Ashford Mamelodi was honoured at the MTN FUFA Awards 2024 with the FUFA Presidential Award – a symbolic gesture that underscored his decades-long impact on Ugandan football.
Though the award was announced during a glittering ceremony at Serena Hotel in Kampala, its significance extends far beyond the event. It is a reflection of Mamelodi’s profound and lasting influence on football administration and development in Uganda.
A seasoned football administrator from Botswana, Mamelodi’s relationship with Ugandan football dates back to the late 1990s, when he served as a FIFA Development Officer.
In that role, he played a central part in transforming the infrastructure and governance of the game in Uganda.
His oversight of key FIFA-funded projects helped shape the sport’s modern identity in the country. Among his most notable contributions are the establishment of the FUFA House, the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, and the artificial turf at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
These facilities have not only enhanced the administrative and technical capabilities of FUFA but have also created opportunities for talent development across all levels of Ugandan football.
The projects laid the groundwork for Uganda’s improved competitiveness in regional and continental competitions.
Beyond infrastructure, Mamelodi’s mentorship of football leaders has proven equally impactful.
Both FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim and Vice President Justus Mugisha were among the many beneficiaries of Mamelodi’s training as FIFA instructors in administration, marketing, and communication.
His guidance helped shape a new generation of football leadership in Uganda, many of whom now occupy influential positions within the sport’s governance.
Throughout his career, Mamelodi has held senior administrative roles in African football, including General Secretary of the Botswana Football Association and COSAFA. His influence spans the region, but his imprint on Ugandan football has been particularly transformative.
As FUFA President Hon. Magogo described, Mamelodi is “a true friend to Ugandan football”—a sentiment echoed by many who have witnessed the sport’s evolution under his indirect yet powerful influence.
Though he was not present to receive the FUFA Presidential Award in person, with Justus Mugisha accepting it on his behalf, the honour represents a broader appreciation of Mamelodi’s foundational work.
