specialized coaching programs, and comprehensive support systems, Uganda aims to nurture and elevate its most talented players, enabling them to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
The third objective of the plan is to establish a universal playing style for Uganda’s national teams and clubs, which will result in producing entertaining and purposeful football. This ambitious vision aims to raise the profile of Ugandan football, attract global recognition, and create opportunities for players and clubs to showcase their skills on the international stage.
During the symposium, several key pillars were discussed to shape the technical plan. These pillars include mass football, which focuses on broadening access and inclusivity to the sport; elite football, which emphasizes the development of top-tier players and teams; professional football, which aims to enhance the overall infrastructure and commercial aspects of the sport; life after football, which addresses the well-being and post-career support for players; coach education, which aims to produce skilled and knowledgeable coaches; talent identification, which seeks to identify and nurture promising young talent; referees development, which emphasizes training and support for match officials; and finally, medicine, science, and technology, which explores advancements in sports science to enhance player performance and well-being.
The symposium provided a valuable platform for experts to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collectively develop a roadmap for the future of Ugandan football. The insights gained from this collaborative effort will help shape policies, programs, and investments to drive football development across the nation.
CEO Christopher Mugisha Banage expressed his enthusiasm for the symposium, stating, “This symposium is a critical step towards transforming football in Uganda. By harnessing the collective knowledge and experience of stakeholders, we can create a unified and strategic plan that will elevate our football to new heights. I am honored to be part of this initiative and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our sport.”
Patrick Alfred Okanya, President Emeritus of USSSA, also voiced his optimism, saying, “The symposium presents an incredible opportunity for us to collaborate with experts in the football industry and shape the future of Ugandan football. It is our responsibility to ensure that the right systems and structures are in place to nurture talent and create a thriving football ecosystem in